Night Ranger is back with a new
album and my expectations are pretty
high after the previous album 'Somewhere
In California' from 2011. They performed one of
my most memorable concerts that year at Sweden Rock Festival, have they
fulfillled my wishes with this new
album? One thing is obvious; Jack Blades
is a big showman and an energetic front
man with a sensational strong voice...
After more than 30 years in the rock business
and over 17 million sold albums, these
guys don't like to sit on a
bench and feed the pigeons. Nope, 'High
Road' is an healthy and mature rock n
roll album, which feeds my tired brain
with a lot of positive emotions.
Sadly the disc is a little too uneven in
the long run...
The radio hit and also the title track
opens the album and is a song with
familiar Night Ranger vibes. Very
classic American rock sound with a lot
of yeah, yeahs and it is easy to learn the
lyrics. They play in a safe lane without
any advanced thrills or sharp turns.
'Knock Knock Never Stop' is another
catchy and up-tempo rock song with
sparkling guitars and probably a future
live favorite. In 'Rollin' On' it
sounds little heavier and the tempo is
down a couple of numbers. It sounds like
Red Hot Chili Peppers and Kiss has made
a song together. 'Don't Live Here
Anymore' is a calm and gentle ballad, the
first half of the track, but grows in
the middle of the song with amazing
guitars and glittering keyboards. The by
far best song on the album!!
All songs to this point are really good and they
deliver very groovy stuff, but 'I'm Coming Home' and
'X Generation' can't keep my full interest. In 'Hang
On' they hook me up again with delicious riffs and
high quality guitar string bending. The closing song
and bonus track 'LA No Name' is a nice instrumental
track and also worth to mentioning.
My overall impression of 'High Road' is
an OK album. I was hoping to get more
from these experienced rock veterans.
It's not a bad album at all, but they
don't grab my spine this time. If you want good
rock n roll entertainment and a good show. Check out
Night Ranger's touring plan and put your money on
that if you have the chance to see these guys.
Line up:
Jack Blades: Lead Vocals / Bass
Kelly Keagy: Drums / Lead Vocals
Brad Gillis: Guitar / Vocals
Joel Hoekstra: Guitar / Vocals
Eric Levy: Keyboards
