NIGHT RANGER – Man In Motion [Japanese SHM-CD remastered] *HQ*

320_1 /// 320_2 /// HQ

After several requests for High Quality Japanese SHM-CD remasters of NIGHT RANGER classic ’80s albums, here we go with the awesome, criminally underrated 1988’s “Man In Motion“, reissued as part of the “My Generation, My Music – Back To The Rock Years 1988-1992” series.
“Man In Motion” was definitely the album that marked the end of Night Ranger’s bombastic ’80s style. Longtime keyboard handler keyboardist Alan ‘Fitz’ Gerald left the band prior to recording sessions for the album, and Jesse Bradman (Eddie Money) & Alan Pasqua (Giant), among others, are featured as his replacement. However ‘Fitz’ contributes on one song, the awesome “Don’t Start Thinking (I’m Alone Tonight)”.
Produced by maestro Keith Olsen with the help of Brian Foraker on tracks “I Did It For Love” and the classic “Restless Kind”, Night Ranger sounds more Melodic ‘Hard’ Rock than ever, according to the times (1988).

Many think of this album as Night Ranger’s best, or at least one of the best, as the songwriting is stellar and the emphasis is on the multi-part vocal harmonies & the fabulous guitar playing. There’s less ‘parping’ synths and more traditional keyboards, and the overall sound is more punchy than on the previous AOR domintated ‘Big Life’. Anyway, this band is fabulous on all aspects.

Just listen to the aforementioned gems “Restless Kind”, “Don’t Start Thinking (I’m Alone Tonight)”, “I Did It For Love” or “Halfway To The Sun” and prove me wrong. For those looking for classy AOR numbers, sit and enjoy the marvelous “Here She Comes Again” – penned by Jack Blades with Bob Halligan Jr. / Martin Briley / Michael Bolton… wow.

“Man In Motion” is, perhaps, the best written Melodic Hard Rock album from the ’80s. Seriously, all songs and arrangements are very close to perfection for the genre.
I know that many of you, despite fans of this style, never properly heard “Man In Motion” or never heard it at all. You NEED this album in your collection. After a couple of listens it will become an all time favorite of yours.
This Japanese remaster on SHM-CD respects the punchy sound of the original vinyl (at least compared to mine) but of course richier on dynamics.
A MUST HAVE

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ＵＩＣＹ～25159 【ＳＨＭ－ＣＤ】

01 – Man In Motion
02 – Reason To Be
03 – Don’t Start Thinking (I’m Alone Tonight)
04 – Love Shot Me Down
05 – Restless Kind
06 – Halfway To The Sun
07 – Here She Comes Again
08 – Right On You
09 – Kiss Me Where It Hurts
10 – I Did It For Love
11 – Woman In Love

Jack Blades – lead and backing vocals, bass
Kelly Keagy – lead and backing vocals, drums, percussion
Brad Gillis – lead and rhythm guitars, vocals
Jeff Watson – lead and rhythm guitars
Jesse Bradman, John Purdell – keyboards
Alan Pasqua (Giant, Van Stephenson) – add. keyboards

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cdjapan.co.jp/product/UICY-25159