Power of Metal.dk Review

Night Ranger
High Road
Rating
Style: Hard Rock /AOR
Release date: 6 June, 2014
Playing time: 52:04
 


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


Tracklist
01. High Road
02.
Knock Knock Never Stop
03.
Rollin' On
04.
Don't Live Here Anymore
05.
I'm Coming Home
06.
X Generation
07.
Only For You Only
08.
Hang On
09.
St. Bartholomews
10.
Brothers
11.
LA No Name (Bonus Track)
Label: Frontiers Records
Distribution: Target (Denmark)
Artwork rating: 84/100
Reviewed by: Patrik J Skoglund
Date: 3 June, 2014
Website: www.nightranger.com