My 'Snakes & Arrows' review...
I don't like to give a full review without listening to an album for at least a month (especially Rush), although I don't think you can truly rate how good an album is until years later. Perhaps I should be reviewing Vapor Trails now.
So without further ado...
Overall, I think it's definitely better than the last two, which I guess is good considering it sounds a lot like those two. While those Test For Echo and Vapor Trails have a couple klunkers in there, I don't really have a "skip" song on 'Snakes & Arrows' at this point. Of course that could change. I could see 'Workin Them Angels' becoming a "skip track" over time. Just the three instrumentals alone makes it better than Vapor Trails. The audio quality is certainly better than Vapor Trails, but it's still a little disappointing that they still don't have it right. I'm looking forward to seeing how the MVI sounds (assuming it is ever even released).
Lyrically, I think this is Neil's best work since Presto. I'm sure many will disagree with me on that, but these lyrics really speak to me, which always makes for a better listening experience.
Here is a song breakdown for those interested. I'm sure it varies greatly from everyone else...
Far Cry - Definitely their best "first released" single in a long while, but also not the best stuff on the album. Neil really rocks this song.
Armor & Sword - This is slowly becoming my favorite track on the album, which makes sense considering it took me a while to warm up to it.
Workin' Them Angels - Not one of my favorites. It's okay, but the lyrics are a little cheesy.
The Larger Bowl - The whole pantoum thing is a neat idea for a song, but I'm not really feeling it with this track.
Spindrift - Great song. Although I have no idea what it's about.
The Main Monkey Business - Love it, as I love all Rush instrumentals.
The Way The Wind Blows - I really liked this song the first time I heard it, and I still do, but it hasn't taken that next step for me. Yet.
Hope - Alex. Acoustic guitar. Nuff said.
Faithless - Best song on the album bar none. The fact that the lyrics really speak to me help it a lot as well. Best Rush song probably since something off of Counterparts.
Bravest Face - I really like this song, but man...depressing.
Good News First - Nothing special, but okay.
Malignant Narcissism - Great stuff. Just wish it was longer.
We Hold On - Best close to a Rush album since 'Everyday Glory'.
I think my biggest problem with Workin Them Angels is the lyrics. Similar to 'One Little Victory' for me.