FRONTIERS RECORDS 2012 www.frontiers.it
A year after their back to form Somewhere in California album, Night Ranger lead singer and bassist Jack Blades capitalises on that momentum with his second solo album. Solo projects are often a vehicle for the artist to explore directions that cannot be given reign in their parent band or work with other musicians, but in this case not only is the musical style not far removed from NR , but band mates Joel Hoekstra, Christian Cullen and Kelly Keagy all feature, as does Brad Gillis with a guest guitar solo.
Anyone who witnessed Night Ranger’s incredible gig at Islington Academy last year will know Jack’s hyperactive enthusiasm and lust for life, and this shines through in sunny uncomplicated songs, notably a hard rocking opening trio of Back in the Game, the title track and above all Born for This, perhaps the album’s stand out cut with a massive guitar hook and rousing catchy chorus.
The likes of Love Life have the beefy sound of Jack’s days in Damn Yankees, whereas Anything for You and West Hollywood sound as if they may be leftovers from the Shaw-Blades albums, with the same sunny, laid back Beatles and West Coast rock influences.
Hardest Word to Say is a ballad that would have graced any of Night Ranger’s eighties albums, and reminded me a bit of the Boys of Summer, but the most interesting song on view is closing cut Hey Now. This is the one number where Jack goes in a fresh direction, with the country rock feel of the Stones early seventies work leading into a frenzy of guitar solos, and stands out as a highlight for that very reason.
While sticking perhaps too closely to his tried and tested sound, Jack Blades has crafted an album that is enjoyable and uplifting with songs you will instantly remember.
**** 1/4
Andy Nathan
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
Next session: Sunday 19 January
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 1 December 2024.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 3 December 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
