Night Ranger – Hole In The Sun (Release Year – 2008)
Hole in the Sun is the first new album from Night Ranger in nine years. On Hole in the Sun, the band has returned to their hard rocking roots.
The lineup of Night Ranger has changed since this album was released. Michael Lardie has returned to Great White, and was replaced by Christian Matthew Cullen. Jeff Watson was replaced with Joel Hoekstra.
I must admit that I had low expectations for this disc. I like Night Ranger, but the last couple of releases were just on the o.k. side for me. Hole In the Sun is easily the best record they have done in a long time.
Jack Blades and Kelly Keagy trade off on the lead vocals on this disc. Both singers do a pretty fine job, especially Jack Blades who sings backup to Keagy’s tracks.
Before this disc was released, Jeff Watson was fire by Night Ranger. I do not know the reasons why, other than some squabling over the direction of this album. Judging from the sounds on Hole In the Sun, it couldn’t have been due to his playing ability. The guitar work of Watson and Gillis is superb on this disc.
Some of the songs on Hole in the Sun are of the hard rock variety, and some fall more into the melodic rock/aor vein. The mix of songs on Hole In the Sun is pretty good, which gives the album a very balanced feel to it. Their really isn’t a bad song on this disc.
The first three tracks are amongst the heavier cuts on the album. You’re Gonna Hear From Me is one seriously rocking tune, and quite possibly one of Night Ranger’s best songs ever.
My favorite cuts are Tell Your Vision, You’re Gonna Hear From Me, What Happened, and Wrap It Up.
Europe has had their hands on this disc since 2007 (although it has a different cover). I am not sure why it took so long for Night Ranger to secure a U.S. deal, but I am glad they did. If you have ever considered yourself a Night Ranger fan, you need to check out Hole in the Sun. This may not be their best record, but it is a very solid effort, and worth checking out.
Rating:Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Tell Your Vision
2. Drama Queen
3. You’re Gonna Hear From Me
4. Whatever Happened
5. There Is Life
6. Rockstar
7. Hole In The Sun
8. Fool In Me
9. White Knuckle Ride
10. Revelation 4AM
11. Wrap It Up
12. Being
13. Don’t Tell Me You Love Me [Acoustic Version]
14. Sister Christian [Acoustic Version]
Night Ranger is:
Jack Blades – Bass and LeadVocals
Brad Gillis – Guitars and Backing Vocals
Jeff Watson – Guitars and Backing Vocals
Kelly Keagy – Drums and Lead Vocals
Michael Lardie – Keyboards and Backing Vocals
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I will agree that this is pretty hard rocking for Night Ranger, the more I listen to it the more I like it. My favorite songs are Revelation 4AM, Drama Queen, and You’re Gonna Hear From Me.
I reviewed this one too…..
http://hardrockheavymetal.wordpress.com/2008/07/01/night-ranger-hole-in-the-sun-2008/
This album was out about a full year in Japan and Europe before it’s release here, a lot of momentum lost I’d say.
Steve
Heavy Metal Addiction
http://hardrockheavymetal.wordpress.com/