5 Hard-Rocking Deep Cuts from Night Ranger’s Early Years

American rock band Night Ranger scored some big hits during their 1980s heyday, including “(You Can Still) Rock in America,” “When You Close Your Eyes,” “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me,” and “Sister Christian.” The boys remain an indefatigable band who love to let rip with rousing tracks and the occasional power ballad. Original frontman/bassist Jack Blades, guitarist Brad Gillis, and drummer/co-lead vocalist Kelly Keagy are still together, and back in the day guitarist Jeff Watson and keyboardist Alan Fitzgerald were also part of the classic lineup that brought us the hits listed above and the following five memorable deep cuts from a golden era of American hard rock. Fun fact: All of these selections were written and sung by the band’s then-main songwriter, Jack Blades.

“Play Rough” from Dawn Patrol (1982)

This track opens with deceptively serene acoustic guitars before roaring into full-on anthem mode. Lyrically, it’s one of those alpha-male rockers about trying to conquer the local hottie, but musically it’s got snarling riffs, pounding toms, and a rip-roaring solo from Watson during the break. The dulcet vocal harmonies make for a nice contrast.

“Night Ranger” from Dawn Patrol (1982)

The closing track to their debut album features another classic ‘80s trope—schoolboy meets rocking girl and the connection draws them in—all dressed up with that big Night Ranger sound. What makes this song click is how the initially slow-paced tune with catchy riffs bursts into a tempo at least three times as fast during the middle section. The song erupts into passionate soloing and a little harmonizing between Watson and Gillis. Bonus points for the J.D. Salinger reference.

“Why Does Love Have to Change” from Midnight Madness (1983)

The third track from their second album contrasts poppy, airy verses with dramatic choruses and a cascading guitar melody, and then those big six-string harmonies hit in the middle. Night Ranger found a way to weave keyboards into their high-energy mix and still retain the power of their riffs. It helps that they had a killer guitar duo here.

“Touch of Madness” from Midnight Madness (1983)

There’s a touch of goth in this mid-tempo rocker that opens with the sounds of a dying music box and unleashes riffs with attitude. One can hear how Gillis’ brief time touring with Ozzy Osbourne may have influenced this track, particularly the keyboard sounds and squealing guitar. “Touch of Madness” feels a bit darker than other Night Ranger tracks, and it’s still got that larger-than-life quality that exemplifies their best work. Gillis lets loose at the end.

“Interstate Love Affair” from Seven Wishes (1985)

The Bay Area quintet went more mainstream on their third album—this was at a time when many bands were chasing hits and MTV airplay—but this singalong anthem was all fired up. Those who love a huge, hooky chorus and invigorating guitar rock will ride this vibe. The tune first appeared on the soundtrack to the 1984 movie Teachers. To be fair, some poppier tracks from this era like “Sentimental Street” were also well done.

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