A Farewell To Kings - Musical Style

Musical Style

This album continues the band's explorations of their musical style and sound. Bringing a greater sense of depth to it are Alex Lifeson's use of classical guitar to open the title track, along with the more complex chord structures in the body of the song. Also of note are the subtle keyboard and synthesizers Geddy Lee uses in the foundation of "Xanadu", along with their prominent use in the melodic bridge and the chorus section. Anchoring the album is Neil Peart's solid and intricate percussion, an ever expanding range of drums, woodblocks, bells and chimes, also a prominent element of "Xanadu"'s atmosphere of sound. The lyrics of "Cinderella Man" are based on the Frank Capra film Mr. Deeds Goes to Town. It is also notable as one of the few Rush songs for which Geddy Lee wrote all of the lyrics after Peart's entry into the band.

"Madrigal" is one of the band's softest songs of this time period. It is also one of Rush's shortest songs at 2:35. The only other Rush songs that are shorter are "Need Some Love" (2:19), "Malignant Narcissism" (2:17), and "Hope" (2:02). The bass line in Madrigal, with a single exception separating the two verses, never plays the same note twice in a row.