Vapor Trails - Rush
Vapor Trails Image
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critics What's this?

User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 129 Ratings

  • Summary: Canada's favorite prog rockers return with their first album of new material in six years, eh.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 12
  2. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. The more time one spends with Vapor Trails, the richer and more nuanced it becomes. Consider this an absolute triumph.
  2. Rush has emerged with more edge and energy than some bands can even dream of.
  3. Ultimately, Vapor Trails rises above its own musical shackles, propelled by pleasantly memorable melodies and an aura of lyrical poignancy.
  4. 60
    Vapor Trails combines the cartoonish familiarity of Geddy Lee's helium-tinged vocals and [Neil] Peart's hyperkinetic drumming with the tuneful, concise writing they've favored since 1989's Presto. [Jun/Jul 2002, p.113]

See all 12 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 89 out of 102
  2. Negative: 12 out of 102
  1. sushi
    10
    There have been 3 highpoints in the Rush continuum. Three milestones. Three classics from 3 amazing musicians. First there was 2112. Then came Moving Pictures. And now Vapor Trails. Perfect albums all. Expand
  2. PaulL
    8
    I have been an avid Rush fan sice the early 70's when I was a pre-teen. I was turned on to them along with all the classic rock of that era. I saw them on the Moving Pictures tour when transportation problems made them 2 hours late for the show. They rewarded us by playing almost a 5 hour show hitting every possible highlight of their catalog up to that point. I see many people complain about the "sound" of this album being sub-par. Everyone expects another 2112 or moving pictures with every new release, just as everyone wants the Stones to put out Exiled On Mainstreet parts 2-infinity. This Rush album is a welcome edition to their powerful catalog and the differences in the sound are one thing I really enjoy. Change is usually good in life and this is no exception. A powerful disc that never fails to deliver the goods as Rush have done for the most part in their illustrious career. I recommend this disc to any Rush fan and actually rank it among my top 8 of their releases. It needs no "remastering" or other doctoring. All it needs is a good cd player and a set of ears who appreciates Rush and change. Expand
  3. TonyG
    7
    Some real hidden gems on this one yet, after succeeding to produce all previous albums with that flawless and to be expected Rush studio mastering, Alex flubbed this one up. The distortion exists on some of the most intriguing tracks... Too bad! ...and like Altlantic would ever admit to missing the mark and clearing up the master tapes... Expand
  4. GeoffN
    2
    I have every Rush album and love nearly every one of the - except this one - the sound is rubbish - any one who thinks this is good "Rush" music is kidding themselves Expand

See all 102 User Reviews