OMG this album sucked so bad how can you say it was good and I love RUSH. scott was right it lacked melody 100% the only song almost worth keeping on it was How It Is and they could have done that a lot better than they did. I was so dissapointed as it followed the footsteps of test for echo another flop album. I guess RUSH is dead afterall :-( sad but true. I was hoping they would come out with something dynamic and energizing. Perhaps if we wait another 5 years.… Expand

Ranges from blah (Ghost Riders) to absolutely outstanding, wear out the CD tracks like Vaportrails, Earthsine, Sweet Miracle etc. I just missed the obligatory instrumantal. Maybe we get 2 next time? See You guys Aug.2

Brilliant...only time will tell if it deserves a ten...must become legendary.....although these guys are legends already..buy this disc!

The Billboard review said it best - "an absolute triumph." There is so much texture and so many layers to the music, you have to listen to it exhaustively to appreciate it all. It's a shame that Rush isn't playing many of the Vapor Trails on the current tour. Maybe the experience of making this album drained their enthusiasm for it.

The Mega-trio is back!!!

I have been a Rush fan for 20 years now and must say this is their best album since Moving Pictures. The band has to owe a lot of the success of this album to Alex Lifeston. Afterall, it was his idea to drop the keyboards and guiter solos. With this idea, it made the album sound modern and not out of date.

Rush did it again. A terrific record, with great tunes and unbeliavable performances. I really love it. The only reason I didn't give it a 9 is that the sound of the CD is just awful, the only BAD sounding Rush CD to me: totally overcompressed, even clipped and dark soundidng and fatiguing to the ears. I don't know if it was during mixing or mastering, but someone screwed up big time. What a shame. I'm sure it wasn't the band's fault.… Expand

i want to give it eleven,i go all the way back to RUSH 1974 lifelong no.1 FAN brill everlasting musical ride of ever changing quality sound to my privileged EARS thanx PmcS IRELAND

truly the best Rush release in 22 years

Their strongest album since the mid-80s. Suffers somewhat from overproduction and poor mixing, but power and energy shine through from the rejuvenated band.

This album needs to be listened to a few times. After that, it really takes off! Most welcome for these three to get back to what they do best.

It's their best release in quite some time. Good music, great lyrics, and nice arrangement. The influence of the modern day rock scene is apparent, but Rush is adept at borrowing from heavier styles while maintaining their signature sound. I think the omission of synth on this release was a very wise decision, and I applaud them for doing so. Thumbs up!

I'll never stop being a RUSH fan. Always buy every album as soon as it hits the stands. This is one of their best in a long time (since before Signals). No keyboards=rockin'! But 6+ minute long songs? Gets very repetitive in parts unless you're really listening deeply. Still only appeals to RUSH fans. I think others will be bored by the repetitive vocal arrangements. They should have left that in the '80s. Where's the next concept album? If Dream Theater can do it, why can't RUSH?… Expand

The more you listen to it, the better it gets. You are depriving yourself if you only give it a few cursory spins.

Like all Rush studio albums, this CD doesn't just "let you in" on the first play. Give it time and you'll discover some wonderfully fresh and enjoyable music - if you don't have the patience, just listen to "The Stars Look Down", and "How it Is" a few times and you'll get my point.

awesome

The most solid RUSH album since Grace Under Pressure. To rate it anything below 6, the reviewer must be living in a dream world. The album has a great 'heavy sound' which gives today's bands a run for their money. Great drumming, an onslaught of guitars, a ranucy bass sound, and layers of vocals makes this album one of RUSHs best. The only knock is that it contains sometimes too many layers of guitar and vocal tracks, which will be tough to reproduce live. All in all, RUSH still manages to keep fourth with 'todays' music, which is more than can be said for Aerosmith and other bands of their time. And they are still influential to bands of today, unlike the Eagles or Floyd who just aren't important for todays younger generation.… Expand

Focused, aggressive, melodic, grooving, spontaneous. More sincere, less pretentious.

As is true with all Rush albums, there are extraordinary moments and some disappointments. Vapor Trails has a lot of dimensions that become more enjoyable with each listen. There are absolute gems (Earthshine ranks in the Rush all time top ten) and moments of brillance in EACH song. Neil's precussion is exquisite, the song compositions, lyrics, and performances are fresh and spirited. But I'm disappointed with the Geddy's vocals on some songs, Alex's decision to avoid guitar solos, and what appears to be a poorly mixed recording. That said, I hope they play the entire album live so I can further discover the genius of Vapor Trails.… Expand

This album SMOKES! It's THE WHIPS! WHEW! Shake me but don't break me baby! Whahahhhaahaha!

At first I hated it but after a few listens it grew on me. Been a loyal Rush fan for 25 years and always will be. Can't wait to see them in concert.

vapor trails is brilliant! rush always gives their fans just what we need. more rush! keep the albums coming...see you at the staples center in sept 2002 !

gets better and better every time I listen to it

An amazing CD! Critics of this record should reexamine their objectivity-- this is HOT stuff. Perhaps too hot for closed minds or those who seek to compare this to old Rush. Rush evolves again Such a shocker for the Luddites who want another Moving Pictures, Presto, 2112 or whatever. As for it being too complex to pull off live, well, we've heard it all before. Go see 'em for yourself! Welcome back Rush. We missed you!… Expand

My wife and I saw the boys (4)times on this tour,twice from the second row right in front of Geddy. Growing up in Nova Scotia as a teenager there was no band better.Still.. at 38, the bumps still rise from my skin. Every morning and afternoon taking my kids to and from school the cd is on. My 3.5 year old daughter sings along with "ghost rider",she knows every word by heart. What more is there to say!! The return of Rush... nothin' could be finer.… Expand

Oh please. If anyone is actually going to say that VT sounds fine, they are full of crap. Sure, the songs are great, because, well, it's Rush. But, if you're actually going to say that, sonically, this album sounds good, you're insane. Sonically, this is the worst sounding album I have ever heard. We're talking about a band with nearly 30 years of recording experience and numerous albums under thier belts, yet you guys still think this album "sounds" good. Does this take away from the music, you're damn right it does. Would Moving Pictures have been nearly as successful if it was produced like VT? Of course not. Raw - what exactly does that mean? An excuse to make an album sound like crap? I consider Appetite for Destruction to be extremely raw, because it's not processed and it wasn't poorly produced. Yet, it sounds incredible and will continue to do so. Again, Rush is my favorite and always will be. VT is a solid collection of songs, even though I do miss the keyboards, but the sound is simply an attrocious embarresment. If you think differenlty fine, but don't say there's nothing wrong with this album.… Expand

I must say this cd has a welcome freshness to it. Alex's gtr work has never sounded so fresh and youthfull. If I didn't know better I would have thought this was a young band - very much alive. While I love the pop on Hold Your Fire, I was very happy to see them focus only on the gtr's for this one. I Hope the follow up is in the same veign. We enjoyed the keyboards - for a time. Great Work!… Expand

CRAP!

This is truly one of most "trio oriented" albums they have released in a long time. After some of their late 80s releases, I think fans never thought they would return to their hard rock roots. They proved us wrong! This is album is such a musically tight and lyrically intelligent piece of work.

I never heard Rush before V.T. I'm actually a big fan thanks to this album. I don't think they lowered their music quality after that break, the band simply evoluted.

why the fuck bother...u aint gonna show it...but Rush Rules

I was a bit startled at first at the brash straight-out rocking, especially after the softer 90s, but I have to say that with repeated listenings it gets better and better. I appreciate something different every time I hear it. Rush rocks!

Fantastic! Like every other Rush Album.

Well, a surprise to say the least!, the guy`s seem to be enjoying reaping their musical harvest- back to what they liked doing before,almost full circle.The lyrics are first class (as good as the Hold Your FireL.P.)*WORTH BUYING JUST TO HEAR "EARTHSHINE".

This album demands repeated listenings to really get it, but it's well worth the effort! I can't wait to see them perform some of this stuff live this summer.

Solide rock like Rush 2112 !

Best album since roll the bones and to the guys who gave it a 2, when was the last time you actually listen to rush, bastille day. Move with rush into the present and the future.

Rush, as always, displays an awareness of current musical trends while remaining true to its intrinsic sound. The heaviness prevalent in this album is not contrived-the songs are earnestly aggressive...sometimes devastating.

They are back! Finally the Gods of music are in action again. There simply is noboby better. Neil, Alex and Geddy, I salute you. I feel alive again!!!!

With first listen, I was disappointed. But with a second and third listen, they proved it again. Musically, the Ceiling is truly Unlimited!

Vapor Trails proves that, if nothing else, Rush is not content to rest on their laurels. It is far from their worst effort; not nearly as good as their best. Solid craftsmanship from begining to end with not a bad one in the bunch. As other bands with similar longevity become parodies of themselves Rush continue to grow, moving forward with class and dignity.

its been a long time coming but well worth the wait. at least 4instant classics Im a huge huge.. RUSH fan and this album kicks ASS

The album, though technically precise, lacks the melody and musicality of most of the band' prior efforts. To the ears of this long-time fan, it sounds like noise, not music.

The wait was worth every moment! Rush's return to the studio does not disappoint the true of heart. The return to their classic guitar sounds shows their continued evolution and inspired spirit. Excellent show, too. Just saw the opening show of their tour and was blown away!!! Nobody does it better.

A Masterpiece from the greatest band ever to exist in the known universe at any time in recorded history. To the deaf dude who gave this record a "2". . . . you could not be more confused and shamefully ignorant.

This is a great album for someone that grew up listening to Rush this is one of their best not the best but that was Roll The Bones.

First Rush album in a long time that you can crank up and it sounds great (even without guitar solos)--this one rocks!

Simply the best!!!!

This album is definitely not "just noise," any one would tell you that this is one of the bands most energetic and melodic albums yet.

This album rocks. It is the group's most heart-felt album ever but it still has some of the hardest, fattest parts in a long time. Rush rules!

The most solid RUSH album since Grace Under Pressure. To rate it anything below 6, the reviewer must be living in a dream world. The album has a great 'heavy sound' which gives today's bands a run for their money. Great drumming, an onslaught of guitars, a ranucy bass sound, and layers of vocals makes this album one of RUSHs best. The only knock is that it contains sometimes too many layers of guitar and vocal tracks, which will be tough to reproduce live. All in all, RUSH still manages to keep fourth with 'todays' music, which is more than can be said for Aerosmith and other bands of their time. And they are still influential to bands of today, unlike the Eagles or Floyd who just aren't important for todays younger generation.… Expand

I think the people who rated this below a 10 don't appreciate music that has lyrical content and meaning.

Slam! It's like getting hit by a train! Neil opens the long awaited LP with a thundering of drums only to be followed with a counter punch from geddy and alex! Brilliant!

RUSH RULES!!! What else can I say?....

I want to give this album a 10, but I had to stop at 9. It is definitely one of their best efforts in a while, and the more I listen to it the more it grows on me. A good effort towards the older, heavier sound. For me its like this- unless they are writing whole theme pieces and album sides, I can't give them more than a 9. They spoiled us with the earlier stuff... As far as I'm concerned, anything other than "Caress of Steel" and "2112" is almost a 10, but not quite. Still by far my favorite group ever and I will buy anything they put out, good or not.… Expand

As always, Rush produces an album that rewards repeated lisetening. I hesitate to say it "requires" it -- there's plenty to like on the surface. Peart's lyrics are clever, thoughtful, and introspecitve. The musicianship is tight, but not showy. The band is having fun, and it's contaigious. Their finest effort since "Presto".

Ever since Presto Rush has gone steadily down the tubes. Even Test For Echo was better then this. It's absolutely the greatest disappointment I have ever experienced in music as Rush (the old Rush) is by far my favorite group. I'm 31 now and fell in love with their music when I was 12. I guess good things eventually come to an end.

If we could go back in time, Moving Pictures would have been released yesterday. Today, we listen to Vapor Trails. Thank You, Neil, Geddy and Albert. Rock On Brothers.

Excellent! There are no better musicians than these guys, and they've proven it again.

boring, crappy band

Vapor Trails didn't cut it the first time I heard it. The sound is muddled. This one could have been RIGHT UP THERE if they had spent a little more time mixing. Alex where is that clean LEAD guitar??? Just give us one or two good mind blowing riffs please! I found myself waiting and waiting... On a major plus side is the overall quality of songs on Vapor Trails...wow! LOTS of good ones here. I'm on my third listen now and it really is growing on me:) … Expand

Horrible mix.... every single song is clipping... Worst Rush CD ever ... It should be remixed!!!!!!!

RUSH out & by this cd

True, it's no "Permanent Waves" or "Hemispheres", but it's the best thing they've put out since "Signals"!..Saw 'em last weekend here in Vegas, not the best sound quality for a Rush show, but the boys STILL rock!!!

Excellent ! The more I listen, the more I like. The band has come full circle. Alex's playing is absolutely reminiscent of the early days. Geddy is well, Geddy. Neil is in top form and you can tell he loves to play the drums like a rocker - even though he loves Jazz. Not a problem

one word. CLIPPING

This album is phenomenal! And listen to that guitar player . . . !

im 33 and have been a rush fan for over 20 years. the music is great on this cd, but it was mastered way too loud and the CLIPPING is just unforgivable. at first i thought it was just the vocals. if they ever remaster it properly i would give it a 10.

I've been a Rush fanatic since the very beginning and I'm absolutely blown away by Vapor Trails. It has a totally unique sound- it's the next stage of the band and at the same time, it contains the youthful energy of their earliest works. There is a lot of picky criticism over the production, but I think this work, basically produced by Geddy Lee, is complex with multiple layers and has a raw edge to it that gives it life. That's not an easy thing to accomplish when using digital technology. Geddy knows what to do as does the band. This is truly Rush at their best- both writing (including Neil's lyrics) and playing. If they never put out another work, this would stand admirably as their swan song! Otherwise, Vapor Trails is a promise of even better things to come. I'm saving my "10" for that future promise!!!… Expand

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 – just listen to the rest of the music they have made over the years.

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

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.

Anything by Rush is great! CD's Suck anyway! Vinyl is alive and never dies - if cared for properly. Originally mastered in the true glorious and untainted analogue signal. Ask Neil, Alex or Geddy and they'd all agree!

Anyone who gives this album less than 10 has absolutely no clue about music! You kiddies can go back to listening the back street boys. Awesome album, awesone band, awesome tour!!!

Still listening to it daily since May and it keeps getting better. There are so many layers to appreciate musically, lyrically and technically. For all those concerns about clipping ... turn down the bass and treble or get a better amp ... it IS recorded at a very high level (as many new CDs are) .. no need for bass or treble boosts on your amp like the old days of tape and vinyl.

This is definitely their best album in years!!! It rocks, it's stripped down, and somehow it gets better with each listen. The last three songs are my favorites, but it's all good!!!

Welcome back Kotter!

Supoib

Ive been a rush fan for 25 years and this is the first effort by them in a long time to give me goose-bumps while listening......rock on

AWESOME! They are my all time most talented band ever. Their the best musicians.

Fantastic

I'm an old Rush fan and have loved most of their music through the years. This new album at first was an odd departure, but grew on me over the first week. It has a completely new sound for them I for one am pleased with it. Much better than Test for Echoes. LOVE IT

absolutely their most intense album since 2112. Secret Touch has to be the coolest song ever written. Looking forward to the tour. Gonna be great!

It"s awsome, 22 years listening to my all time favorites, noone can compare to their out of this world talent. Geddy,Alex and Neil are absolutely an inspiration to all Muscicians and all, thank you for staying together all this time and may god keep you around for a long long time. Manny Moreno, Mexico

Brilliant & heartfelt.

Can't get over this disc.As much as I hate the waiting,maybe they should take 5 yrs between all their releases. "Secret Touch","How It Is", and "Ghost Rider" are instsnt classics.Fantastic musicianship coupled with smart moving lyrics.No one lets you inside his head like Neil does. Hey, Greg H., if you don't find this disc dynamic and energizing, I got news for ya,try feeling for a pulse.… Expand

Welcome back! One Little Victory Rocks.

The jury was out the first few times I listened to it, but then it kicked in, and after I saw them on tour, it's even better! Different but hard-driving. Just hope this isn't the last!

This album just smokes from beginning to end. Easily their best work in over a decade, probably more. The playing is intense and melodic at the same time, Geddy has never sounded better (he is singing in a higher pitch than he has used in quite some time, but has added more depth and range!). Neil's drum playing has progressed to the point of actually being "melodic", and Alex adds layers upon layers of intricate guitar melodies better than anyone since Jimmy Page. Truly sincere, heartfelt lyrics and inspired, emotive performances from all make this a perfect cd, among Rush's best of all time!!… Expand

It rocks! The Canadian trio of Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart have made a triumphant return!

Since 1981 Rush has always held out the promise that their next album will be as good as "Moving Pictures". Well, "Vapor Trails" finally delivers. While backing away from some of the musical complexity of the past, they have decided to write great songs. As song writers, this is a major leap forward for the band. They have created an album that gets better the more you listen to it. A true mark of great songwriting.… Expand

I have benn a Rush fan since '74 and have high expectations for them.(unfair I know) As usual you have to spend time with it to truly appreciate it and what they are saying. It is a welcome addition to my collection as I listen to it. Thank you again Rush, you have set so many standard for quality both in musucuanship and the cerebral nature of your music. I am different and better because you have entered my realm. Thank you more than I can say.… Expand

I have been listening to RUSH for more than twenty years, and trying to place this work amongst the other efforts is ridiculous. All I know is this album is edgy, hard, and personal. It has all the qualities we RUSH fans crave. The trio once again have melded the heart and mind. Enjoy!!

I thought this was a great record after the first listen and now I think it is still getting better! As a loooongtime fan, I can honestly say, I love this record.

I love this cd. They have gone back to a hard rock sound like they had on counterparts. I can't wait to see the tour.

The highest quality of vocals, music, instrumental and song writing combination by far of any other. The band is like a fine wine. This album proovs that Rush is the most versital power rock band of all time.

This is a fine return from a long hiatus for the guys. Missing is the familiarity of raging guitar solos and moodish keyboards, but this cd rocks, nonetheless.

This is Rush without a producer. I could've made a great album on them with these songs. First of all, ya don't have the gtr and bass play pretty much the same parts in the same register while thinning out the bass sound and thickening up the gtr -- you get a bunch of mushy shit, even with the best mix. And 'the best mix' is about as far a description as you can surmise from what's on this album. It's horrid noise, clipping and distorting and zero dynamics... It sounds like what I imagine their home demos sound like, but shoved up a compressor's ass. You need more than a Pro-Tools rig to make a good record - you need a musical outsider to tell you when you're putting bad ideas down (a producer) and an engineer who actually has any business behind a sound board. And this is coming from a rabid Rush fanatic who has enough of a collection that fan-friendly Alex would be uncomfortable, including mint audiophile vinyl pressings from Holland and Germany of more than half their released albums. Indeed, this is not Rush at their best; but it's not exactly Rush's fault they're at their worst.… Expand