Vapor Trails
by Rush
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 92 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 80 out of 92
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 92
  3. Negative: 10 out of 92

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  1. CNoonNomad
    Jun 18, 2020
    10
    Absolutely one of my favourite albums by Rush. I still play this regularly. No songs skipped.
  2. SomePersona
    Jan 23, 2017
    7
    A strong comeback for Rush. They sound a lot more mature now, and this works to create a distinctive tone for this album.

    The great songs:

    One Little Victory
    Ghost Rider
    Vapor Trail
    Secret Touch
    Earthshine
    Nocturne
    Freeze

    Everything else is mildly good or just fine.
  3. rushmaster
    Aug 16, 2013
    7
    Rush had to take a break for a few years while Neil Peart recovered from his family dying after the Test For Echo Tour. They came back and did this album. I feel like the fact that they hadn’t been with each other for a while affected them a little bit. They still wrote good stuff, but it just sounded a little weird. It sounded weird, because the music was too crazy for Geddy lee’sRush had to take a break for a few years while Neil Peart recovered from his family dying after the Test For Echo Tour. They came back and did this album. I feel like the fact that they hadn’t been with each other for a while affected them a little bit. They still wrote good stuff, but it just sounded a little weird. It sounded weird, because the music was too crazy for Geddy lee’s voice to keep up with. Geddy’s voice started changing with this album. It was just as high, but weaker, and you could tell that he was really struggling to hit certain notes. Geddy never had a good voice, but they were always able to make it work. I found that this was the one time that it didn’t work. The music sounded louder and crazier then any of their other stuff, but his weaker voice I felt like at times couldn’t keep up with it. When he would sing the song normally it was okay, but when he would try to raise his voice or belt it out he sounded like he was struggling to do it. That is the one flaw with this album. But even though the voice didn’t sound like it always worked for the record it was still a very well written, and well-done record. If they just toned down the distortion and the volume of the album I think Geddy’s voice would have worked for it. The more you listen to it the more it grows on you, because you appreciate the writing. It is a good heavy metal album. These guys never make albums that are bad. They make albums that aren’t perfect like this one, but never make bad ones.

    The best song off of this album is “Secret Touch.” It has a great beat, and very interesting lyrics. It is one of the more unique ones off of the record. It takes them back to their style of doing really long songs, which this one is. It is the longest one off of this CD, but you don’t feel it though. It has been revealed to be one of Geddy Lee’s favorite tracks, and when you listen to it you will understand why. Great song.

    “One Little Victory” is the first track off of the album, and it grabs you with a great beat from Neil Peart, and a really fast guitar played by Alex Lifeson. Though it is definitely one of the highlights off of the track it is one of those songs I was talking about where Geddy’s voice doesn’t always keep up with the heavy music. Once it gets to the chorus I felt like he was trying to belt it out the way he belts out songs like “2112” but he couldn’t because he was losing the strength of his voice. Other then the moments where his voice doesn’t add up it is a very good song.

    “How It Is” I would say is the best track after “Secret Touch.” It has a more interesting sound then most of the songs on this album. It also has some interesting lyrics that are hard to understand, because of the way the song is sung, but when you look them up they are very interesting. Neil Peart is the most underrated lyricist, and it is songs like this that show it.

    The rest of the songs are good, but those are the three that stuck with me the most. However I find that when a guitar gets distorted you can’t hear it clearly, and it can often make songs sound the same. There are several songs off of this album that sound similar to me due to a heavily distorted guitar. They would probably be more unique if they sounded more like the 70’s guitar. Other then a few flaws this is a very good album, with many good songs. It is very energetic, and upbeat music. Every song has a good drive to it. Rush fans will not be disappointed.    … Expand
  4. KellyR
    May 1, 2009
    5
    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!
  5. sushi
    Mar 19, 2008
    10
    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.
  6. PaulL
    Jun 18, 2007
    8
    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 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
  7. JonO
    Feb 5, 2007
    8
    Their strongest album since the mid-80s. Suffers somewhat from overproduction and poor mixing, but power and energy shine through from the rejuvenated band.
  8. TonyG
    May 23, 2006
    7
    Some real hidden gems on this one yet, after succeeding to produce all previous albums with that flawless and to be expected Rush studio mastering, Alex flubbed this one up. The distortion exists on some of the most intriguing tracks... Too bad! ...and like Altlantic would ever admit to missing the mark and clearing up the master tapes...
  9. MarcoH
    Oct 25, 2005
    10
    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.
  10. GeoffN
    May 10, 2005
    2
    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
  11. ChrisM
    Mar 30, 2005
    10
    truly the best Rush release in 22 years
  12. Jeffrey
    Jan 27, 2005
    9
    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 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
  13. robertb
    Jul 14, 2004
    0
    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.
  14. RW
    Jul 16, 2003
    2
    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 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
  15. AlexL
    Jun 23, 2003
    10
    This album is phenomenal! And listen to that guitar player . . . !
  16. RushFreak
    May 21, 2003
    0
    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 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
  17. JohnC
    May 20, 2003
    10
    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 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
  18. Boff1Boff2
    May 15, 2003
    3
    one word. CLIPPING
  19. Simon
    May 5, 2003
    0
    CRAP!
  20. LawrenceJ
    Oct 5, 2002
    10
    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".
  21. SteveR.
    Sep 24, 2002
    8
    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!!!
  22. DouggN.
    Sep 17, 2002
    10
    RUSH out & by this cd
  23. JeffR.
    Sep 13, 2002
    1
    Horrible mix.... every single song is clipping... Worst Rush CD ever ... It should be remixed!!!!!!!
  24. TomM.
    Sep 9, 2002
    10
    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 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
  25. AlbertoS.
    Sep 9, 2002
    8
    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 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
  26. SteveH.
    Sep 8, 2002
    9
    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.
  27. djd
    Aug 30, 2002
    0
    boring, crappy band
  28. PaulF.
    Aug 13, 2002
    8
    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.
  29. MikeM.
    Aug 10, 2002
    9
    This album SMOKES! It's THE WHIPS! WHEW! Shake me but don't break me baby! Whahahhhaahaha!
  30. MichaelK.
    Aug 9, 2002
    10
    The Mega-trio is back!!!
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Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Most Discussed Album of 2002
98
#98 Most Shared Album of 2002

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Rolling Stone
    60
    Vapor Trails is Rush's most focused effort in many years, thanks to a renewed emphasis on songwriting.
    Read full review
  2. PopMatters
    90
    Rush has emerged with more edge and energy than some bands can even dream of.
    Read full review
  3. E! Online
    83
    A welcome return.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »