9. 2112 (2112, 1976)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZm1_jtY1SQ Neil Pearts skill as a drummer was evident from the start and has defined Rushs sound ever since he arrived. But even more importantly, he took over from Lee as the bands primary lyricist and immediately began penning abstract, heady songs with strong fantasy and philosophy influences. 1974s Fly by Night offered a glimpse of this new style with songs like Anthem, By-Tor and the Snow Dog, and Rivendell, and the album was favorably reviewed. The bands follow-up effort Caress of Steel, though, veered off in such a sonically and lyrically incoherent direction that it nearly spelled the end of Rushs career. Bearing primary responsibility for Caress failure were its two fatally flawed epics, the 13-minute The Necromancer and the 19-minute, absurdly titled The Fountain of Lamneth. Rather than take Mercury Records direction and write more radio-friendly, Bad Company-esque songs, though, Rush doubled down and responded with 2112, arguably their most classic record. The centerpiece is the side-spanning title track, an Ayn Rand-inspired saga that tells the story of an anonymous man in a dystopian future who rediscovers the guitar. Lee, Lifeson, and Peart tie the songs seven parts together tightly and beautifully, filling it with rollicking drum fills, muscular guitar work, and Lees alternately plaintive and shrieking vocals (depending on whether hes playing the protagonist or the evil priests). Despite its prog trappings, 2112s punk-like message of individuality in the face of overwhelming pressure to conform to societal standards resonated with millions of listeners, serving as a vital breakthrough in the young bands career.