Only had the chance to listen to it once so far, but I think it will certainly be a contender for album of the year. First impression: it is some of the band’s heaviest and most complex music in years. I have been listening to a lot of Rush lately from their concept album-era of the ‘70’s and this stands up with some of the bands finest work ever. All from a band on the verge of turning the big 4-0. Not only is this excellent Rush music, it is excellent (and very relevant) prog-rock music (really, I am not hearing any radio friendly singles). How many bands can pull something like this off after nearly 40 years and at their age? Not many, not many at all. They are not just not out of touch, but they are leading the way, in modern times. They are not simply re-hashing what is the distinctive Rush sound as so many bands do late in their careers.

Being on a new label and what could be a critical time in their career (it’s been some time since their last studio album) one might have expected them to take a more commercially acceptable route with this album. This album may have commercial success, but it will be a by-product instead of a goal.

My first listen was on a proper home stereo and not and iPood or in the car and I think that was an excellent move on my part. I doubt I would have appreciated the production as much as I do otherwise. Ok, so that is enough of a review from me I am both to lazy and too busy. Here are some snippets from around the interweb:

…this is still the best Rush album for decades and deserves accolades and high recommendation, therefore ultimately a bonafide masterpiece status for all the reasons stated. I did not expect it to stand up to my rather high expectations, we Rush fans are rather demanding, but I am absolutely delighted to announce that this album is a tour de force that lives up to the hype, and is an exceptional treasure from start to end. So far, I hail it as album of the year!

++

‘Clockwork Angels’ is the thrilling sound of ‘classic Rush,’ but it’s never a nostalgic, archaic rearview glance. It’s the sound of ‘classic Rush’ in 2012 — and more importantly, it feels relevant outside of their own discography. It just might be the year’s finest rock album so far.

Suck on that, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

++

“Clockwork Angels” would be an impressive record even without its beautifully rendered libretto. The album’s production — handled by the band, returning collaborator Nick Raskulinecz and engineer Richard Chycki — ranks among the most astute of the trio’s career. There is a “live” feel throughout, particularly in the abundantly virtuosic drumming, some of Peart’s finest. Guitarist Lifeson is a master when it comes to constructing shimmering arrangements built of broad arpeggios, walloping power chords and harmonically inventive solos. Lee’s bass playing is beautifully busy, but equally groove-conscious. The interplay between the three musicians is simply breathtaking, perhaps more so than ever.

I need to pick this up. I've been looking forward to its release for over a year now.

sounds like every Rush album from Presto on.
Very, very slick.
there are some great parts, and some good songwriting, but it is so sterile sounding (to my ears) that it will likely get a listen or two more, then deleted from iTunes.

Really dude? Typical. I expected nothing less, but hoped to turn some people on to some excellent music. Anyway, Rush is slick. At least that is how they are to me. The production on here is so complimentary to the playing and music. Slick or not, it is some of the best production they have had in their career. The riffs are cool, the bass playing is busy but not annoying so and Pert has his groove on like NEVER before. I think the fact you are listening through iTunes and presumably and mp3 player is part of the problem.

So while I d not advocate listening to this album for the first time, this way…here you go…

Caress of Steel will always be my favorite; listening to the new album now.

I've listened to it a couple times now and Geddy owns this album. He is the most striking aspect of it. Maybe not in technicality but definitely in presence. Hell, even Neil seems to have taken it down a couple of notches.

Typical is the exact phrase that comes to mind with your butthurt .
It happens every time Rush releases a new album, you hear "Oh DUDE! Counterparts is the heaviest thing they've done in years!!!!" and to my ears its the same over-produced nonsense as the last album. But the fanboys will not have any differing opinions. So it has to be that I'm listening to it incorrectly (1411 kbps wav, thank you.)

I don't dig this sound. You have the right to enjoy it, and rave about it. If I disagree I will say so.
I'll gladly stick to the 70's and early 80's stuff that I get more enjoyment out of.

I'm skeptical. I will probably listen to it online later, but it's not a high priority for me right now. I've been hearing the same sort of hyperbole about ALL of their albums ever since 'Counterparts'.

None of their stuff is awful, but even if they pull out all the stops rock-wise, the present-day crooning stylings of Geddy's vocals knock at least a point off of any of their albums; maybe two points (thus a solid "8" album goes to a "7" or "6"). Once you begin losing your range, sing LESS not MORE.

No butthurt. It is your opinion and that's cool. I just don't get/hear it. I'm certainly not a fanboy, more of a casual fan since...I don't remember when. I get it about the '70's stuff. I love it, I just think this rank up there. Not in a sense you have to give them props for simply putting out an album at their age (like Pentagram). A band with their history it is impossible not to use their own catalog to compare to, but if you could get around that, I think this is a great album for 2012.

Rock on.

Had a listening party with some friends last night. My first impression, Geddy's bass sounds great (heavy tone) and Alex mixes it up quite a bit. He had some things going on guitar-wise that I have never heard him do. I really enjoyed it. The segues were great, and left us often asking, "Is this the same tune?" I dig albums that transition smoothly. And of course, great technical aspects throughout. I would like to hear it properly, on vinyl.

Vinyl is out now.
http://amzn.com/B007V4LKRU

Nice. Thanks for the heads-up.