Roll the Bones

Roll the Bones is the fourteenth album on which Rush clearly steps away from the synthesizer-centered design of the 1980s and again powerfully pushes Alex Lifeson’s guitar and the three-member ensemble to the fore. Geddy Lee’s bass and voice and Neil Peart’s precise drums work to move the songs lightly and with drive, rather than to boast complexity. It pushes the direction of the previous Presto further. In the brisk drive of the opener “Dreamline,” the beautiful ballad “Bravado” and the title track “Roll the Bones,” themed on chance and fate, rap-like narration and even a funk feel blend in very naturally as the band’s new playfulness, while the lyricism of “Ghost of a Chance” and the technique of the instrumental “Where’s My Thing?” also shine. Its great appeal is beautifully uniting high technique, intelligent humor and a pop, open drive. Without becoming too serious, the pure fun of playing rock overflows throughout. Achieving commercial success too, becoming a light, fulfilling entry into 1990s Rush, it is an accessible record.