2112 by Rush, released in 1976, is something else. It contains Alex Lifeson creating riffs that you canÔÇÖt not headbang to, Geddy Lee reaching new heights in singing and bass playing (that I didnÔÇÖt realise was possible), and Neil Peart being a god on the drums.

The main track, ÔÇÿ2112ÔÇÖ is about someone who discovers music in a dystopian future where music is forbidden; so in other words, a heavy topic for a song that is 20:38 minutes long (it wouldÔÇÖve been even better if they made it 21 minutes and 12 seconds- lost opportunity there).┬á The rest of the album is a great foil to a song that made me forget my name for a bit – ÔÇÿA Passage to BangkokÔÇÖ being a highlight- especially with LifesonÔÇÖs solo.

ÔÇÿLessonsÔÇÖ is a surprisingly uplifting song, unlike the rest of the album; ÔÇÿSomething for NothingÔÇÖ is a heavier song with brilliant lyrics by Peart, and ÔÇÿTearsÔÇÖ is a more emotive song that Geddy executes perfectly. And ÔÇÿTwilight ZoneÔÇÖ is just flat out awesome.

2112 will take you on an emotional rollercoaster, whilst making you forget about reality, just for 40 minutes. And that is exactly what an album should be.

Rachel Shuttleworth