[7] Campbell first became aware of his affliction with Alzheimer's while recording the music in 2009,[8][failed verification] although his wife Kim had noted memory lapses several years prior.

"Hold On Hope" is a cover of a song by the indie rock band Guided by Voices that had originally appeared on their 1999 album Do the Collapse.

BBC Music reviewer Martin Aston has called Ghost on the Canvas "a fine way to bow out of the business", citing Rick Rubin's production work with Johnny Cash through American Recordings.

Aston continued that Campbell's vocal performance remains strong and the instrumental interludes were reminiscent of The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds.

[22] Christopher Muther of The Boston Globe considers the album "gorgeous and charming", but finds the sentimentality "overshadows Campbell's emotional and musical growth.