This 1977 release, A Farewell to Kings, Rush's fifth studio album, was recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales and mixed in London's Advision Studios. A Farewell to Kings became the band's first U.S. gold-selling album within two months of release, and went platinum. The singles included 'Closer to the Heart' and 'Cinderella Man,' while the album peaked at No. 33 on the Billboard 200 and No. 22 on the U.K. album charts. A Farewell to Kings has been newly-remastered at legendary Abbey Road Studios using the Direct to Metal Mastering (DMM) audiophile copper plating process, all from original analogue masters. Then it's been pressed on luxurious 180-gram vinyl at Quality Record Presings!

A Farewell to Kings successfully built on the promise of the band's breakthrough 2112, and helped broaden their audience, writes AllMusic.

"On 1977's A Farewell to Kings it quickly becomes apparent that Rush had improved their songwriting and strengthened their focus and musical approach. Synthesizers also mark their first prominent appearance on a Rush album, a direction the band would continue to pursue on future releases. With the popular hit single 'Closer to the Heart,' the trio showed that they could compose concise and traditionally structured songs, while the 11-minute 'Xanadu' remains an outstanding accomplishment all these years later (superb musicianship merged with vivid lyrics help create one of Rush's best all-time tracks)." AllMusic

• Newly remastered at Abbey Road Studios using the Direct to Metal Mastering (DMM) audiophile copper plating process, all from original analogue masters
• Pressed on luxurious 180-gram vinyl at Quality Record Presings!

Review

A1 A Farewell To Kings
A2 Xanadu
B1 Closer To The Heart
B2 Cinderella Man
B3 Madrigal
B4 Cygnus X-1