TRACK LISTING 1) Tell Your Vision 2) Drama Queen 3) You're Gonna Hear From Me 4) Whatever Happened 5) There Is Life 6) Rockstar 7) Hole In The Sun 8) Fool In Me 9) White Knuckle Ride 10) Revelation 4AM 11) Wrap It Up 12) Being 13) Don't Tell Me You Love Me [Acoustic Version] 14) Sister Christian [Acoustic Version]

I didn't really know what to expect when I was asked to review the new Night Ranger record. In fact, I honestly didn't know they were still recording new material as I hadn't heard anything from them in years. I figured that this would be a quick listen with no real surprises... I was wrong. Hole in the Sun is by no means ground breaking but I don't think that's what the band had in mind. That being said, with the current state of the music industry this collection of material is, in many ways, a breath of fresh air. The disc includes 12 new songs and 2 bonus tracks which are acoustic versions of "Don't Tell Me You Love Me" and "Sister Christian." Of the 12 new offerings there are some real stand out tracks including "Whatever Happened, " and the title track "Hole in the Sun." But for my money "You're Gonna Hear From Me" and "Rockstar" are probably the best songs on the disc and both of these songs, as does much of the album, sound fresh and relevant. At times this record is actually reminiscent of bands such as Foo Fighters and Finger Eleven and captures all the intensity of more modern rock bands while still maintaining the trademark Night Ranger sound. As with every record, there are some klunkers and, of course they throw in a ballad, I mean, come on, it is Night Ranger after all but even the slower paced "There is Life" sounds up to date. I did have one recurring thought, however, while listening to this disc, in that, there seems to be a lot of varying musical influences in the band these days all of which, at times, seem to have influenced the song writing for this record. That can either work for or against a band but in this case I think it makes for a nice but uncomfortable juxtaposition of songs and styles that forces you to listen and take notice, then want to listen again.

Most of the original members took part in the recording of this record and I think it's a fine way to mark the 25th anniversary of the band. For anybody that still buys CD's, wherever you are, this would be a worthy purchase. Otherwise, listen to it on line and buy the tracks that move you. Yes... you can still rock in America!

Reviewed by P Nurple