Progressive rock titans Rush are commemorating their final decade of studio recordings with a new vinyl boxed set, “The Albums: 2002-2012.” This collection features the four albums the band released through Atlantic Records during that period: “Vapor Trails” (2002), “Feedback” (2004), “Snakes & Arrows” (2007), and “Clockwork Angels” (2012).
Available today as a limited edition of 3,000 units worldwide, the 7LP boxed set can be purchased directly from the band’s official stores, RushBackstage.com, and Rhino.com. This release serves as a tribute to Rush‘s enduring legacy as one of rock history’s most inventive and captivating groups, a legacy cemented by their Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction in 2013. The band also holds the distinction of having the third-highest number of consecutive gold and platinum studio albums by a rock band, as certified by the RIAA.
The set begins with Rush‘s 17th studio album, “Vapor Trails,” which marked the band’s return in 2002 after their longest hiatus of five years. This album was particularly significant, emerging from a period of profound personal tragedy for drummer Neil Peart in the late 1990s, during which he had considered retiring from music entirely. Through a five-year period of healing and extensive motorcycle travel across America, Peart eventually found his way back to his creative passion. Geddy Lee emphasized the album’s profound impact in a 2001 interview for Jam!, stating that “this album was for ‘the psychological health and welfare of all the people who have gone through a difficult time.'” Despite its difficult genesis, “Vapor Trails” resonated deeply with fans, reaching No. 3 in Canada and No. 6 in the U.S.
Next in the collection is “Feedback,” Rush‘s 2004 ode to their own roots and a celebration of the 30th anniversary of their 1974 debut. This covers album saw the band revisit the 1960s garage rock sound that influenced their early days. It features their interpretations of classic songs such as Buffalo Springfield‘s “Mr. Soul,” The Who‘s “The Seeker,” and Cream‘s “Crossroads,” alongside tracks by The Yardbirds, Love, and Blue Cheer. The covers record performed well on the charts, landing at No. 5 in Canada and No. 19 in the U.S.
The 2007 release, “Snakes & Arrows,” saw Rush continue to evolve their progressive rock sound, marking their first original material since “Vapor Trails.” Drummer Neil Peart enthusiastically described the creative process, saying, “without a doubt, this is the best experience I’ve had making an album, ever.” The album was a critical and commercial success, peaking at No. 3 in both Canada and the U.S., earning a Grammy nomination for “Best Rock Instrumental Performance,” and being recognized by Classic Rock magazine as one of the “Ten Essential Progressive Rock Albums” of the decade.
The collection culminates with “Clockwork Angels,” the band’s 20th and final studio album from 2012. This ambitious concept album tells the story of a young man’s quest set within an apocalyptic steampunk world. A fitting conclusion to the studio journey of these prog-rock pioneers, “Clockwork Angels” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Canadian charts and No. 2 in the U.S., powerfully cementing Rush’s unparalleled studio legacy.
