Music review: Night Ranger ëƵ ëƵDonëƵt Let UpëƵ
I recently made a road trip to attend Rock the Arena II in Toledo to see some of my favorite rock bands of the ëƵ80s. The all-day concert was headlined by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members Cheap Trick and also included appearances by CinderellaëƵs Tom Keifer, Warrant, Quiet Riot, founding Ratt frontman Stephen Pearcy, Jack RussellëƵs Great White, Vixen, Autograph and Trixter.
Night Ranger would make a great addition to Rock the Arena III.
IëƵm just putting it out there now for the promoters to consider for next year.
The new studio album from Night Ranger successfully recaptures the bandëƵs knack for delivering melodic rock that features big guitar riffs and infectious melodies previously showcased on earlier albums like ëƵDawn Patrol,ëƵ ëƵMidnight MadnessëƵ and ëƵ7 Wishes.ëƵ
Original members Brad Gillis, Kelly Keagy and Jack Blades continue to rock steady on the new arrangements as the band celebrates 35 years of success with more than 17 million albums sold.
Night RangerëƵs debut release added to the soundtrack of my senior year of high school with the hits ëƵDonëƵt Tell Me You Love MeëƵ and ëƵSing Me Away.ëƵ
Still sounding as impressive now as the band did back in 1982, Night RangerëƵs 12th studio effort opens with the spirited rocker ëƵSomehow SomewayëƵ and is a throwback to the dueling guitars unleashed on earlier hits like ëƵ(You Can Still) Rock in AmericaëƵ and ëƵEddieëƵs CominëƵ Out Tonight.ëƵ
ëƵRunning Out of Time,ëƵ ëƵDay and NightëƵ and ëƵSay What You WantëƵ are high-octane numbers designed to shake the stereo speakers.
Other tracks such as ëƵJamieëƵ and ëƵComfort MeëƵ are the perfect excuse for air guitarists everywhere to bust out into fits of passionate theatrics.
Power ballads ëƵNothing Left of YesterdayëƵ and ëƵWe Can Work It OutëƵ are reminiscent of the California rockerëƵs mega hit ëƵSister ChristianëƵ and spotlight the softer side of Night Ranger.
ëƵDonëƵt Let UpëƵ proves that the band can still rock as hard as ever.
Night Ranger will make a Pittsburgh area appearance on April 21 at JergelëƵs Rhythm Grille.