1. The Garden (Clockwork Angels, 2012)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wztuqskio8 Sure enough, that determination has carried Rush through the past decade and a half, and theyve been rewarded for it with a recent wave of critical reappraisal and widespread popular acclaim to a level theyd never before achieved. A feature in the 2009 blockbuster I Love You, Man definitely helped, but its more so that the broader music community slowly began to regard Rushs longevity and continued technical expertise with long-overdue awe and respect. The worlds most successful cult band had, at long last, turned cool, and in 2013 they got the official Rock and Roll Hall of Fame stamp of approval. And theyre still plugging along. 2012s Clockwork Angels, Rushs first concept work since 2112, met nearly universal praise. Its final track, The Garden, serves as a statement of Pearts personal philosophy: The measure of a life is a measure of love and respect/The way you live, the gifts that you give/In the fullness of time, its the only return that you expect. Backed by a beautiful string ensemble, Lees voice quavers with age and wisdom but accordingly gains a sublime quality. Lifeson breaks out a stunning solo, and Peart as usual holds down an impeccable rhythm. After forty years together, the trios chemistry comes as automatically as breathing. Its absolutely astounding that Rush was able to fill arenas on its Clockwork Angels tour and play so much amazing new material in an age where virtually all of their 70s and 80s brethren have been reduced to legacy acts. Its even more astounding that on this summers R40 tour, the band was able to break out songs they hadnt played since their kimono days. Regardless of your opinion of their music, its undeniable that the bands versatility and excellence across five decades and countless musical styles has earned them a place in rocks most honored pantheon.