Customer Reviews

Neverland

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I was excited back in 1997 when I heard that the original Night Ranger lineup was getting back together and putting out new material. After 10 years between albums with this lineup (remember--the keyboardist Alan Fitgerald wasn't with them for 1988's awesome "Man In Motion" and only two of them were on 1995's very good "Feeding Off The Mojo"), I was happy to see that the band hadn't lost their touch. Sure the sound is a bit more mellow and modern, but for the times it is still very good.

"Forever All Over Again" is the opening track and only single I heard on radio at all off this album (and very briefly). For sure, it is a surprise to have a ballad like this open up the album, but it is a very nice track. Then at track 2 comes the rocking title track. Good stuff--the band clearly showed it may still have its edge here. But the first time I heard this album I got concerned with the pace upon hearing tracks 3 and 4. "As Always I Remain" and "Someday I Will", while both also very solid tracks, are quite acoustic and mellow in nature. Had the hard rock left this band?

Well, after only 1 rocker in the first 4 tracks, I would call 5 of the final 7 tracks solid rockers. "New York Time" is a solid rock track that brings back memories of the '80s version of the band. "Walk In The Future" has a slightly modern sound but is pretty mellow and a bit reminiscent of Shaw/Blades. "Slap Like Being Born" is also a bit modern in tone but a surefire rocker with an interesting sound and lyric. At track 10, "Anything For You" looks like it's positioned to be a ballad due to the name of the song and placement on the album, but it in fact is one of the hardest rockers on the album--great track. Right after that comes the closing track "I Don't Call This Love", another surefire quality rocker.

I can't honestly state that this album is quite as good as the vintage 1980s material, but it sure is more than worth the listen if you are or were a fan of this band. The sound is a bit updated and a bit more mellow but overall true to the roots and history of the band. Worth the purchase, for sure, if you are craving new material from a favorite '80s melodic hard rock band.

This is without a doubt one of the best albums of 98. The songs are fresh and all in all its just a real pleasure to listen to. The writing is great and, particularly the two ballads, Forever all over again, and As always I remain. With so many bands trying to make comebacks and putting out bad music, its very refreshing and exciting to hear a band put out something worth the cost of a CD, and makes this Night Ranger fan excited again.

Nearly a decade after the original lineup's last studio album, Neverland marks the return of Night Ranger, one of the biggest AOR acts of the '80s.

Unlike many other '80s rock bands, the members of Night Ranger have kept themselves busy during their breakup. Most notably, bassist and vocalist Jack Blades recorded two albums with the supergroup Damn Yankees and keyboardist Alan Fitzgerald toured with Van Halen as their behind-the-curtain keyboardist. Guitarist Jeff Watson has released a few solo albums, including two with the band Mothers Army. Guitarist Brad Gillis and drummer Kelly Keagy have recorded and toured as Night Ranger during the early '90s.

The release of Neverland brings classic Night Ranger back to the airwaves. Although not likely to win over any new fans, those '80s children who loved the '80s Night Ranger will thoroughly enjoy the classic AOR sounds from this band. All the guitar work is here, as well as the perfect mix of rockers and ballads.

The first single, "Forever All Over Again" is an instant classic and radio-friendly tune. This new CD proves that although older, wiser, and more road-tested, the 10-year absence didn't diminish the group's creativity. Neverland is classic night Ranger and proves that in a time of R&B and bubble-gum bands dominating the airwaves, there is at least one band proving "You Can Still Rock in America!"

Night Ranger has been my favorite band ever since Sister Christian grabbed me and I have loved everything I have listened too from them short of the Gary Moon days. This CD gets mostly mediocre reviews and even have had some call it "Night Ranger does Country" and say Jack's writing is uninspired. When I first listened to it I had to agree but I think that is because I was looking for it. After listening to it a few times it really starts to grow on you and you can hear flashes of different eras in the NR timeline. This is by far one of my favorite CD's I have recently purchased and it fits Brad's quote in a magazine years ago about what type of "metal" would they classify themselves as - "Night Ranger is Stainless Steel Rock n Roll...Guaranteed not to Rust!" Give it a shot and more than one or 2 passes on the player and I am sure you will come to see it as I have.

I am an 80's Night Ranger fan that is very content that the band is back with great material!

It's too bad that this album did not get any air play! I have all of their albums, including "Man in Motion" (which is almost as good!) and their new one "Sevens" (which is so-so). I love "Sunday Morning" off of this and of course "Forever All Over Again". This is a must have for any Night Ranger fan!

This is a most triumphant return for Night Ranger, one of the most talented bands from the 80's. Unlike many 80's acts that have reunited to put out "90's versions" of their former selves, Night Ranger stays true to their roots with this release.

A "must have" for anyone who is a fan of the band or the 80's sound they helped pioneer. Every track is catchy and has instant appeal.

If you love guitar oriented, melodic rock, you have to get this one.

Some people call this Night Ranger's big come back CD, You can call it whatever you want, I just call it an awesome cd filled with great song after song. To my ears Night Ranger could do no wrong, They Never let me down.
Excellent tunes.

As a true Night Ranger fan, I like to use 7 Wishes as a bench mark because I believe 7 Wishes was their finest album. Having said that, in their more recent efforts including Seven and Neverland the band has diverged slightly and not always to great affect. If you are a die hard you'll like it, but I'd make sure your collection includes Man In Motion first, a truly superb effort often overlooked.

Excellent comeback for a top-notch band. I highly recommend this disc. Probably better than any other relaese by Night Ranger. From the melodic "Forever all over again", to the rockin' "I don't call this love", this album flows from track to track with ease. Brad Gillis and Jeff Watson shine with spectacular runs, and the songwriting has never been stronger.