Rush-Vapor Trails (2002)

"Vapor Trails", the seventeenth album by Canadian band Rush, marked Neil Peart's return after several years away from music due to a series of unfortunate family events. In this new release, the trio definitively abandoned the synthesizer sounds of their recent recordings to focus on a more direct and, to some extent, less complex rock sound. This album also ushered in a new era for Rush, featuring much heavier material filled with powerful and energetic riffs in tracks like "One Little Victory", while still retaining their progressive side, as seen in the sinister "Ghost Rider". The powerful "Peaceable Kingdom" also showcases significant lyrics, a recurring theme for Neil Peart, addressing the events surrounding September 11, 2001, while "The Stars Look Down" features a breakneck rhythm driven by Lifeson's abrasive guitar work. Meanwhile, the lively "Out Of The Cradle" or the intricate "Secret Touch" are other highlights of another of the memorable albums by the legendary Canadian group.