Night Ranger is one of my all time favorite bands therefore every single of their releases means a lot for me. “Rockin’ Shibuya 2007” is their latest release, recorded in Tokyo during the “Hole In The Sun” tour. Although two original line-up members have left, keyboardist Alan Fitzgerald (who left in 2004 and was replaced by Michael Lardie) and the great Jeff Watson, Night Ranger remain as powerful as ever and haven’t lost a bit of their performance. Jeff Watson was replaced by well known Red Beach (Winger, Whitesnake) who now stands besides Brad Gillis, so Jeff’s absence feels smoother as Reb is a talented guitarist who can replace almost anyone.

“Rockin’ Shibuya 2007” comes out as a double CD with a “best of” Night Ranger setlist, including songs like “Sentimental Street”, Four In The Morning”, When You Close Your Eyes”, “(You Can Still) Rock In America”, “Goodbye”, “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me”, “Sister Christian”, “Forever All Over Again” (an acoustic version of it – unfortunately the only one from the great “Neverland” of the 1997 reunion), “Sing Me Away”, “Touch of Madness”, “Rumors In The Air”, “Eddie’s Coming Out Tonight” while I’m saving for last the first Night Ranger song I ever heard (and my favourite one probably), the outstanding “The Secret of My Success” from “Big Life” album and the self titled movie soundtrack, starring the one and only Michael J. Fox! Remarkable is the jam during the opening track “This Boy Needs to Rock”, that in its middle turns to a good cover of Deep Purple’s “Highway Star”!

One of the things that have always defined Night Ranger, is the combination of the incredible dynamics and the emotion coming out of this band in both their music itself and their live performances, yet quite noticeable once again in “Rockin’ Shibuya 2007”. Night Ranger have just released another remarkable and so enjoyable live album! This is a “must have” for all the die-hard fans and a good chance for those who don’t know Night Ranger so well to get to know one of the best 80’s A.O.R./Hard Rock bands! For further Night Ranger pursuit, I would clearly  recommend “Dawn Patrol”, “Seven Wishes”, “Big Life”, “Man In Motion” and of course the later “Neverland”, while for those looking into more Night Ranger live action, you better check out 1997’s “Rock In Japan” and 1990’s “Live In Japan” (“Man In Motion” tour ’89).

To sum up in a few words, Rockin’ Shibuya 2007” is a considerable release, a typical Night Ranger effort that you just can’t miss!