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Night Ranger Frontiers Records
Night Ranger: Somewhere in California
Night Ranger Somewhere in California album new music review

Night Ranger: Somewhere in California

AOR/Melodic Rock
4.75/5.0

Night Ranger returns with their tenth studio album, Somewhere in California, in their better than 30 year career. This new album might strike a better chord with long time fans who were disappointed with the so-called more modern sound of the previous Hole in the Sun. Somewhere in California runs more towards that anthem-like arena ready sound that made the Eighties famous.

Somewhere in California opens strong with autobiographical Growin' Up in California, a melodic rocker with a summer, top down convertible, feel. That arena anthem character kicks in the following songs. Lay It On Me is heavier, but catchy, melodic rocker with strong guitar (but that's every here). Bye Bye Baby has sentimental feel wrapped up in a strong vocal arrangement and the hook of a big chorus. Follow Your Heart offers a steady pace, a bit of blues, and another hard rock anthem. Another song ready for the open air is semi-ballad Time of Our Lives, beginning with simple piano and vocals and then soaring to conclusion. No Time to Lose Ya is pure AOR melodic rock suitable for framing in the summer sun or evening of radio airplay.

This opening momentum continues in the latter half of Somewhere in California, with a few curious turns. Live for Today is another fine and ambitious ballad (with a bit Beatlesque feel?), but seems a little drawn out. It's Not Over is another solid rocker, yet trips over itself with repetitiveness of the chorus. Rock N Roll Tonite is exactly what you would expect: an anthem to rock; its rowdy and gives the band a chance to get raucous. However, it's not quit as gripping as some of the earlier tunes. Nevertheless, these are all fine songs showing Night Ranger significant skill in musicianship and song craftsmanship. To this end, Somewhere in California closes with Say It With Love, a rather inspirational, if not sentimental, piece that finds Night Ranger returning to that accessible AOR arena rock sound.

Honestly, on Somewhere in California Night Ranger sounds better than ever. This is solid, well-crafted, melodic rock: accessible, infectious, and entertaining. It's a perfect release for your Summer Ipod play list.




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In Short

On Somewhere in California Night Ranger sounds better than ever. This is solid, well-crafted, melodic rock: accessible, infectious, and entertaining. It's a perfect release for your your Summer Ipod play list.

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