Upon hearing the first single/video “Growin’ Up In California” from the aptly titled new NIGHT RANGER CD “Somewhere In California”, I was more than impressed. That track was like a breath of fresh air from these veteran rockers but it was also classic NIGHT RANGER at the same time, with the twin guitar leads and familiar vocals of Jack Blades. I figured they were onto something and I eagerly wanted to hear the rest of the record.

After the feel-good and summer-y lead track you get the hard-driving “Lay It On Me” which has one of the heavier riffs I can remember coming from the band but once the chorus kicks in you are reminded this is indeed the NIGHT RANGER you remember from back when! Just like the lead track did, you get an up-to-date and fresh sound from the band and on first listen it only made me wonder what else lied ahead on “Somewhere In California”.

On subsequent tracks like “Bye Bye Baby (Not Tonight)” and “Follow Your Heart” you get more of the same. These new tracks exude class and are melodic as hell but it’s a totally fresh feel and I have to say this record may challenge as the bands’ strongest to date. Is it the new blood of guitarist Joel Hoekstra and keyboardist Eric Levy? Is it a newfound energy from the core trio of Jack Blades, Brad Gillis and Kelly Keagy? Whatever it is it is working big time on “Somewhere In California”.

“Time Of Our Lives” is a solid NIGHT RANGER-style ballad, which could only be handled by drummer Kelly Keagy as it harkens back to songs like “Sentimental Street” as great harmonies punctuate the track. “No Time To Lose Ya” is another fun track with no apparent special meaning but those twin guitars sound oh so good when it comes to the solo. Thinking about it there are just a few bands that have that distinctive double axe attack sound, with names like THIN LIZZY and JUDAS PRIEST coming to mind. It’s sort of a signature of the band and Hoesktra has seamlessly stepped into that role along with Gillis these days.

“End Of The Day” is a classic melodic rock track and one of the strongest on the record. It features a great arrangement, big vocal harmonies (with attitude) and some absolutely killer guitar-work. Keagy tops it all off with some great vocal work. The album closes with “Say It With Love” and the song is ultra-catchy and yet another winner on the record.

With exception of just one or two weaker tracks, “Somewhere In California” is one of NIGHT RANGER’s strongest efforts to date. This group of veterans (and a couple new bloods) has hit it just about spot-on for 2011!