Looking forward to this one. Addicted To Vinyl has this to say...
Veteran California rockers Night Ranger have set a release date of June 21st for their long awaited new album ‘Somewhere in California.’ I say “long awaited” in the sense that I’ve been looking forward to it since I heard that they were working on a new album and I’m guessing that I’m not alone.
‘Somewhere in California’ is the follow-up release to the band’s 2008 album ‘Hole in the Sun,’ a release that was controversially received by fans because of its harder edged sound. The initial sounds of first single ‘Growing Up In California’ indicate a return to the more familiar Night Ranger sound. In an official video interview, principal NR members Jack Blades, Kelly Keagy and Brad Gillis all emphasize that they made an effort to record an album that sounds like “classic Night Ranger,” a phrase that is repeated in various configurations throughout the interview.
The new album also serves as the studio album debut for guitarist Jeff Hoekstra who joined the band shortly after ‘Hole in the Sun’ was completed, replacing original guitarist Jeff Watson. New keyboardist Eric Levy also makes his album debut with the band, replacing previous keyboard player Christian Cullen.
With the lineup details out of the way, you can put away your scorecard and simply enjoy the music…and you should! Sound wise to these ears; the “classic Night Ranger” sound is definitely there – lots of dueling guitars from Hoekstra and Gillis, with layer upon layer of the expected NR background vocals filling out the choruses. Hearing a few additional songs within the video interview, the album sound seems to fly closely to the band’s initial reunion recordings heard on ‘Seven’ and ‘Neverland.’ In short, if you’re a Night Ranger fan, chances are good that you’re going to enjoy the new album.
Here’s the video for ‘Growing Up In California’ and also the track listing for the new album, which features a couple of bonus tracks at iTunes and Amazon – one of which is a rework of the Damn Yankees original ‘Coming of Age’ featuring special guest ‘Terrible’ Ted Nugent and interestingly enough, a cover of ‘Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap’ by AC/DC. We can’t wait to hear that one….
Track listing for 'Somewhere in California'
1. Growin' Up In California
2. Lay It On Me
3. Bye Bye Baby (Not Tonight)
4. Follow Your Heart
5. Time Of Our Lives
6. No Time To Lose Ya
7. Live For Today
8. It's Not Over
9. End Of The Day
10. Rock N' Roll Tonite
11. Say It With Love
12. Coming Of Age (featuring Ted Nugent) - bonus track for Amazon MP3
13. Dirty Deeds (Done Dirt Cheap) - bonus track for iTunes
Quote:
Night Ranger truly epitomizes the sound of the 80’s while at the same time transcending it. Since their reunion in 1996, they have brought their guitar-crunching, melodic brand of Hard Rock into the 21st century with unparalleled talent, energy and creativity.
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. Night Ranger’s contributions are featured in multiple entertainment realms, including the Broadway musical “Rock of Ages” and hit videogame series "Rock Band" and "Guitar Hero". The band has also been recognized in such significant films and television shows as Boogie Nights and American Dad to name a few.
The remaining founding members of the band have impressive resumes. Jack Blades was also in the supergroup Damn Yankees with Ted Nugent and Tommy Shaw, with whom he also released the now classic “Hallucination” album and the more recent “Influence”. His songwriting credits include Aerosmith, Cher, Alice Cooper and Ozzy, to name just a few. Brad Gillis appeared on Ozzy’s “Speak of the Devil” live album, while drummer Kelly Keagy has had a successful solo career of his own.
SOMEWHERE IN CALIFORNIA is the culmination of the band's work to date and celebrates the band's 30th anniversary with incredible melodic cuts and hard rocking numbers. Night Ranger's new album has everything the fans could ask for!
In April 2011 the group toured Mexico and Puerto Rico with Journey. Will be headlining a tour of Japan in June and then over to Europe with Journey and Foreigner for dates in Germany, Switzerland, Italy and a solo headline show in the United Kingdom, before rejoining Journey and Foreigner for their North American Tour (July-October), in celebration of their ninth studio album and another year to show the world that YOU CAN STILL ROCK with Night Ranger.
Night Ranger
Jack Blades – bass guitar, lead & backing vocals
Kelly Keagy – drums, backing & lead vocals
Brad Gillis – lead & rhythm guitars
Joel Hoekstra – lead & rhythm guitars
Eric Levy – keyboards
