Night Ranger | Somewhere in California
by Don & Ron Higgins
Staff Writer
Most people think of Night Ranger as a good ‘80s pop band with memorable ballads like “When You Close Your Eyes” and, most notably, “Sister Christian.” What many people forget is that Night Ranger was first and foremost a guitar-driven hard rock band formed by former Ozzy guitarist Brad Gillis. As some might recall, one of their first big hits was “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me” — an extremely guitar-heavy hard rock song from their rocking debut album Dawn Patrol. So it may surprise some (but really shouldn’t) that this is a heavy, guitar-laden, hard rock record — and a very good one at that. The keyboards are still present but they’re much more in the background compared to the rocking guitars which are front and center. It’s safe to say that this is one of the best records they’ve ever recorded. As good as Midnight Madness; as good as Seven Wishes — and just maybe, better than both.
This album is filled with great riffs, big choruses, huge hooks and infectious melodies. The vocals are top notch with excellent background vocals and harmonies. The production is excellent and the record has a very clean sound. The timing of this record’s June 17 European and June 21 North American release is impeccable, as this is the perfect shades on, top down, radio cranked, summer driving record.
Somewhere in California marks the 30th anniversary of this remarkable band. Original members Jack Blades, Kelly Keagy and Brad Gillis are joined by Joel Hoekstra on guitar and Eric Levy on keyboards on this impressive release.
The album kicks-off with their first single, “Growin’ Up in California”. This autobiographical tale is a guitar-heavy, up-tempo rocker with a monster chorus and infectious groove. It gives the listener a great taste of what they’re in for and is a perfect choice for their lead single. Once it’s been heard, lovers of classic, hard AOR music won’t be satisfied until they’ve heard the whole album.
Other standout tracks include “Lay It On Me’, “Time of Our Lives”, “No Time To Lose Ya” and “End of the Day”. “Lay It On Me” features another nice guitar intro that coalesces into a crunchy guitar riff and the heaviest track on offer. You almost forget you’re even listening to Night Ranger, mistakenly thinking maybe you’re listening to some full-on metal band. It’s one of the best songs on the record. “Time of Our Lives” is probably the best track on the record and the likely follow-up single to the title track. It’s a slow ballad that starts with a nice piano intro and then Kelly Keagy’s smooth vocals which slowly builds with guitars, drums and backing vocals to become a first-class power ballad. It would be a huge radio hit if the radio wasn’t dominated by teen TV stars and singers in eggs. It’s this album’s “Sister Christian”. “No Time To Lose Ya” is the next track and it kicks the tempo back up a notch with more heavy guitar work and another catchy chorus. “End of the Day” is another standout track that starts with some slow guitar picking and then slowly builds to a crescendo that starts rocking about 40 seconds in. Once again, it features another sing-along chorus that stays with the listener long after the song is over.
It’s hard to pick out just a handful of standout tracks because, really, they’re all pretty strong. “Bye Bye Baby (Not Tonight)” is one of the most traditional sounding Night Ranger songs, which is always a good thing. “Follow Your Heart” is a modern sounding song although it features a keyboard intro with strong Boston elements. “Live For Today” is another good song but one of the least memorable. “It’s Not Over” starts with a cool drum rhythm before being joined by the guitars and harmonies. It’s another classic summer cruising song. And “Rock N’ Roll Tonite” is a classic rock anthem sounding like a great mixture of Night Ranger, Deep Purple and Cheap Trick.
The album wraps up with “Say It With Love”. This features another short piano intro and just when you think yet another fine album is going to end on a boring note it kicks back into high gear with more ass-kickin’ guitars and another great chorus. The album ends as strong as it starts, accurately summing up this incredible album.
This is one of their best albums ever. Whether you’ve always been a Night Ranger fan or you simply like good melodic rock and roll, you need to buy this album. If you opt to download it as opposed to purchasing a CD, you even get access to a bonus track (“Coming of Age” featuring Ted Nugent if downloaded from Amazon and a cover of AC/DC’s classic “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” if purchased from iTunes). If you choose to download it, make sure to purchase a legal copy; don’t illegally download it. The only way to keep great bands like Night Ranger in business is to support them by purchasing their music and attending their shows. Fortunately, everyone has a chance to see them this summer as they tour in support of this awesome album. They will be special guests supporting Journey and Foreigner this summer.
Band:
Jack Blades (bass & lead vocals)
Kelly Keagy (drums & lead vocals)
Brad Gillis (guitar & backing vocals)
Joel Hoekstra (guitar & backing vocals)
Eric Levy (keyboards)
Track Listing:
1. Growin’ Up In California
2. Lay It On Me
3. Bye Bye Baby (Not Tonight)
4. Follow Your Heart
5. Time Of Our Lives
6. No Time To Lose Ya
7. Live For Today
8. It’s Not Over
9. End Of The Day
10. Rock N’ Roll Tonite
11. Say It With Love
Website: http://www.nightranger.com/
Label: Frontiers Records (http://www.frontiers.it/)
Hardrock Haven rating: 9.25/10
Review is dead on. Loved Night Rangers hits but never found their album’s consistent and solid enough to want anything more. “Somewhere In California” changes all that. Despite their past hits, this is THE Night Ranger album where they are motoring on all cylinders.