NIGHT RANGER: Hole in the sun

Choice Of The Month May 2007
Cover	Release	Style
	2007-04-20	melodic hard rock
	Label
	www.frontiers.it
	Website
	www.nightranger.com
	Contact
	-
	Playing Time	Cat. N°
	53:35	FR CD 331
	Review by / Translated by	Rating
	Johan	8/10
nederlands	Review
Night Ranger scored huge success in the 80s with their pre-Melodic Rock sound. Anno 2006, things did clear a bit and the ’Melodic Rock’ term being semi-insecure. This is the time Night Ranger decides to confuse us...again with the “Neverland” album. For now "Hole In The Sun" is the first Night Ranger album after nine years! These American rockers are back after a long time of silence and have recorded a brand new album. From the original line-up 1996 reunion, keyboardist Alan Fitzgerald is not a band member anymore. Added to the line-up now is the creative spirit of Michael Lardie (Great White). With or without Fitzgerald, Night Ranger do write an album that stands on foot to the present and on foot to the past. The guitar duo of Watson/Gillis is firing again in sharp riffing and crispy solos with a great chemistry throughout the whole album. You’ll find hooks and melodies to stick to your mind; who reminds you of the tremendous atmosphere of classic Night Ranger albums like "Big Life" and "Midnight Madness" in mind. The vocals are clear enough by a stable production. The band mixes present with the past. You got to take a bite on this album to find out some new stuff, some old things - but both with a new refreshing sound. This is an album that has grown on me every time I've listened to it. You might think this is an average Night Ranger album like their previous albums, but you got to change your mind after numerous listening sessions. The sound could be compared with Night Rangers "Seven" album mixed with hints of Damn Yankees. A couple of songs are really strong with great melodies and nice harmony - and lead vocals. It doesn’t matter which song you listen to; the hard rocking "Tell Your Vision" – the straight ahead rocker "Drama Queen" – the with pounding drums loaded arena rocker "You're Gonna Hear It From Me" - "Whatever Happened" with his great background vocals or the ballad "There Is Life" they are all great. This is mainly due to the combo’s choice of going for a more updated and modern sound. When the band does turn down the volume a notch, like on “Revelation 4am” and “Fool In Me” the attempt is of the half-hearted kind without sounding weak. The closing ballad “Being” could be a second version of the Night Ranger’s biggest hit “Sister Christian”.
Musicians
Jack Blades: Bass, Lead Vocals Jeff Watson: Guitars, Vocals Brad Gillis: Guitars, Vocals Kelly Keagy: Drums, Lead Vocals Michael Lardie: Keyboards, Vocals
Tracklist
Tell Your Vision (4:58) Drama Queen (3:57) You’re Gonna Hear It From Me (3:50) Whatever Happened (3:43) There Is Life (5:32) Rockstar (4:18) Hole In The Sun (4:47) Fool In Me (4:10) White Knuckle Ride (4:14) Revelation 4am (4:52) Wrap It Up (4:18) Being (4:45)
Discography
Dawn Patrol (1982) Midnight Madness (1983) Seven Wishes (1985) Big Life (1987) Man In Motion Greatest Hits (1989) Live In Japan (1990) Neverland (1997) Seven (1998) Hits, Acoustic and Rarities (2005) Hole In The Sun (2007)


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