ROLL THE BONES

An improvement from their very sterile "Presto", "Roll the Bones" sees Rush returning to a more straight-ahead rock form while still preserving their artsy tendencies. The album is, as a whole, weaker than some of their very strong '80's albums, but still has enough to latch onto and enjoy.

The first three tracks remain the strongest, with "Dreamline" and "Roll the Bones" taking their place among some of their finest. "Bravado" has a different sound than most other Rush tunes, with a slow, gradual build and very poignant lyrics. It goes slightly downhill from here, as a whole with Peart's lyrics stealing the show from the band's playing. "The Big Wheel" and "Ghost of a Chance" remain close to my heart, if only because of their impact on my adolescence, while most everything else is dangerously close to filler.

Still, the good tracks deserve their praise, and "Roll the Bones" should be investigated by those hooked by the bands stronger albums.

Songwriting: 3 Instrumental Performances: 3 Lyrics/Vocals: 4 Style/Emotion/Replay: 3