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

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. JakeD.
    May 30, 2002
    10
    I love it. You guys are the smartest people in the world. Keep making more albums.
  2. KenM.
    Jul 30, 2002
    10
    The Billboard review said it best - "an absolute triumph." There is so much texture and so many layers to the music, you have to listen to it exhaustively to appreciate it all. It's a shame that Rush isn't playing many of the Vapor Trails on the current tour. Maybe the experience of making this album drained their enthusiasm for it.
  3. MichaelK.
    Aug 9, 2002
    10
    The Mega-trio is back!!!
  4. ChrisM
    Mar 30, 2005
    10
    truly the best Rush release in 22 years
  5. dd
    Jul 13, 2002
    10
    awesome
  6. TimmyS.
    Jul 20, 2002
    10
    Focused, aggressive, melodic, grooving, spontaneous. More sincere, less pretentious.
  7. GregD.
    Aug 8, 2002
    10
    vapor trails is brilliant! rush always gives their fans just what we need. more rush! keep the albums coming...see you at the staples center in sept 2002 !
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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.
  11. 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".
  12. SiriL.
    Jul 1, 2002
    10
    The wait was worth every moment! Rush's return to the studio does not disappoint the true of heart. The return to their classic guitar sounds shows their continued evolution and inspired spirit. Excellent show, too. Just saw the opening show of their tour and was blown away!!! Nobody does it better.
  13. D-Rock
    Jul 13, 2002
    10
    A Masterpiece from the greatest band ever to exist in the known universe at any time in recorded history. To the deaf dude who gave this record a "2". . . . you could not be more confused and shamefully ignorant.
  14. SeanR.
    Jul 16, 2002
    10
    This is a great album for someone that grew up listening to Rush this is one of their best not the best but that was Roll The Bones.
  15. RandyW.
    Jul 17, 2002
    10
    Simply the best!!!!
  16. DaveG.
    Jul 26, 2002
    10
    I think the people who rated this below a 10 don't appreciate music that has lyrical content and meaning.
  17. MaddogH.
    Jul 27, 2002
    10
    Slam! It's like getting hit by a train! Neil opens the long awaited LP with a thundering of drums only to be followed with a counter punch from geddy and alex! Brilliant!
  18. AmySueD.
    Jul 27, 2002
    10
    RUSH RULES!!! What else can I say?....
  19. DouggN.
    Sep 17, 2002
    10
    RUSH out & by this cd
  20. AlexL
    Jun 23, 2003
    10
    This album is phenomenal! And listen to that guitar player . . . !
  21. 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.
  22. NickS.
    May 16, 2002
    10
    Supoib
  23. ManuelM.
    Jun 16, 2002
    10
    It"s awsome, 22 years listening to my all time favorites, noone can compare to their out of this world talent. Geddy,Alex and Neil are absolutely an inspiration to all Muscicians and all, thank you for staying together all this time and may god keep you around for a long long time. Manny Moreno, Mexico
  24. AlB.
    Jun 17, 2002
    10
    Brilliant & heartfelt.
  25. MichaelS.
    Jul 18, 2002
    10
    It rocks! The Canadian trio of Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart have made a triumphant return!
  26. AlD.
    Jul 18, 2002
    10
    Since 1981 Rush has always held out the promise that their next album will be as good as "Moving Pictures". Well, "Vapor Trails" finally delivers. While backing away from some of the musical complexity of the past, they have decided to write great songs. As song writers, this is a major leap forward for the band. They have created an album that gets better the more you listen to it. A Since 1981 Rush has always held out the promise that their next album will be as good as "Moving Pictures". Well, "Vapor Trails" finally delivers. While backing away from some of the musical complexity of the past, they have decided to write great songs. As song writers, this is a major leap forward for the band. They have created an album that gets better the more you listen to it. A true mark of great songwriting.… Expand
  27. RobertB.
    Jul 24, 2002
    10
    I love this cd. They have gone back to a hard rock sound like they had on counterparts. I can't wait to see the tour.
  28. SonnyW.
    Jul 26, 2002
    10
    The highest quality of vocals, music, instrumental and song writing combination by far of any other. The band is like a fine wine. This album proovs that Rush is the most versital power rock band of all time.
  29. CNoonNomad
    Jun 18, 2020
    10
    Absolutely one of my favourite albums by Rush. I still play this regularly. No songs skipped.
  30. BillC.
    Jul 20, 2002
    9
    Brilliant...only time will tell if it deserves a ten...must become legendary.....although these guys are legends already..buy this disc!
prev
Page:

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 »