Before and After: Background

“‘Before and After’ is the key song on the debut album to understanding where Rush would go next. What sounds like an acoustic guitar dominates a long instrumental introduction, before Geddy and Alex have some fine moments together. That and the extended introduction show a different side of the band, even if the song is a great Led Zeppelin rip-off.—Bill Banasiewicz, Rush Visions

“‘Before and After’ is perhaps a bit more dated [than some of the other songs on the debut album], something closer to what U.K. or U.S. boogie rockers of the day might have written.”—Martin Popoff, Contents Under Pressure

“‘Before and After’ is a solid track which begins with a somber guitar riff and a slow tempo. Lots of harmonics and clean chords. Distortion kicks in at about a minute, and once the verse kicks in, the song shifts tempo up a bit. Geddy’s vocals are varied, and the simple chorus (yeah . . . yeeeeaah) is quite effective. Alex unfolds another fantastic solo, which sounds perfectly in place with the rest of the song.”—Rush Appreciator XIII

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