Night Ranger
Somewhere In California
(2011)
Night Ranger was formed in San Francisco in 1982. They are celebrating their 30th Anniversary with one of their strongest efforts to date, “Somewhere in California.” While Night Ranger is known for the classic rock staples “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me,” “You Can Still Rock in America,” and the massive hit “Sister Christian,” they have managed to make 9 albums and have 12 songs chart on the Billboard Hot 100. Their songs have been featured in mega box office movies like “Boogie Nights” and “The Secret of My Success” and on the Broadway hit play “Rock of Ages.” This is a band that is still touring and playing arena’s even though their supposed hey-day is behind them.
While many fans of bands from their childhoods do not support the new music of these so called “nostalgia” acts, I think you should give “Somewhere in California” a listen if you ever owned “Dawn Patrol,” “Midnight Madness,” or “Seven Wishes.” It has all the elements that made those records so great while keeping the production values modern and fresh.
When Night Ranger parted ways with guitarist Jeff Watson, I was very sceptical about who could replace him. Who else could 8 finger tap like him. Joel Hoekstra was the perfect fit. He is a monster player and shredding guitar style really complements the sustain and whammy bar theatrics of guitar hero Brad Gillis perfectly. This album is a guitar tour de force! The band has brought the keyboards back into the fold with new keyboardist Eric Levy. If you close your eyes you would think it is Alan Fitzgerald. Night Ranger has always been about duelling guitars and big vocals. This album doesn’t disappoint. Jack Blades and Kelly Keagy are at their best. They really focused on who will sing what song best or more times than not, who sings the line the best.
This is fun rocking album and the lead single and first track, “Growing Up in California” starts the album in monstrous way. It has the true spirit of Night Ranger and stands up to any of their classic songs. Fantastic harmony guitar solos and a hook laden chorus get the album going in fine fashion.
Track 3 “Bye Bye Baby (Not Tonight) is my current favourite. It has Jack Blades in great form on the verses and Kelly Keagy ramping it up on the chorus. This song was stuck in my head the first time I heard it and will be a great addition to the live set.
Night Ranger is known for their big power ballads, and “Time of Our Lives” is one of their best. The song starts with a beautiful piano in the intro and leads into a massive chorus with 4 part vocal harmonies. This song would be a massive hit if radio would take the time to play it.
The album ends with another classic Night Ranger tune, “Say It With Love.” Joel Hoekstra really shines with an 8 finger tapping solo that blows my mind. This song has a great hook and has some great guitar playing.
“Somewhere in California” is the type of album you can listen to from start to finish, not many bands can say that. The songs are classic Night Ranger with all the elements that fans of the band will recognize and love. This is a must have for not only Night Ranger fans, but fans of amazing guitar players and classic rock song writing.
Any feedback on this new column is appreciated and if you have a record you would like us to check out let me know. Thanks for listening….Brandon
Bryan Adams
Room Service
(2004)
I thought for this initial review I would delve into a lesser-known release from one of my favorite well-known artists, Bryan Adams. During the mid 80’s and early 90’s Adams was all over the airwaves and MTV with hits like “Summer of 69”, Run to You” and “Cuts Like A Knife” which have now become staples on classic rock stations here in the U.S.
In addition to writing hit songs for himself he has also penned songs for many of the heavy weights of music like Tina Turner, Sting, Rod Stewart and he even wrote the soundtrack for the Disney movie Spirit. Adams has stayed busy on the music scene now for over 25 years and continues to write record and play. He wrote the theme song for the Vancouver Olympic games (yes he’s Canadian) and I recently caught him on an episode of “Crossroads” a show where they take a country musician and a rock musician and they play each others songs….his were much better than Jason Aldean’s (just my opinion). Although here in the US his popularity may not be what it once was, he continues to sell out arenas and stadiums across Europe and Asia to this very day.
I have always loved the story telling ability of Adams and on “Room Service” he continues to shown his inate ability to paint a picture with music and words. Now don’t expect a heavy rock record because “Room Service” isn’t that but it’s full of stories that make you feel like your right there as one of the characters.
One of the best tracks is the opener “East Side Story”. I’m a sucker far a good reminiscent tale about falling in love and Adams put an interesting spin on an age-old story.
Track 5 “Open Road” is a feel good up-tempo song that metaphorically compares living life to traveling down the open road. Again maybe not the most original idea but Adams makes you feel like your sitting right next to him.
The title track “Room Service” is about living life on the road which Adams clearly had done most of his life. Although I can’t literally relate to it he certainly makes you feel his sense of loneliness and isolation.
Overall this CD really pulled at me emotionally and that’s what a good record does. If you haven’t heard it I highly recommend you check it out. It’s a great CD for long drives because once you start it you won’t want to cut it off.
Any feedback on this new column is appreciated and if you have a record you would like us to check out let me know. Thanks for listening….Pap
