A melancholy, restrained interlude, “Hope” is the shortest Rush song and, in my opinion, the band’s most beautiful.
Alex recorded this in a single, brilliant session—because of course he did, because that’s just how his creative genius rolls.
It’s a companion piece to “Faithless,” a song off the same album about rejecting religious authority but believing in belief and love, the very best of humanity.
“Hope” tells the same story, just without words. It’s short, and sweet, and soaring. Just as hope burns brief and bright, so too does this song. Especially the part where it drops an octave (around 1:20)—it sends goosebumps up and down the backs of my arms every time.
The holidays can be a tough time of year. So if you need two minutes of gentleness; if you need the musical equivalent of a soft blanket and a pat on the back telling you everything is going to be okay; then you need some “Hope.” Press play.