Working Men cover

Working Men

Rush

64 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant collection of anthemic rock songs that blend intricate musicianship with lyrically rich storytelling.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Limelight — This track encapsulates the band's struggles with fame and its impact on personal life, offering a potent glimpse into their philosophical songwriting.
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    The Spirit of Radio Start here — As a tribute to the power of music and radio, this song stands out for its upbeat tempo and infectious energy, resonating with both nostalgia and celebration.
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    2112 — '2112' is a hallmark of progressive rock, blending narrative depth with complex instrumentation, making it an essential centerpiece of Rush's live repertoire.
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    Freewill — Exploring themes of choice and autonomy, this track features intricate guitar work and thoughtful lyrics that highlight Rush's musical virtuosity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

A vibrant live collection that highlights Rush's musical evolution but lacks the tight cohesion of a studio album.

What we noticed

  • Each song is performed with high energy, often extending instrumental sections that highlight the band's musicianship.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • steady mid-tempo progression
  • thought-provoking lyrical themes
  • engaging for focused listening
  • energizing for work sessions
  • moments of reflective introspection

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification
  • seek short standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Highlights Rush's legacy with beloved tracks, appealing to dedicated fans.
Themes
fame's burden· nostalgic radio waves· musical legacy
Career context
Released in 2009, 'Working Men' is a live album that captures Rush at a time when they were celebrating their long-standing legacy. This compilation highlights tracks from throughout their career, reflecting on their artistic evolution and enduring appeal as they approached their 35th anniversary.
Stylistic neighbors
Yes· King Crimson· Genesis

Tracklist

  • 1 Limelight 4:52
  • 2 The Spirit of Radio Start here 5:08
  • 3 2112 6:53
  • 4 Freewill 5:45
  • 5 Dreamline 5:14
  • 6 Far Cry 5:23
  • 7 Subdivisions 5:59
  • 8 One Little Victory 5:26
  • 9 Closer to the Heart 3:22
  • 10 Tom Sawyer 5:34
  • 11 Working Man 5:38
  • 12 YYZ 4:49

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata