Album Review: Rush’s Far Cry
Alright, so let’s talk about Far Cry by Rush. Released in 2007, this album is a solid mix of Rock and Pop/Rock vibes with a heavy nod to Classic Rock and Arena Rock styles. If you’re into big guitar riffs, killer drum fills, and Geddy Lee’s unmistakable voice, you’ll dig this one. It came out in Japan, the UK, US, and Canada under labels like Warner Music Japan and Atlantic. Fun fact: it’s got some serious talent behind the scenes too—Nick Raskulinecz producing, Richard Chycki on engineering duties, and Brian "Big Bass" Gardner mastering the whole thing.
Now, I’m not gonna lie, when I first heard the title track “Far Cry,” it kinda punched me in the face—in a good way! The album version is where it’s at, man. Alex Lifeson’s electric guitar work just screams classic Rush while still feeling fresh. And Neil Peart? Dude’s cymbal work alone could carry an entire song. But what really sticks with me is how tight everything feels. You can tell these guys have been playing together forever. The lyrics, penned by Peart as usual, are thought-provoking without being over-the-top philosophical. It’s like he knows exactly how far to push it before you start zoning out.
Another standout for me is the radio edit of “Far Cry.” Yeah, yeah, I know some purists hate on edits, but hear me out. This version has a punchier intro that grabs your attention right away. Plus, it’s shorter, which makes it perfect if you’re just getting into Rush or need something high-energy for a playlist. There’s something about the mix here that hits different—it’s cleaner, more polished, but doesn’t lose the raw energy of the band.
Honestly, listening to Far Cry feels like catching up with an old friend who’s still got all their quirks but also grew a little wiser over time. Lifeson’s guitars, Lee’s basslines, and Peart’s insane drumming gel together like peanut butter and jelly. Even though they’ve been around since forever, this album proves they weren’t phoning it in back in ‘07.
Here’s the random thought I’ll leave you with: why do we always assume bands like Rush are supposed to slow down or mellow out as they age? These guys clearly didn’t get the memo, and thank god for that. If you haven’t spun Far Cry yet, give it a shot—you might just find yourself headbanging like it’s 1985 all over again.
