Reviews: 2112 by Rush and Anthem by Ayn Rand

More of a short story than a book, Anthem by Ayn Rand is the story of a dystopian future similar to George Orwell’s 1984 or George Lucas’s first film, THX-1138. Anthem is also the inspiration for the song “2112″ by Rush.

If you are familiar with the song “2112″ by Rush, then you know the basic story of Anthem. If you are not familiar with “2112″ then you should go and listen to it. What could be better than a song with a science fiction plot about freedom, individuality, and the beauty of music set to 20 minutes of rockin’ guitars? Anthem is 2112 without the music, guitars, and heavy science fiction. Ayn Rand’s story is about the socio-political aspects of life in a future where technology and individuality are banned, and the story of one man who discovers both technology and individuality.

I believe I enjoyed Anthem more having already been exposed to the basic ideas of it from listening to “2112.” Alternatively, that means that I think I would not have enjoyed Anthem as much had I never listened to “2112.” And I also believe that words set to music can express things much more effectively than words alone, as the words in “2112″ state:

“Listen to my music
And hear what it can do
There’s something here as strong as life
I know that it will reach you”

Those words have a greater impact when you are listening to the music and hearing what it can do.

Rating for 2112: 9 out of 10.
Rating for Anthem: 8 out of 10.