Album Review — Night Ranger
Night Ranger — ATBPO
Night Ranger is one of those “release day” bands for me. You know, back in the day when we used to go to record stores and buy the album when it came out. There were a few bands that were “release day” bands. I didn’t need to hear anything, I just knew I was going to like it. Those bands earned their “release day” status because they had a proven track record.
To me, Night Ranger’s first three records rank among the best first three records by any artist of all time. They were my first concert, they had the coolest logo that I tried to copy in wood shop (it wasn’t pretty) and Jack Blades was the coolest rock star.
Not much has changed. The band took a break in the 90s like many 80s bands did, they’ve had some lineup changes but the main three guys are still going strong. Jack Blades (vocals/bass), Brad Gillis (guitars) and Kelly Keagy (drums/vocals) are joined by Eric Levy (keyboards) and Keri Kelli (guitars). ATBPO (And The Band Played On) is the band’s first release in four years.
Although some things have changed over the years, the basic idea of Night Ranger is the dual lead guitars and the dual lead vocals. We still have that on ATBPO, although Blades takes the lead on vocals for the majority of the tracks. We don’t really hear much from Keagy until fairly late in the album.
This one deserves a track by track breakdown.
Coming For You — Night Ranger has always been known to start their records with a rocker (Neverland being the one exception). That tradition continues with “Coming For You”. It’s a little more modern Night Ranger than the classic sound but it’s plenty heavy and it still has those classic elements. I’ve liked the song more each time I’ve heard it.
Bring It All Home To Me — This is the first single that I heard and unlike the opening track, it sounds very much like classic Night Ranger. The big hook in the chorus with the dueling guitar solo. This one sounds a lot like the previous few records which saw the return to the classic sound.
Breakout — Dual guitars from the very start on “Breakout”. This one is a little more aggressive than the more catchy previous track. Another dueling guitar solo that goes back and forth into a cool breakdown. Really like this one.
Hard To Make It Easy — And now for something a little different. What starts as a classic sounding track in the intro takes a bluesy twist. It almost has a “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’” swing to it. It may not be classic Night Ranger but it’s a fun song. And we get our first glimpse of Keagy on vocals in the bridge. Again, there are plenty of classic elements but this is definitely a different type of track for the band and I like it.
Can’t Afford A Hero — Night Ranger traditionally has two different kinds of ballads. The more power ballad usually featuring Keagy on vocals. And then the more melancholy ballad usually featuring Blades. “Can’t Afford A Hero” is the latter and it really works. It’s more of an acoustic track but there are plenty of electric guitars to fill out the sound. The harmonies in the chorus are top notch.
Cold As December — A classic sounding intro gives way to a more modern sounding verse. I wouldn’t call this one traditional Night Ranger but I really like this one. The chorus really grabs me. It’s a little dark for what we are used to hearing from the band but it’s a great track and Blades delivers an excellent vocal. My favorite track on the record so far.
Dance — The opening to “Dance” sounds very familiar. It’s almost “Love Stinks” from J.Geils Band. It has the same beat but the lead guitar over the top brings us back to Night Ranger. That same beat continues through the chorus. Once it’s in your head it’s hard to not hear it. We get a little Keagy in the bridge which I really like. It’s a good track but will take some time for me to not hear “Love Stinks”.
The Hardest Road — The piano intro makes me think a Kelly vocal is coming and my prediction is correct. I wouldn’t call this one a ballad, but it’s definitely more mellow than most of what we’ve heard. Checking in at nearly five and half minutes, this one has that epic feel as it slowly builds and delivers a positive message. Keagy comes through and delivers a powerful vocal, especially near the end.
Monkey — Jack is back on this rocker delivering a classic lead vocal. One of the heavier tracks on the album, this one has all the elements we love about the band.
A Lucky Man — Another track that I wouldn’t call classic Night Ranger but it really works. This one has a fun swing to it and another track with a positive vibe to it.
Tomorrow — The download version of the album ends with this classic sounding mid tempo rocker. Keagy is back on lead vocal in what might be the most 80s sounding track on record. Think “Sing Me Away” as far as similar feel. A strong contender for best track on the record.
Savior — The bonus track if you have a physical copy of the album is another Keagy lead vocal. I get more of a 70s vibe with this one. It’s cool to hear Keagy tackle a heavier tune but it’s probably my least favorite track on the record.
If you are looking for Midnight Madness, part 2 you may be a little disappointed. “ATBPO” still sounds like Night Ranger, but the band reaches into some new areas while still maintaining the elements that made them who they are.
If anything, the album may be missing that signature song that sets an album apart, but I really like it. There are a few less big hooks like the last couple of records but overall I believe Night Ranger fans will really enjoy this record. I, for one, am quite happy that the band played on.
90 out of 100
Track Listing
- Coming For You
- Bring It All Home To Me *
- Breakout *
- Hard To Make It Easy
- Can’t Afford A Hero
- Cold As December *
- Dance
- The Hardest Road
- Monkey *
- A Lucky Man
- Tomorrow *
- Savior (Bonus Track)
*Best Songs