Night Ranger was a reliable hit machine in the mid-80's and their second studio album Midnight Madness was the one that solidified this reputation. The group originally started as a trio with Jack Blades on bass, Brad Gillis on guitar, and Kelly Keagy on drums. Keyboardist Alan Fitzgerald came out of the group Montrose to join the band, and he recommended guitarist Jeff Watson. The group was originally called Stereo, then changed their name to Ranger. The name was modified to Night Ranger to avoid a trademark infringement with a country band of the same name.
Night Ranger honed their skills opening for Sammy Hagar (Fitzgerald worked with Hagar in Montrose), Ozzy Osbourne, and ZZ Top. Their popularity began to rise with the release of their first album “Dawn Patrol,” and exposure on MTV, although only one single appeared in the top 40 - “Don't Tell Me You Love Me” peaked at number 40.
Midnight Madness would move the group from opening act to mainstream success with three singles including the massive hit ballad “Sister Christian,” written about Kelly Keagy's sister Christine. “Sister Christian” hit it's peak at number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, but was actually set to record back during their "Dawn Patrol" studio sessions. Night Ranger held off on recording it at that time, wanting to establish themselves as a rock group rather than a ballad group.
"(You Can Still) Rock in America" peaked at number 51 in June, and that is why we're featuring the album for this month although it came out in October 1983.
Night Ranger has been described as pop metal or glam metal, but it is straightforward 80's rock & roll. One of the things that made Night Ranger unusual is that with their five members they had two lead guitarists, and two lead singers. This may have given Night Ranger a depth of skill that wasn't common in rock groups at the time.
We hope you have fun remembering this rocking group and album!
(You Can Still) Rock in America
This hard rocking anthem would miss the top 40, peaking at 51. The song originated during a tour with Sammy Hagar. The rock magazines were trending towards New Wave, and the covers inspired Jack Blades to write about it. Hey! You can still rock in America!
Why Does Love Have to Change
A deeper track, this song is a good example of their dual lead guitars. Jeff Watson and Brad Gillis both were capable of holding the lead. Brad Gillis' training began with a 12-string, and many of their pieces show a crisp picking style. Gillis is the only Night Ranger member to appear at every Night Ranger live performance.
Let Him Run
Another deep track, this final song on the album is more of a rock ballad with a 12-string feel. It is about letting someone go in a relationship and moving on. "Let him run, let him see what he has done."
When You Close Your Eyes
This fast ballad was a hit at the time, and hearkens back to an early relationship - trying to figure things out. It's wistful but positive at the same thing. The video is classic 80's. "I remember when we learned about love in the back of a Chevrolet, when it felt so good to be young. Feels like yesterday."
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Theme from the motion picture “Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker Jr.
This is the movie where you found out just how dangerous the Stay-Puff Marshmallow Man could be. Don't cross the streams!
STAFF PICKS:
Eyes Without a Face by Billy Idol
Bruce's staff pick starts us off with a hit single inspired by a French horror film from the 1960's. The song itself is about the end of a hopeless love affair. Idol's then-girlfriend Perry Lister sings the French part, "Les yeux sans visage" meaning "eyes without a face."
Oh Sherrie by Steve Perry
Brian features Journey front man Steve Perry with his hit single as a solo artist off the album "Street Talk." The song was written about his then girlfriend, Sherrie Swafford, who also appeared in the music video. Many think the success of Perry's solo project was a foreshadowing of his exit from the band, though he remained in Journey for several years afterward.
Two Tribes by Frankie Goes to Hollywood
Wayne's staff pick was bigger in Europe than America, and bigger than his hit "Relax" on the continent. The song is an anti-war protest, and the video features portrayals of American President Ronald Reagan and Soviet Chairman Konstantin Chernenko in a fight with onlookers gambling on the fight and eventually joining in.
I'll Wait by Van Halen
Rob brings us a fast ballad off the hugely successful album 1984 - the last appearance of Van Halen with David Lee Roth as front man for many years. The song is about getting the girl, and waiting for the right opportunity. An interesting bit of trivia is that Michael McDonald (from the Doobie Bros) collaborated with Van Halen for this track.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Close (to the Edit) by Art of Noise
New Wave/electronica finishes us out this week. The song takes samples from several Yes song. The Art of Noise had a well known and somewhat controversial video.
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