CD Review Time

I wouldn’t put my picture on this album either.

Note: Since the tender age of 12 I have been a Night Ranger fan. I am now in my 30’s, so this is a cross I have had to bear for a long time. It's tough to write a completely object piece about a band you have liked for over 20 years, especially when the album is more than disapointing.

Hole in the Sun is Night Ranger’s first studio album in 9 years. Let’s hope it is their last. Let’s just say that the poke you feel in your rear isn’t just Jack Blades taking $17 out of your wallet. It’s him having his way with your rectal duct.

With this CD, the band unveils their "new sound." Their "new sound" is about 13 years old as it sounds like it would be a better fit for 1994. For this album Alan Fitzgerald (keyboards) is replaced by Great White’s Michael Lardie. I guess Fitzgerald knew something the rest of the band didn’t. (note: After completion of the disc, Jeff Watson (guitar) left the band. He probably heard the album).

Hole in the Sun is a much more guitar heavy album than anything they have released since Dawn Patrol and that’s not a bad thing. The guitar work is solid. The lyrics and melodies aren’t. I have always admired Jack Blade’s song writing skills. I have his Damn Yankees work, his Shaw Blades stuff, I even have his solo album. The material on this album doesn’t measure up to any of that.

Before the other seven Night Ranger fans left come after me, I understand that he didn’t write a good portion of the album. Maybe if he had I would be able to finish more than two of the songs on the album without crying. You’re Gonna Hear From Me isn’t the worst song I have ever heard. Neither is Whatever Happened. That's about as positive as I can be about this CD.

Hole in the Sun is probably not as bad as Feeding Off the Mojo, but Mojo only featured two original members. This is by far the worst of the Night Ranger albums. Save your money and see them in concert. I bet even without Jeff Watson (and with Reb Beach) they still put on a fun show and will play all of their "classics."

If you must buy this album do yourself a favor and get it from a Russian website. You’ll thank me later. Need a fix for some new Night Rangery type music? Buy the new Kelly Keagy CD instead – it much, much better. I Am Alive is a great song.