REACTION! 👻 RUSH Ghost Of A Chance 1991 ROLL THE BONES FIRST TIME HEARING

[@ryancraig2795]

"I hope they don't ruin it with a rap" LOL! Love this song. Love the way it drops into the chorus.

[@dennisgray8100]

By far one of my favorite Rush songs. Powerful lyrics, Erie music and smooth transitions. Alex's guitar work is so underappreciated

[@spiffymick7073]

By far the best tune on the album in my opinion. That transition when the bottom falls out is like buddah.

[@RogueReplicant]

Yes. As a guitarist, the solo is a gem.

[@Smartie1]

“When the bottom falls out is like Buddha” #forthewin

[@ATLienForLife]

Definitely!

[@peteval621]

Yeah, this and Bravado are my favorites on the album. The live version of Ghost of a Chance is really good also.

[@kevinhampton6986]

Alex's solo is great as are the little licks he throws in to take turns with Geddy's vocals at the end. One of Rush's best

[@markandersen5187]

Version on Snakes and Arrows Live bonus disc is sublime...from solo to the end is mesmerizing...love how they end it live...that last Lerxst chord❤️

[@JrileyJ1286]

Agreed. The live version of this on Retrospective III is a different take, and is also beautiful. Slightly different little tweaks to it and I love both versions equally because of that

[@garytackett8426]

The 'Sexy' chord.. Indeed..

[@markgettemeyer1145]

Alex’s little tag solos at the end are my favorite part of this song - so longing and melancholy. This is the best song on this release.

[@markandersen5187]

Totally agree...Justin will pick up on that on his next few listens...he was still talking about the main solo during these accent bursts by Alex...easily my favorite on the album...this song in my top 22 Rush songs ...

[@seano2112]

Another brilliant song and Alex's guitar work is simply exquisite

[@WeDanceWestie]

No doubt about it, this a great song and one of the very few that I like on the album. Love the mellow mood and it carries a very loving message a message we should all listen to. Beautifully said Neil and beautifully played by the band. Great reaction Justin.

[@terrywalshii9402]

This song live played on the snakes and arrows tour is fantastic. Best song on the album.

[@richierich398]

YES! You took the words out of my mouth. People that stoped listening to Rush after such and such album missed out on a lot of great songs like this one! I have a distinct memory regarding this song. I was driving in my car with my girlfriend and this song came on the radio. My girlfriend at the time was like oh my God, I love this song. I remember thinking two things. First, I was surprised this song made it to the radio. And, second, my girlfriend loves a Rush song! Rush’s ever evolving sound is what kept them relevant for four decades. Enjoying the Journey bro.

[@NDawg2112]

I think it’s awesome how at the beginning you were like “Alex is my least favorite (we know you were kidding lol)” to now “I want Alex!” You’re absolutely right of seeing discographies like this in how a band changes their dynamics and roles sometimes. Especially bands like this with the same members for decades. Love the analysis on these even with weaker songs. We’re enjoying the journey you’re taking, thanks for sharing with us!

[@dannyandropoli1744]

I am def gonna subscribe ....your honest and to the point...I don't always agree with you...but love your show.......Danny si ny

[@ryancraig2795]

I had a girlfriend who liked Rush, and this was "our song". Unfortunately we couldn't make it last.

[@toddashton9696]

Hopefully it was for the best.

[@samson9535]

Women never want to make it last!

[@ryancraig2795]

But I still believe there's a ghost of chance...

[@Goldie1977]

Fantastic song. Fantastic lyrics. Such a fabulous and massively underrated album. My fave Rush album 🫶🎼🤘

[@workingman6681]

This is my favorite song on this album. Probably one of my top Rush songs

[@scottyhightower4812]

I said it before but, if it wasn't for this song I probably wouldn't own this album. At the time it came out this tune hooked me immediately. Then when I saw it live on that tour it just solidified it for me.

[@grahamkey8496]

This song has been a fan favourite for many years. It's one of the most unlikely Rush songs they did possibly. Glad you liked it.

[@KennethStCyr-dv6cm]

I just wanted to thank Justin for this Rush thing he is doing. Some of us are going thru some stupid shit, and its a nice break to sit and relax and listen to and discuss what for most of us here is our favorite band. Thanks!!!

[@JustinPanariello]

🙏

[@itsmedrooms6071]

It’s nice when it just opens up. I’m a sucker for that ethereal sound. I remember this song because it had some radio play and I guess it was classified as a single.

[@chrispotyok8843]

Very beautiful song. 😍 So glad that you liked it.

[@sethcashman1011]

I thought there was a chance that you might like this one - or aspects of it, anyway - and I'm glad you did. One of the many reasons I value these reactions is that, in some cases, I feel that I'm rediscovering the songs as you discover them for yourself. This song was never a super-favorite of mine overall, but hearing the reaction of a musician whose work I admire invariably makes me listen with fresh ears, and that was certainly true in this case. It would be cool to hear a second reaction down the road, once you have listened to it a few more times and the "whys" of what makes this song great for you become clearer. Anyway, really enjoyed this listen-along.

[@rickthestiks9240]

that song play a lot on the radio back then,its one of the few love song they did,to me,one of the best love song they did,is cold fire,its start smooth,and after that they press the gas,l.o.l, almost finish justin, next level.🤘🤘🤘

[@docwho10th88]

This song was very popular on our local easy listening radio stations. First time ever a song by Rush was romantic.

[@surfeit5910]

This was the first Rush song I ever remember recognizing on the radio when it was played regularly.

[@justineapril7922]

Arguably, the best track on the album, both musically and lyrically. It is even better LIVE!! ❤✌🎼🎸

[@sonicart1808]

The shining star of this album, great reaction thanks Justin....

[@zerglilngvet5428]

yea eazy to love this song

[@surfeit5910]

One of my top 5 Rush songs overall. It's an "our song" for my fiance and I on top of being an anazing song

[@mpkelley20]

I’m surprised you liked it but glad you did. Thankfully no rap!

[@debbieplato5107]

Yes, this is a lovely song and one of my favs off the album.

[@graciefolden2359]

I'm so happy you really liked this (only) hidden gem on RTB. Alex has a hint of Clapton coming out imo and the Paul Reed Smith always has a great clean full bodied sound.

[@timgood5771]

I've enjoyed your journey thru Rush's discography. Watched you review every song off of every album. I appreciate the way you deliver your feedback unabashedly or worrying about stepping on toes. The "other" guys doing the discography are almost pandering which is annoying. Your feedback is honest and with merit, being a professional musician. Roll the Bones never did it for me at all. Only three tracks that I like, including this one. To me this is top 20 material. Thanks for what you do, Justin!

[@kentw377]

Great song. As one who's been married 45 years it really touches me. Beautiful mature love song without sappy lyrics. Personally I like the whole album but I know we disagree there. Keep up the great work, Justin!

[@nobodyyouknow3017]

Agree. Been together 33 years, and this one rings pretty true. I'm a bit more spiritual than Neil, but agree with a lot of his lyrics/themes.

[@ritchmoore1442]

Always loved this song. 😎

[@carlbusque1856]

Always loved this song…

[@allanperry6507]

Thanks Justin for a great critique of 🤘RUSH🤘. Smiles 😃 from Canada 🇨🇦

[@chrisandersen5635]

I don’t know in general how much airplay this got, but KLOS in LA played it fairly regularly, and I always loved it when it would come on in the car.

[@copernichrisrush5082]

Truly a hidden gem on an album that needs it! One of my all time favs of the band. I thought there was going to be a ghost of a chance you might like this song. Please listen again to Alex's tasty chops not only in the solo but after when the singing returns.

[@ginamarandino6451]

Oh absolutely I agree with you I wouldn't have suggested this to you until you've gotten at least a dozen songs from Rush underneath your belt. This and mission, resist you have that one's coming up, and some others you haven't gotten to yet.

[@bobhope3716]

You should've heard this guitar solo in concert ! Truly epic.

[@Joelster-og4pf]

This song is a good example of a hidden gem on one of their more under appreciated albums. I relate to this one as well. It’s lovely. One of my top favs on this. And yes, I like this more than the title track lol.

[@charlied7571]

Yup! I know... a two-year-old video, but somehow, it showed up in the side-bar. I remember this song at it's release and thought it would become one of Rush's best songs... like Tom Sawyer, New World Man, Closer To The Heart kind of best. Ghost Of A Chance has that extra-something that lifts it up above the rest of it's album, just like those other songs. They had a very good day, the day they recorded this!

[@martydavis547]

Love this song their is a live version they did a few years back amazing!

[@johntash5895]

Rush brought it back on the Snakes and Arrows tour in 2008, cool version is on that dvd. You might like that one during the break before Counterparts.

[@iamhere9805]

Another great one! I got Into rush early 2000's when I was in middle school so I listened to them backwards. I started with test for echo(you rarely if ever see recommendations off that album)and will always be attuned to their later works. Test for echo(Peak Rush), vapor trails, roll the bones, snakes and arrows, counterparts, Clockwork angels will always be my favorites😍

[@brianjohnson7136]

Agreed! My fav song from that album. Thanks for your thoughts.

[@edwardcalvet]

Saw they play this live back in the day, EPIC!

[@ericvonsteuben7533]

They didn't play this song at the beginning of the Roll The Bones tour (and had no intention to) in late Oct. '91, but it was released as a single and rose so fast on the charts that they quickly added it to the tour in early December. I just missed seeing it live in Philly, but saw it live in early '92 in Uniondale, NY.

[@joetrainer31]

Agreed. Best track on the album so far.

[@BlackCatLover]

At this point, Alex really starts getting into atmospheric sound and he continues playing beautiful tasty solos from here on. There is something to be said about this gorgeous style over just shredding.

[@TheCentralScrutinizerAgain]

`I want more` yeah, Alex`s work on this track is perfect for me. Great song, glad you liked it. yep, no rap!

[@vincenttayelrand]

I have to agree with you - this was actually a decent song.

[@ginamarandino6451]

This is always been in my top 20 it's got such a really cool vibe to it and you're right about the solo. You're too funny though at least they didn't ruin it with a rap 😅

[@ryancraig2795]

I literally lol'd at that

[@johnjackson8228]

So did I! Haha

[@hughsnow830]

I'm glad you're going to play it again because there's some great fills by Alex towards the end that you might have missed while you were talking. Enjoy.

[@danielwolski873]

Best song on the album and a top 20 Rush song.

[@michaellynch2497]

This was a single released in the UK. At the time I thought imagine introducing someone to Rush with this song, there's an almost late night, jazz radio feel to it. Next ha ha!

[@evanswendy9773]

This is the fun part of listening to album's! You will find a gem!

[@raymondregis6219]

This didn't click with me at first but I like it a lot now. It's one of the few Rush songs that would sound good with a sax solo.

[@ischmidt]

The chart position of the album was in part driven by fairly heavy rock radio play of this song. The thicker tone of the PRS over the Strat he'd been using really helps. Amusingly, the part where everything drops out that you liked essentially is the rap section from "Roll the Bones", without the beat and the rap. The guitar/bass/drum playing is very very similar, except the drums are acoustic. Regarding learning and forgetting, a lot of session guys and producers can speak music theory, but most of them just subconsciously do it. Session guitarist Tim Pierce often says on his channel that he walked into, for instance, the Goo Goo Dolls' "Iris" session, listened to the chord structure, and just immediately played in the appropriate key and mode without actually thinking about it.

[@uga_3605]

You should give the Snakes and Arrows tour live version of this a listen. It is incredible, better than the studio recording!

[@charlesdbruce]

Hold Your Fire, Presto, and Roll The Bones were kind of "adult contemporary" Rush. For the most part, a little softer guitar sounds, a little less soloing on the guitar. I remember hearing Force Ten off of Hold Your Fire wondering... "what kind of guitar solo was that...?" Counterparts is when they began to bring some of the crunch back.

[@rushrules81]

Yes best song on album. FYI that solo is the original from the demo. They liked it so much , especially Neil ( if I remember correctly), so they didn't re-record it and kept it.

[@Skelevon_gaming]

Rush is a great band one of my favorites I recommend giving the big money by rush a listen its good

[@saucerocreamify]

I believe ghost of chance is one of the best they've done

[@eoinjennings519]

finally found one you liked and before the solo which is the high spot!

[@michaelenosmusic]

I thought I read in an interview that the guitar solo was actually lifted from the pre-production demo because it was so good. Also ..I do remember this being a single.. or at least it got a ton of airplay.

[@JustinPanariello]

Yes, and I read it on my album intro.. it was on the wiki page for the album.

[@anthonypallen7919]

Good reaction Justin

[@christopherhuot2826]

Gr8 song,soulful

[@obiwanbenobi4943]

Glad you got one in the bag! :) I don't mind nerd dissection or analysis types of things. Intervals, Chords, phrasings, all are interesting to me if you can make them legible. While I cannot read music for beans I still enjoy seeing someone else get into it and talk about it.

[@jaycameronford]

This song and the next are the two best songs on the album.

[@lucasburigo]

One of my favorite songs, not just from Rush. I'm atheist and I can see myself living that experience. That lyric, guitar solo e and the vibe when drops into the chorus.. mannn! Justin, you need see this song live, just search Rush Snakes and Arrows - Ghost Of A Chance!

[@markveillette2382]

Ghost of a chance, neurotica, bravado (live version). Are the best songs on this album.

[@ZIG4ZAG20]

“I believe there’s a ghost of a chance, I can find a song to like, on this al-bum”you sang it don’t lie, 😂it is a banger and it should be viewed live off the Snake’s and Arrows Live 2008 Blu-ray. This song, and Coldfire on the next album Peart said in a interview: “It’s the kind of song you’d expect to be a huge hit, but then you realize we’re just to weird!” And I agree if someone else did it-well you know.😂❤🤘🖖✌️🥁🎸🎹🎤

[@JeffOnTheRoads]

First time I’ve heard this song. Definitely an improvement.

[@KilgoreTrout1972]

I knew you'd like this song. You love Rush love songs you big softie.

[@obiwanbenobi4943]

We knew that since Tears...

[@youtoo2233]

@@obiwanbenobi4943 my girlfriend doesn't like hardly any Rush but Tears actually made her cry, truth is she was drunk though and now doesn't remember it, lol

[@neilholding9227]

Check out the live version with the lasers

[@timshelton8535]

I slept on this song for a long time!

[@Dave-in-TN]

By far the best song on the album, and in my top favorite Rush songs!

[@keydobutkrak]

This is a good one 👍🏼

[@anthonypallen7919]

Best song on the album by a long shot for me.

[@toddashton9696]

Justin, this is my favorite song from Roll the Bones. Like you, I really wish we got more from Alex during the chorus. Its such a nice breakdown, its quiet and would be a great showcase. I also like Neil's lyrics. - Love song without cliché.

[@toddashton9696]

PS. I am always tinkering with my Hot Songs Playlist. I thought I was the only one....:>

[@johnjackson8228]

Nice!

[@kkirw01]

So many similarities between the slow section of Ghost and the guitar work in Available Light

[@johnnymegabyte]

This song is full of transitions. Ya, Alex is a bit buried in the mix, except when he solos, or the melody he plays between verses. It's an underdog Rush songs. The single peaked at No. 2 on the U.S. Album Rocks Track chart

[@ianhewitson2738]

A wonderful song which, in another universe, would have been a big hit single.

[@Katehowe3010]

Just written the same thing! 😉

[@richierich398]

This song did get a lot of AirPlay on the rock stations in my market (Detroit)

[@jackteppo9633]

Dreamy tune. Like the song to lay back in bed and just listen.

[@rexipexi]

I like your reaction. Ghost of a chance, The Garden, bravado are Rush versions of love ballads.

[@oldgoldandblack1]

I had the same reaction as you as you 30 years ago when that clean sound and time change hit. Dark horse tune. Great solo.

[@oldgoldandblack1]

On the nerdier side of things, I think Lerxst hit another period of great composition, tones and playing when he started using PRS (at the urging of Larry Lalonde from Primus).

[@brettking1014]

Whew! Glad you liked this. You needed to be re-energized on this album…lol! After a few more listens, you’ll come around on at least the first two tracks. Also, check out Roll The Bones live after you finish this album and before Counterparts. It sounds better live. Keep chugging my friend!

[@Liquidmuse3]

If you pick this song and Scars, you officially have good music taste 🙂

[@mightyV444]

"Yeah, this is a nice one ... I hope they don't ruin it with a rap!" 😊 This was released as a Single and has been one of the very few Rush songs I'd ever heard on the radio (in Germany pre 2002 and in NZ after) 🙂

[@ginamarandino6451]

This is Rush's version of a love song. It's definitely Neil's view of love

[@bobhope3716]

Check out a live version.

[@geneharland]

At first I thought it was an OK track (especially liked the atmospheric drop) but I kind of dismissed it as a blatant attempt to get radio airplay (which it did succeed at). It wasn't till I heard the live version from the Snakes and Arrows Live video that I fell in love with it. It's a great take and hopefully you'll get a chance to check that version out sometime. Great reaction as usual!

[@georgespragens7589]

Here's an interesting challenge for you once you're done with the discography, since you like finding these little hidden gems. Back in the late '90s and early '00s it seemed to be the thing for bands with large catalogs (or their record companies) to put out Box Sets. Problem was, in the 4-6 discs in every set I always found songs that I didn't think needed to be there, and songs that I wished had been included but weren't. So, I'd go back and make my own (did it for Journey, Yes, Foreigner, and a couple of others ... but strangely enough I have yet to do it for Rush). Once you get done with Rush's entire catalog, "create" a box set for Rush with these parameters (the same I've used) -- at least one song from each studio album, no more than half of the songs from any one album (that one got a little hard for me), and it is acceptable to use a live version from any of their official releases to take the place of a studio recording (lots of options with Rush since they documented every tour from Test for Echo on with either a live album, DVD, or both, and most of the 40th anniversary re-issues have live recordings included). This could be an interesting mental exercise for you. Heck, I might even pay you for it!

[@georgespragens7589]

Also since it's Rush, you can use only portions of some of the "epic" songs if you wish. For example, on one of the live albums they performed 2112's Overture, Temples of Syrinx, and Grand Finale. I would take that and Passage to Bangkok from the 2112 album.

[@donnelson6694]

I really enjoy Alex's playing on this song. I still don't love it but I think it's better than most tracks on this album.

[@AnthonyKellett]

A stand out

[@stevepreece2931]

Indeed the best track, Alex's moody guitar playing is stunning and definitely up there with the likes of Dave Gilmore and just using a touch of effects.

[@debilarge]

Ahhh….my favorite.. so perfect. You should watch it live, I think the later concert from Dallas. Watch him play. Great song.❤

[@mattbaker5757]

My favorite of the album and really the only reason for me to own it (along with the $3 it cost, breaking down the 3 disc bundle I purchased)), I have grown to like a couple more. But I can barely wait until you finally get to Counterparts and the rest! But after hearing you talk about analizing the song to figure out why you like it personally what attracts you to it, I started thinking about that and well it's because of Alex's guitar playing and the first comparison with another artist or band that came to mind is Eric Clapton. Post Cream when he was about the same age as Alex was when the song was created.

[@mikepitre2112]

Best song on the album...Neil would always do the writing for the tour book and when writing about this song I remember Neil saying two things about it: 1. This is the kind of song that we felt should be a massive hit single....but by now we've learned it won't be because we are too weird 2. Some greater guitar stuff on this song....but don't tell "him" I said that.