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
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Power Plays w/c 15 April 2024
ENMY The Ledge (FiXT)
KAROBELA Get Hard (indie)
KATH & THE KICKS Neptune (indie)
THE BEE TELLERS River Poem (Black Sand Records)
LAUREN FREEBIRD Like A Bomb (indie)
Featured Albums w/c 15 April 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023
14:00-16:00 KATARINA PEJAK – Pearls On A String (Ruf Records)
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