Night Ranger “Don’t Let Up” album review – out March 24th
FollowIf you’re a fan of melodic rock and haven’t heard of Night Ranger then you’ve probably been living in a bubble. On an island with no WiFi, no radio, and no TV. You’ve probably also been alone. Night Ranger are one of the biggest names in the rock scene, featured in many different areas of media and popular culture and “Don’t Let Up”, their 12th studio album, is out on the 24th of March. “Don’t Let Up” will be available in both a standard edition and a deluxe edition (featuring bonus track and bonus DVD – physical format only). So is this album worthy of being in your collection?
“Running Out Of Time”, has got to be the single most infectiously catchy song I’ve heard in a long time. I was genuinely up late last night because I had that song stuck in my head. Soaring melodies, and some sweet guitar work, run throughout this song. Definitely one for the stadiums. The albums opening track and the albums first single, “Somehow Someway”, likewise, is a great, guitar 
driven song full of melodic hooks.
“Truth” is another good song, slightly more laid back than the first but full of Jack Blades’s smooth vocals. Definitely a song for driving down the highway. Other noteworthy songs here include the rocking “Say What You Want”, the ballad “We Can Work It Out”, and “Jamie”.
The album finishes with “Nothing Left Of Yesterday” with a calmer feel, which still has some great hooks. So what can we say overall?
“Don’t Let Up” is an album crammed full of guitar driven, melodic hard rock songs. Blades and Keagy sound great on vocals and this album has several songs that will get stuck in your head and will have you singing along with them before you finish the first play. By the time I got to the end of the album, I just wanted to go straight back to the start and listen again.
I have to give this album a 9 out of 10.
This is how melodic hard rock should sound. I love it. “Don’t Let Up” is a great way for Night Ranger to celebrate their 35th anniversary. I think this album will appeal not to just to fans of Night Ranger, but to anyone who enjoys melodic hard rock.
Now, Jack, if you happen to read this review, I have 3 words for you. “Damn. Yankees. PLEEEASE!” (Hey, a guy can hope).
Check out the first single, “Somehow Someway” below. “Don’t Let Up” is out March 24th on Frontiers Music srl.
“It’s Only Rock and Roll, but I like it,” says Blades of the new album.
Keagy adds, “Working on the material for the new album “Don’t Let Up” was a great experience once again. I always look forward to creating music with Brad, Eric, Kerri, and Jack. I’m really looking forward to playing some of this material for the fans. It rocks!”
“I’m looking forward to the new Night Ranger studio effort ‘Don’t Let Up’ as it’s always a pleasure releasing new material to keep the bands creative flow. As typical for NR, we have all the elements that made us popular in the first place, including twin lead vocal tradeoffs with Jack and Kelly and dual guitar harmonies and solos with my new partner in crime, Keri Kelli. We’ve stacked the deck again with up tempo driving rock songs, mid tempo tunes and a few acoustic ballad tracks. We’re hoping this new album will be added to your existing Night Ranger catalog!!!” enthuses Gillis.
With more than 17 million albums sold worldwide, over 3000 live shows performed, and more than 1 billion in radio audience, Night Ranger has both epitomized and transcended the arena rock sound and style of that era and beyond. With songs that have significantly impacted popular culture and continue to expand their ever-growing fan-base, Night Ranger is proof that powerful songs, plus accomplished musicians is the perfect formula for continued success.
Night Ranger has earned widespread acclaim, multi-platinum and gold album status while leaving their indelible mark on the music charts with a string of best-selling albums (Dawn Patrol, Midnight Madness, 7 Wishes, Big Life and Man In Motion), its popularity fueled by an impressive string of instantly recognizable hit singles and signature album tracks. Producing legendary hits such as “Sister Christian”, “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me”, “When You Close Your Eyes” the anthemic “(You Can Still) Rock In America”, along with “Sentimental Street”, “Goodbye”, “Sing Me Away”, “Four in the Morning” and more.
The band was also one of the first big “video” bands, with over 10 number 1 videos on MTV.
Over the years, the band’s music has made notable contributions to and been featured in many different areas of media and popular culture. Night Ranger’s songs can be heard in TV Shows; The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, American Dad, Glee, Grey’s Anatomy, Parks & Recreation; Rock Band, Guitar Hero and Grand Theft Auto, video games; Rock of Ages hit Broadway musical and feature film; the Oscar-Nominated film Boogie Nights, Friday the 13th, Teachers, Sixteen Candles, The Secret of My Success; JBL’s “Hear The Truth” brand campaign; and many more!
NIGHT RANGER is Jack Blades (bass, vocals), Kelly Keagy (drums, vocals), Brad Gillis (lead & rhythm guitars), Eric Levy (keyboards), and Keri Kelli (lead & rhythm guitars).