NIGHT RANGER 'Best Of'

NIGHT RANGER
Best Of
Frontiers Music Srl

Neat vocal hooks!
Heavy riffs!
Touching ballads!
Colorful-looking discs!
…Christmas songs?

For about a good 45 years since one of its founders Brad Gillis answered that call from OZZY OSBOURNE to cover a couple of tour dates which had been vacated by the tragic passing of guitarist Randy Rhoads, NIGHT RANGER have been one of hard rock’s most enduring bands, their musical pedigree ranging across from standard hard rock to power pop to AOR and melodic hard rock. Indeed, few classic hard rock bands from their era have defined the sound of American melodic rock quite like NIGHT RANGER. From the soaring anthem of “Sister Christian” to the thunderous riffs of “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me” and fan favorites like the power-pop perfection of“(You Can Still) Rock In America” to the heartfelt balladry of “When You Close Your Eyes” and the cinematic sweep of “Four In The Morning”, they’ve been a band that embellishes the carefree aura of hard rock’s 80’s halcyon days with a fine soundtrack to put it to.

They’re also one of the few classic hard rock bands from their era still consistently and actively releasing new music – a great deal of it also on an even par with many of their standard classics as well. And with such a high demand for their post-80’s material only garnering more appeal, it would stand to reason that NIGHT RANGER would celebrate that second half of their career with their newest double album greatest hits song collection titled Best Of. Bassist/vocalist Jack Blades explains: “The new ‘Best Of’ is a celebration of not only our classic hits but also what we've created over the last 20 years. And we're just gonna keep cranking it ‘cause we're having too much fun to stop!”.

Generally, a greatest hits album featuring a band’s most popular catalogue would normally feature new remixed versions of hit songs or even entirely new recordings, particularly if the initial quality of the recordings sounds thin, muffled or excessively compressed. None of these sound issues, at least to my ears anyway, has yet to be fully linked to the production of any of NIGHT RANGER’s albums as their current production is already at peak quality. The original dulcet piano tones and the unison chorus on the intro to “Sister Christian” and the breezy jangly guitar riff that starts off “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me” alone are the sound of sonic perfection, and yet on Best Of, their tone is more beefed up without compromising the original quality; even Blades’ voice still holds up well throughout, retaining the sound of his ongoing youthful passion 40+ years onward. Gillis’ melodic riffs and fiery solos are unmistakably on point on these new versions, practically making the guitar squeal on “Rock In America” and “Four In The Morning”, though given that he’s written and played these same riffs countless times, he easily sails through all of the classics in their new form. 

The real test of NIGHT RANGER’s skills on Best Of are in keeping their energy and drive consistent on their post-80’s material. “Breakout”, from their most recent studio album ATBPO from 2021, has the quick punchy rawness of their Dawn Patrol era from 1982. “Tomorrow”, also taken from the same album, is a neat power-pop number which also exudes the same vibe, with credit going towards the then-newly appointed talents of esteemed axeman Keri Kelli, who’d joined the band full-time back in 2017 and contributed fully on the composition and lyrics as well as on its performance. “Time Of Our Lives” makes for the ideal lyrical sequel to “Sentimental Street” whereas “High Road” has the collective guys’ night out vibe of “Eddie’s Coming Out Tonight”.

And if we’re talking about the top latter-day NIGHT RANGER track throughout this album, for me, it’s the inclusion of the anthemic and autobiographical banger “Growin’ Up In California” from 2011.It’s pure NIGHT RANGER to its core, celebrating the band’s roots with a subtle nod to “Rock In America” throughout the track and featuring Joel Hoekstra’s debut with the band, delivering some molten-sounding twin axe attack magic all over the track. 

Rounding out Best Of are a series of bonus tracks that make this collection of songs truly special: a fresh take on “Wasted Time” recorded live off the floor at Sweetwater Studios, also accompanied by an exclusive music video, and a festive live performance of “Feliz Navidad” that showcases the band’s playful side. 

Whether revisiting the classics or discovering the new 2026 remasters, NIGHT RANGER’s Best Of is a celebration of enduring melodies, electrifying performances, and the unforgettable spirit of one of rock’s most iconic bands who are still on target many years later.

5.0 Out Of 5.0

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