10 Song Guide To Neil Peart's Awesomeness

As Rush transitioned out of their epic period, the music scene was changing rapidly with punk and new wave becoming massively popular. Being influenced by the new sounds, the band decided to strip their sound down to something that is more easily digestible on their next record Permanent Waves.

While many fans point to the band's fusion of reggae and rock on the song "The Spirit Of Radio" (and rightfully so), "Freewill" gives the listener more insight into the character that is Neil Peart. The song shows Neil taking on religion and the concept behind the free will of man without ever sounding preachy. The core message behind the lyrics is that you are the one who is in control of your own destiny rather than putting all your faith in a single deity.

The song also takes a few wild left turns with its constant shifts into 7/4 time and a guitar solo that is one of the highlights of Alex Lifeson's career. Even with the heady lyrics and complex arrangement, this is one of the songs that is incredibly accessible for any fan of rock music. While some may find some of Rush's epics to be daunting, this track shows a path that's clear.