Somewhere in California

Somewhere in California is the standout of NIGHT RANGER’s reappraisal period, a record on which the band vividly reclaimed its 1980s exhilaration and won high praise from critics and fans alike. Around the core of Jack Blades, Brad Gillis and Kelly Keagy, the addition of keyboardist Eric Levy and new guitarist Joel Hoekstra revives the glossy twin guitars and harmonies of old through a contemporary sound. As the title suggests, a nostalgia for the band’s home state of California and a will to return to its roots run throughout, with songs that reawaken longtime fans’ memories. Bright, wide-open choruses and dynamic guitars drive the whole album, and songs such as “Growin’ Up in California” carry a melodic strength that recalls the early golden era. Rather than drifting into pure nostalgia, it presents the NIGHT RANGER of the moment with fresh production and real musicianship, which is what earned its support. Joel Hoekstra’s arrival brought the band fresh vitality and announced the start of a rich period that would also be well received live. Confidently delivering the royal road of melodic hard rock, it ranks among the fullest records of a long career and became a turning point that set up the band’s energetic activity thereafter.