The Heaviest Songs From Rush’s Discography

Rush, the iconic Canadian trio, has consistently delivered heavy and powerful music throughout their entire career. This time, we celebrate Rush’s ability to deliver heavy and impactful music throughout their illustrious career. These tracks exemplify their musical prowess, showcasing their mastery of riffs, powerful vocals, and intricate instrumentals that have made them legends in the world of rock music. Below, we count down the top 10 heaviest Rush songs that exhibit their musical excellence.

 

10. “Bastille Day” (1975)

Despite criticism of their third LP, Caress of Steel, “Bastille Day” stands out as a forceful moment. The distorted power chords and Geddy Lee’s roaring vocals capture the intensity of the French Revolution.

9. “Far Cry” (2007)

This Snakes & Arrows standout combines Neil Peart’s heavy lyrics with bone-crunching riffs from Alex Lifeson. The distorted power chords and modern sound make it a standout track.

8. “One Little Victory” (2002)

The opening track of Vapor Trails starts the album on a positive note, with Neil Peart’s furious drumming leading the way. The slippery blues-rock riffs and a blistering solo from Alex Lifeson make it a memorable heavy Rush song.

7. “Carnies” (2012)

A deep cut from Clockwork Angels, “Carnies” opens with a gnarly guitar pattern from Alex Lifeson. The intense riffing and crunchy sound make it a standout-heavy track.

6. “Driven” (1996)

With three tracks of bass, Geddy Lee’s aggression shines in this Test for Echo single. The harmonized bass lines add a heavy touch, reminiscent of bands like Tool.

5. “Stick It Out” (1993)

Rush embraced the grunge sound with “Stick It Out,” and the dark music video became a subject of satire. The brooding ‘90s riff-rock, dissonance, and attitude give it a heavy edge.

4. “What You’re Doing” (1974)

With a resemblance to Led Zeppelin’s “Heartbreaker,” this early-days banger brings the gusto of hard rock. The descending, chromatic riff adds to its heaviness.

3. “Cygnus X-1 Book One – The Voyage” (1977)

This 10-minute epic from A Farewell to Kings captivates with its intricate time signatures and the stripped-down interplay between the band members. The rapid-fire riffs and hard-blues section showcases Rush’s heaviness.

2. “Anthem” (1975)

An iconic track from their evolution into hard prog, “Anthem” features Neil Peart’s exceptional drumming and Geddy Lee’s wordless, ascending shrieks. The song showcases Rush’s transition into heavier music.

1. “Working Man” (1974)

Written when Geddy Lee was just 20 years old, “Working Man” remains a classic tribute to working-class life. The bruising main riff, two-note chorus phrases, and instrumental communion between Lee and Lifeson make it the heaviest Rush song.