Night Ranger: Hole in the Sun
It's been more than 20 years since they first proved -- nearly scientifically -- that you could still rock in America. And with their new album "Hole in the Sun," Night Ranger is intent on showing their original theorem hasn't faded with time.
Know this up front: The 12-cut CD is heavy with head-banging, fist-thrusting explosions. If you're looking for the softer side of the band that cranked out 80s classics like "Four in the Morning" or "Sister Christian," you're better off grabbing a "best-of collection." For the most part, the band seems to have put its pop-rock sound on the shelf this go around.
"It's new Night Ranger, but in a lot of ways it's classic Night Ranger," singing/bassist Jack Blades says in the official release announcement.
Credit guitarist Brad Gillis with flexing his sizable guns on the work here. "Brad brought in a lot of great ideas, some more modern-sounding things," explains drummer Kelly Keagy. "We wanted a lot of songs like 'Drama Queen' -- great, gritty songs that establish our roots in hard rock."
Here are the highlights:
TOP HEAVY: Like a lot of CDs I've heard lately, the best tunes are right up front. "Tell Your Vision" and "Whatever Happened" make for a fast start.
SOUNDS FAMILIAR: "There is Life" is the closest thing to a "Sister Christian" sequel. I got chills from the opening notes on the piano and found it easy to connect with the lyrics: "It's never all for nothing. If we have hope, then we gotta try." There's something to be said for a message you can understand.
OLD, OLD SCHOOL: "Revolution 4AM" has almost a '70s southern rock anthem feel to it. You half-expect to evolve into "Free Bird." It's the last thing you'd expect from a San Francisco band, but it works.
NOD TO THE CLASSICS: The review copy of "Hole in the Sun" includes two surprise bonus tracks -- acoustic versions of "Don't Tell Me You Love Me" and "Sister Christian." It's a nice way to mellow out after the guitar fiesta of the first dozen songs. And "Christian" on a simple acoustic guitar is a simple and satisfying pleasure. It's clear that Jack, Kelly and Brad still enjoy playing their signature tune.
BUY OR NO BUY?: Hard-core Night Ranger fans will love the album; the import version from Japan sold well since its 2007 release. Casual fans looking for the next VH1-friendly hit won't find much here outside of "There Is Life" and the two classics redone acoustically. One you figure out which group you fit into, the answer is obvious.
[Photo by Scott Harrison]
Relive the music, movies and culture of the greatest decade ever with Times online editor Steve Spears. A teen during the decade, Steve is obsessed with everything from Duran Duran to Journey, John Hughes to John Cusack, and parachute pants to Reaganomics.
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You'd have thought they'd go for a photograph that doesn't look like it was taken at Family Picture day in the basement of the church by an Olan Mills "professional."
Posted by: Kate | May 05, 2008 at 02:51 PM
Zing!
Posted by: Spearsy | May 05, 2008 at 02:58 PM
If only I was able to go to Rocklahoma...
Posted by: Complaint Department Manager | May 05, 2008 at 04:04 PM
I'm still waiting for the review copy Jack promised me.
Must be in the mail...
Posted by: Jeff in Cuba | May 05, 2008 at 04:28 PM
Jeff -- in the official press release for the new album, the band goes ON and ON about how much they enjoyed playing GTMO.
It really touched them. Their comments go on for pages and pages.
Posted by: Spearsy | May 05, 2008 at 05:29 PM
well ive been having hole in the sun since it came out last year. i didnt get the japanese version that has the acoustic versions of sister chritian and dont tell me you love me. those versions came from two of vh1's stripped series, which i have. hole in the sun has a bit of an edge to it. there is a more modern edge to the songs, but they still have that night ranger sound to them. amoung my favorites: tell your vision, whatever happened, white knuckle ride, drama queen, and there is life. jeff watson is on this cd. he's the other half of the great guitar combo that is night ranger. its unfortuneate that hes no longer in the band. night ranger are one of my all time favorite bands.
Posted by: chad | May 05, 2008 at 07:03 PM
HA! Olan Mills photo. Good call, Kate.
Posted by: Marissa | May 05, 2008 at 07:12 PM
I'm one of those that have been enjoying this since the Japanese release last year. It's enough of a rocker, that it caught a lot of NR fans off guard, but for me - just what the doctor ordered!
Posted by: Matt Wardlaw | May 05, 2008 at 10:34 PM
When is iTunes going to get it?
Posted by: Bassnote | May 05, 2008 at 11:00 PM
Much better publicity photo, Spearsy.
Posted by: Marissa | May 06, 2008 at 08:41 AM
The band's very efficient and friendly PR person gave me the updated photo. Muchos gracias, Amanda!
Posted by: Spears | May 06, 2008 at 09:24 AM