10 Song Guide To Neil Peart's Awesomeness

10. Anthem

For lists like this, it's best to start at the beginning. After a Led Zeppelin-inspired debut, Rush acquired Neil after original drummer John Rutsey had to leave the band due to health concerns. As the first track on Neil's first Rush record, he made his presence known from the very beginning.

The song chugs along on an insistent shuffling beat as Neil commands his drum throne with great precision. This opening track also marks the debut of Neil's lyrics, which are inspired by the book of the same time by author Ayn Rand. To say that this was a change of pace for the band is a definite understatement. After a record of boogie-woogie songs about love and work, this record showed that Rush were moving on to much bolder musical territory. The lyrics may have been a touch more complex, but the music was so damn good that you couldn't help but go along with it.

Even as the newcomer, Neil made sure that he earned his spot as a member of Rush. With Neil becoming the band's secret weapon, more greatness was sure to follow.