NIGHT RANGER - review added 15th June 2011
Album Review: Somewhere In California (2011)
For fans of: Hard Rock
Scarily (if you remember the beginnings of their existence) "Somewhere In California" marks the 30th anniversary of Night Ranger. Considering that, it's amazing they still sound so young and fresh.
We last visited them for their 2007 album "Hole In The Sun", a release with a touch of experimental oddity, but generally enjoyable nonetheless. This latest LP is much more of a straight ahead effort, trading kookiness for familiar skill. The change works, and makes "Somewhere In California" a more accessible beast. The performances are all measured, or to put it another way spot on. In fact, as a whole, this is an album it's hard to find any major faults with.
Song wise, ‘Growin Up In California’ kicks things off in speedy contagious fashion. The heavier ‘Lay It On Me’ builds slowly to a monster chorus. ‘Bye Bye Baby’ is nondescript to start with, but again there’s a big chorus that makes the wait worthwhile. ‘Follow Your Heart’ is very likeable, but perhaps not as big as the first triplet of tracks. ‘Time Of Our Lives’ is the first slower number, and whilst it brings nothing new to the ballad-arena, it’s a pretty damn decent song in its own right. ‘No Time To Lose Ya’ is another good if middling effort; nothing to dislike, but it doesn’t quite hit the expected highs.
‘Live For Today’ is a mid tempo track that tells a good story but fails to excite. ‘It’s Not Over’ is right back into the groove, offering a catchy melody and fine lyrics. ‘End Of The Day’ starts with some very nice guitar work, leading into what I’ll call a song with depth; it’s not instantly accessible, but it’s clear with another 50 listens it’ll worm its way into my mind and never leave. ‘Rock N’ Roll Tonite’ is another of the big racy numbers, and works very well indeed. It deserves a permanent place in the bands set list without a doubt. Final track ‘Say It With Love’ is not the expected ballad, more a classic rocker, but it’s a great end to the album.
In Summation:
The tracks here may not be quite up to the epic best of Night Ranger, but the album as a whole is on a par with the finest they’ve produced. Definitely a recommend purchase.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall (Not An Average Of The Above):
Track List:
01. Growin' Up In California
02. Lay It On Me
03. Bye Bye Baby (Not Tonight)
04. Follow Your Heart
05. Time Of Our Lives
06. No Time To Lose Ya
07. Live For Today
08. It's Not Over
09. End Of The Day
10. Rock N' Roll Tonite
11. Say It With Love
Band/Performers:
Jack Blades (bass & lead vocals)
Kelly Keagy (drums & lead vocals)
Brad Gillis (guitar & backing vocals)
Joel Hoekstra (guitar & backing vocals)
Eric Levy (keyboards)
Other Info:
Label: Frontiers Records
Artist's website(s): Night Ranger | MySpace | Facebook
