The new album has been promised to be a throwback to classic era Night Ranger and the band more so has returned to their classic sound but it doesn't always sound so old school 80's as the band would love you to believe. The first single and album cut is "Growin' Up In California" which has all the swagger you'd expect from the boys but the production is more modern which really makes the song cook. The following tune is a Kelly Keagy voiced track that has more akin to their hard rocking sound of the first two albums which I enjoy a lot.
But then the bands best album being Neverland released in 1997 begins to take over the sound of Somewhere In California. I'm happy to hear this unfold as I'm a huge fan of Neverland. The band do keep their sound as close as possible to its original feel and express their care and attention to detail of said sound. But because its not 1987 they can't contain all the growth and influences of years and years of music and stylistic changes. The spectacular power ballad "Time Of Our Lives" has all the trappings of a great power ballad and is one of this bands best ones ever for sure. The difference here is that it has been touched by the pop country sounds of 2011. At least Night Ranger have the uber talents of one Jack Blades who is magical writing this sort of song.
The absolutely brilliant instrumental "L.A. No Name" is nothing short of spectacular from performance to composition. This track is to me worth the entire album and saving it to the end makes it the perfect closing track. It grabbed my ear so much I actually listened to it three times in a row with my jaw nearly on the floor from the amazing picking of Brad Gillis and Joel Hoekstr is breath taking. Do not pass this album by it would be a mistake.
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