Clockwork Angels
by Rush
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 63 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 56 out of 63
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 63
  3. Negative: 4 out of 63
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  1. AlexxTrusc
    Jul 24, 2012
    6
    Rush's latest album - "Clockwork Angels" without a doubt confirm that in their category Canadians are paragon. The concept album which describes the pursuit of dreams, no doubt has great moments - worth mentioning is even a very dynamic, almost epic title track. "Seven Cities Of Gold" with strongly highlighted role of the bass or "The Garden" drawing on earlier achievements of progressiveRush's latest album - "Clockwork Angels" without a doubt confirm that in their category Canadians are paragon. The concept album which describes the pursuit of dreams, no doubt has great moments - worth mentioning is even a very dynamic, almost epic title track. "Seven Cities Of Gold" with strongly highlighted role of the bass or "The Garden" drawing on earlier achievements of progressive rock group are also one of the pieces to mention. The whole album, however, gives the impression of a rather soft tone as for heavy metal and a little less avant-garde as for the release of Rush - which means that some people will consider it as gem and for others it will be just another good album.… Expand
  2. feathercapman
    Jul 31, 2014
    4
    Rush has always been overated. Great musician sure. But the fanbase is all sweaty fat guys who don't care how bad Geddys voice is despite being able to hit all the notes. They watch lifeless waiting to see if Lifeson gets that riff right live .... yet 99.9% of them wouldn't know if he played in a different key all night. They cant play but like to scrutinize others ... like they can evenRush has always been overated. Great musician sure. But the fanbase is all sweaty fat guys who don't care how bad Geddys voice is despite being able to hit all the notes. They watch lifeless waiting to see if Lifeson gets that riff right live .... yet 99.9% of them wouldn't know if he played in a different key all night. They cant play but like to scrutinize others ... like they can even hear it.

    Anyway ... the production of Clockwork is so bad that I cant listen. Really low lows etc but nothing is clear and zero dynamics.

    Was never a big fan to begin with. Bad production isn't helping.    … Expand
  3. ccmillertx
    Apr 8, 2014
    6
    I love Rush. I prefer their live albums to most of their studio stuff. I wasn't enamored by Clockwork Angels but I didnt think it was awful. A few songs like the title song and "Wish Them Well" are pretty cool. I admire the effort of new "straightforward" Rush songs but a couple of times while listening to the album I had that "been there done that" feeling. It didnt feel very fresh atI love Rush. I prefer their live albums to most of their studio stuff. I wasn't enamored by Clockwork Angels but I didnt think it was awful. A few songs like the title song and "Wish Them Well" are pretty cool. I admire the effort of new "straightforward" Rush songs but a couple of times while listening to the album I had that "been there done that" feeling. It didnt feel very fresh at many points. I saw them live on this tour and the show was incredible. They played the entire album and it was much more entertaining live. That being said I still dont really have the foggiest idea what the album is about. I even tried to read the book but put it down after a few chapters. Maybe Im getting too old for fantasy books. I applaud Rush for always taking chances and the effort is certainly sincere. I could never grow tired of seeing Rush live but I do wonder if they have too many good albums left in the tank.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

45
#45 Most Discussed Album of 2012
38
#38 Most Shared Album of 2012

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. The Wire
    Oct 3, 2012
    70
    While Clockwork Angels is energised and intense, it neither sounds nor feels like heritage rock or a return to first principles. [Sep 2012, p.70]
  2. Austin Chronicle
    Aug 9, 2012
    40
    Synthesizers are set to beverage warmer – nearly nil – but where a back-to-basics drums/bass/guitar bash continues since peak return Vapor Trails, pinpoint production to extract hooks from hard rock homogeneity continues to elude them.
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  3. The Quietus
    Aug 3, 2012
    100
    Clockwork Angels is an extremely accomplished piece of music composed and performed absolutely flawlessly.
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