Maybe you've already heard the single track "Growin' Up in California," as there
been a video out on YouTube for a while. It's a really catchy song
where Night Ranger mixes their rock influences, such as Styx, Cheap
Trick and Aerosmith. It's a strong song that really is a worthy introduction
and that creates a tension for the rest of the album.
The songs chosen come with more melody, and with a little
harder touch than what I expected from NR. Good choruses and
powerful guitars makes my corner of the mouth begins to pull itself up.
"Lay it on me" is probably one of the hardest songs they have released in many
years. Night Ranger plays what they do best, pure hard rock n roll made the
Californian way with an expiration date that is far into the future. The ballad
"Time of Our Lives" begins quietly and neatly with only a piano but will
rise in power towards the end. "It's Not Over" is also one of the rockier of the
songs I enjoyed a little more on 'Somewhere in California'.
Did you like NR in the 80's and didn't like the later discs they've released,
then this is an obvious buying for you, and bring to all the rock parties this
summer or just put it in the IPod just for your own pleasure. Personally, I
have my favorites among the 6 first songs, but of course they have
chosen their track selection right, because here there is much enjoyable offense
for us AOR /Melodic Rock fans.
Maybe not a groundbreaking or classic album, but a good and stable craftsmanship
from the experienced members of Night Ranger. They show on this album that they
have many good songs left to deliver (hopefully) in the future.
