SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: NIGHT RANGER – BEST OF

NIGHT RANGER
BEST OF
FRONTIER MUSIC SRL

Night Ranger is a misunderstood band. Since their debut album in 1982 (Dawn Patrol), they have released 13 studio albums. But perhaps because they best known for their hit single “Sister Christian” (from their second album Midnight Madness released in 1983), they are not viewed as the rock band they are. From the beginning, there was always much more to the band. Again, possibly because of their frustration to be seen in a different light, by the end of the 1980s and early 1990s, they called it a day. But then, due to many factors, Night Ranger was reignited in the mid 1990s, and although there have been member changes, the band continued to produce hard rock with a toe in prog until this day.

This album, Best Of, is exactly as the title would indicate. It is a compilation of songs from their albums over the years with a few surprises and rarities thrown in for good measure. What it does is give a brief overview of the band’s history and one can hear the influence of hard rock and how good the band is at producing some serious heavy music. While they can write a rock ballad, and do it successfully, their real drive is to be seen as a hard band.

They are excellent musicians, and it is easy for their harmonies and vocals to be overlooked. Night Ranger knew how to arrange the vocals for a song. The bottom line is that this is a talented band that does not necessarily get the respect they deserve. Again, most likely because of their earlier hit singles.

Over the years, they have produced a cohesive sound featuring very melodic music with a definite edge. It is not pop nor power pop, but rather more like Alice Cooper or Van Halen or even Deep Purple. “Somehow Someway,” for example, is hard driving music, excellent playing and strong vocals. The lyrics are strong and the band worked up a classic rock song. Best Of does not just cover the hits, but rather fan and band favourites. But they could write and record stunning ballads, such as “Only For You Only.” A moving and brilliant song.

There are a couple of interesting additions, a live version of “Hole In The Sun,” a different version of “Wasted Time,” and “Feliz Navidad.” While diehard fans will enjoy these bonus tracks, the album does want to serve the larger audience, not cater to the collectors. The songs don’t distract, but they also do not add a great deal.

The songs collected on Best Of have been remixed and remastered and as a result sound incredible and sharp. It sounds great and the songs, some dating back from the 1980s, have aged remarkably well. Night Ranger has put together a solid compilation album, showing their many sides. Although this is not their first collection, it is the only one that incorporates a great deal of the music they released in the 2010s Best Of goes a long way in proving that there is so much more to this band than casual fans may be aware. Dig deep into this album, and maybe their entire catalogue. There are many rewards awaiting.

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