Snakes & Arrows
Rush · 2007
62 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock
Progressive rock intricacies fuse with hard-hitting riffs and introspective lyrics, reflecting both personal and societal themes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Far Cry Start here — The opening track establishes the album's tone with a powerful blend of melody and aggressive instrumentation, setting the stage for the thematic explorations to follow.
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Armor and Sword — This track delves into philosophical questions surrounding belief systems, underpinned by complex rhythms that highlight Rush's signature progressive style.
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Faithless — With its poignant exploration of doubt and existential musings, this song stands out for its emotional weight amid the album’s more cerebral tracks.
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Malignant Narcissism — 'Malignant Narcissism' exemplifies Rush’s instrumental prowess, featuring an intricate arrangement that showcases their technical ability without vocals.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Intricate compositions and varied themes create a strong yet cohesive listening experience.
What we noticed
- The first track, 'Far Cry', opens with a dynamic guitar riff that sets a high-energy tone for the album.
- Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections, such as 'The Main Monkey Business', which showcases intricate musicianship without vocals.
- The lyrical themes often shift between personal introspection and broader societal commentary, particularly evident in tracks like 'Armor and Sword' and 'Faithless'.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- long, immersive listening sessions
- dynamic emotional journeys
- gradual builds and payoffs
- thoughtful, reflective moods
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Strong release after a hiatus, showing continued vitality and relevance.
- Themes
- personal loss· philosophical inquiry
- Career context
- Released on May 1, 2007, Snakes & Arrows is Rush's 19th studio album, marking a return after their previous album, Vapor Trails, in 2002. This period followed a five-year hiatus during which the band dealt with personal challenges, including drummer Neil Peart's loss of his daughter and common-law partner. Snakes & Arrows showcases a matured sound while reaffirming their status as rock pioneers.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Yes· King Crimson· Genesis
Tracklist
- 1 Far Cry Start here 5:18
- 2 Armor and Sword 6:36
- 3 Workin' Them Angels 4:46
- 4 The Larger Bowl 4:07
- 5 Spindrift 5:23
- 6 The Main Monkey Business 6:01
- 7 The Way the Wind Blows 6:28
- 8 Hope 2:02
- 9 Faithless 5:31
- 10 Bravest Face 5:11
- 11 Good News First 4:51
- 12 Malignant Narcissism 2:16
- 13 We Hold On 4:12
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Fear of a Blank Planet
Porcupine Tree
Explores similar themes of existential angst with intricate arrangements and introspective lyrics.
10,000 Days
Tool
Shares complex structures and lyrical depth reflecting personal and philosophical struggles.
Systematic Chaos
Dream Theater
Combines progressive rock complexity with emotional narratives, resonating with themes of loss and inquiry.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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