Fly by Night:
Fly by Night is the second studio album by Canadian rock band Rush, released on February 15, 1975 by Mercury Records and Anthem Records. Its total length is 37:38. The band's lineup included vocalist and bassist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson, and drummer Neil Peart. John Rutsey performed all drum parts on the last album, but was unable to go on extended tours because of complications with his diabetes and was let go by the band after that album was released. He was then replaced by Neil Peart.
Rush's first release showed a distinct hard rock sound that was clearly influenced by bands such as Led Zeppelin and Cream. But, on Fly by Night, they use a more progressive rock sound. Due to Neil Peart's inclusion in the band, they adopted a more literary lyrical style that would serve them well on later albums.
The album peaked at number 113 on the Billboard 200 charts and went Platinum in the U.S. and Canada. The strengths of this album are the progressive style, the guitar and bass work, and the impressive vocal range of Geddy Lee. The weaknesses of Fly by Night are some of lackluster tracks, and the fact that the second half of the album is very disappointing. Here are my thoughts on each track.
1. "Anthem" 4:26 (4.5/5)
"Anthem" begins with a really good guitar riff, and already the drumming improvements in comparison to the last album are noticeable right away. The bass is prevalent and the overall sound of this track sounds like the signature sound, they became famous for. Lyrically, there is immense improvement over their last record. The guitar solo is absolutely fantastic and is one of Lifeson's best. Geddy's vocals are also very good. "Anthem" is one of the best songs from the entire album. Right away, Neil Peart has a huge impact on the band.
2. "Best I Can" 3:24 (3.5/5)
"Best I Can" is extremely catchy and the drumming from Neil Peart is much improved over John Rutsey's from the last album. The chorus is very catchy and the bass work from Geddy is very audible. Lifeson delivers with another very good guitar solo. Overall, "Best I Can" is a good hard rocking track.
3. "Beneath, Between & Behind" 3:00 (4/5)
"Beneath, Between & Behind" is very complex lyrically and has a very catchy sound to it. The guitar, bass, and drums come together to make a very good mix of sounds. I really enjoy some of Alex's riffs on this song. It certainly isn't a Rush classic, but "Beneath, Between & Behind" packs a punch.
4. "By-Tor & the Snow Dog" 8:37 (4.5/5)
"By-Tor & the Snow Dog" is Rush's first multi-part epic track that would become a staple in their classic albums. This track tells a fantasy type story about an epic battle. Geddy's bass work on this song is absolutely phenomenal, and Alex has some of his best moments on the guitar during this track. The band makes some of the strangest sounding musical effects that were revolutionary for the time. Neil Peart shows off on the drums yet again. Then after the epic battle part of the song Alex uses some soothing guitar effects that are a perfect ending to the crazed battle of the song. Then Lifeson performs a fantastic solo that is full of soulfulness and sounds terrific. It is probably my favorite solo from the album. The track ends when the band goes back into a similar sound from the chorus at the beginning of the song and concludes with declaring the Snow Dog the winner. "By-Tor & the Snow Dog" is just a foreshadowing to what great things are to come from the band.
5. "Fly by Night" 3:20 (3.5/5)
"Fly by Night" begins with an instantly recognizable guitar riff that is repeated throughout the entire song. The chorus is very catchy, simple, and effective. Geddy's bass is very audible and groovy throughout the entire track. The guitar solo is great and again proves Lifeson's prowess with the instrument. Overall, "Fly By Night" is a very simple, but effective track from the album.
6. "Making Memories" 2:56 (3/5)
"Making Memories" features an acoustic guitar riff right away to begin the song. The track is all about the band making memories on the road while touring and playing songs. Geddy's bass is very nice when utilized. The guitar solo from Lifeson is tasteful and very well executed. "Making Memories" is not one of my favorites, but it's a decent track.
7. "Rivendell" 5:00 (1/5)
"Rivendell" is one of the worst tracks in their entire discography. Geddy rambles on about elves and a place where you never age. In the background the same acoustic riff is played over and over again. I get that it's progressive, but it is too long and doesn't have enough happening to make it an enjoyable song. It would have been better as a minute in half interlude track. "Rivendell" is Rush's lowest point in their career up until now.
8. "In the End" 6:51 (3/5)
"In the End" begins with a very good acoustic guitar riff. Geddy's vocals are very good to start this track off. I enjoy the mellow tone at the beginning, it's soothing and interesting. Then, Alex plays an epic guitar riff to get us into the beginning of the actual song. Geddy now sings the same lyrics with more passion and Neil's beat is perfect on the drums. Geddy's bass is very good as well. Lifeson plays another very good solo and continues to show his prowess. Geddy's humming to the guitar for 15 seconds could have been excluded, but overall "In the End" is a solid track.
My Verdict:
Rush's Fly by Night begins the stylistic shift to a progressive sound. The addition of Neil Peart was huge for Rush on this release because of the vast improvement in Rush's drumming and lyrics. Alex Lifeson begins to develop his distinct sound on this record and Geddy Lee puts on a show like he always does. Fly by Night isn't great though. The album does have a couple of really good Rush tracks in "Anthem" and "By-Tor and the Snow Dog though. Overall, Fly by Night improves upon their last album in many ways, but does have a terrible song in "Rivendell." Fly by Night is a record that is more of a acquired taste, it's less catchy and not as heavy as there first record, but is still an above average release that is definitely worth listening to. In some ways it's better than their last album, and in some ways it's worse.
