Iconic arena-rockers Night Ranger are set to release their eleventh studio album, “High Road”. The cover art for HIGH ROAD, incorporates elements of the artwork from the band’s previous releases. Of the new album, frontman/bassist/songwriter Jack Blades commented, “It’s almost summer and a great time to take a trip down the “High Road”! Our new record features classic Night Ranger feel-good, high-energy kick-ass rock n’ roll. We can’t wait for our fans to hear.” Drummer/singer Kelly Keagy added, “We’re so proud of this new record and excited to get back on the road to bring the new music to our fans.”
Night Ranger’s legendary hits “Sister Christian”, “(You Can Still) Rock in America,” and “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me” are songs that have each significantly impacted popular culture and expanded their ever-growing fanbase since the band’s inception thirty years ago. Over the years, the band’s music has made notable contributions to and been featured in many different areas of media and popular culture. Night Ranger’s songs can be heard in the Rock Band and Guitar Hero video games; Rock of Ages hit Broadway musical and film (who would guess that Davey would review something with a link to Rock of Ages? … said no-one, ever!); the Oscar-nominated film Boogie Nights; FOX’s hit TV Show American Dad; JBL’s “Hear The Truth” campaign; and many more!To date, Night Ranger has sold 17 million units worldwide and boasts several platinum- and gold-certified albums.
So does this new album match the heights of their previous canon? On first listen, the opening (and title) track hits the ground running. A proper feelgood, Summer song that really bears repeated playing and has the kind of instant appeal that should have made Night Ranger MASSIVE in the UK. Swiftly followed up with “Knock Knock Never Stop”, the openig salvo sets the bar high and draws a line in the sand that shows the other bands out there how to create a career with longevity.
Despite all evidence to the contrary, I am more of a rocker than a ballad boy, but just like “Sister Christian”, the ones on offer here will definitely ensure not a dry seat is left in the house. However, it is the up tempo tracks that really cut it for me – a beaming smile and tapping feet suggested that this an album that keeps on giving.
Guitar fans will be delighted with the technique on offer – electric, acoustic and great tones throughout. The deluxe edition bonus track, “L.A. No Name”, is an instrumental showcase for Gillis and Hoekstra and is so good that you must make sure that you get the deluxe version. A great track that goes way beyond the typical, guitarist showing off that can get rather, well, dull. Vocals, as ever, shared between the stunning Jack Blades and, drummer, Kelly Keagy just make it clear why Night Ranger are so loved in their homeland.
The great news is that Night Ranger have been announced as headliners for HRH AOR 3 in March 2015. A rare chance to show them that you can also still rock in the UK – although accomodation for the three day festival is now sold out, day passes are available and you need to try and get yourselves to what promises to be one of the events of the year. For more information see poster below.
Tracklisting: High Road; Knock Knock Never Stop; Rollin’ On; Don’t Live Here Anymore; I’m Coming Home; X Generation; Only For You Only; Hang On; St. Bartholomew; Brothers; L.A. No Name*
DVD*: High Road (videoclip); Knock Knock Never Stop (videoclip); Making of the album (documentary)
*only available on the deluxe edition
“High Road” ia available now via Frontiers Records. Produced by the band itself, “High Road” will be available in two formats – a standard CD version and a deluxe version which includes two bonus tracks and a DVD featuring a background look at the making of the album along with video clips.
Night Ranger is: Jack Blades (bass guitar, vocals), Kelly Keagy (drums, vocals), Brad Gillis (lead & rhythm guitars), Joel Hoekstra (lead & rhythm guitars) and Eric Levy (keyboards)
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