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Feeding off the Mojo

Night Ranger - Feeding off the Mojo Audio CD

A fair review of the Night Ranger "Feeding off the Mojo" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all Night Ranger reviews here, or go back to the Night Ranger tabs.

Band: Night Ranger
Title: Feeding off the Mojo
Rating:

Release Date: 1995-10-17
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Mojo 2: Last Chance 3: Try (For Good Reason) 4: Precious Time 5: Night Has a Way 6: Do You Feel Like I Do/Tomorrow Never Knows 7: Music Box 8: Longest Days 9: Tell Me I'm Wrong 10: So Far Gone

Some really good listening songs
"precious time" is one of their best songs period. Mojo may have lost some mojo by only using a few original members, but the songs are what are really what drives this. I know that other songwriters collaborated with Night Ranger on nearly every song, and this one surely is a gem.
"Last Chance" is also a very good song, as you can probably discern from the sample listening. "The night has a way" is also one of my favorites from this disc, as these songs all show what Night Ranger was really good at in the heyday. They wrote songs that stuck in your mind through the melody and harmonies. Yeah, the rocking stuff is also pretty good, but this is not what really sells things anymore.
I was surprised that this disc actually sounded as good as it did, and I still slip it in to listen to some great songs.

I found that the additional vocalist sounded a bit like Mike Reno (Loverboy), while Loverboy was doing their latest lower octave stuff. Blades is still missed a bit on this one, but Keagy and the boys still get the music across. I'm a fan of having external help in writing a few songs, as this usually gets a band away from the same old direction. I'm sure they wouldn't care for that comment, but it is what creates artistic style changes. You just can't "Rock in America" over and over again. This disc is a wonderful mix of some heavy songs, mellow pleasantries, and even a classic remake. I would recommend this to anyone that likes good melodic rock. It may not be Night Ranger in full sound, but this surely carries its self. "precious time" would have only lost out on being a hit due to the grunge influences of the 1995 release. I see absolutely no other reason.

tribute to an unearthed jem
Blame it on the change of formation/bad music era, but FOTM slipped under the radar screen of most rock fans. '95, in the middle of the wasted years of rock music, Gary Moon on v/b replaces NR's frontman and Jeff Watson is out, introducing a new 3-piece Night Ranger. And that is a crime, my friend, for this is possibly the most consistently great group of songs ever for the band.
The lower, more gravely voice of Gary Moon suits perfectly the guitar driven compositions. Brad Gillis gives the performance of a lifetime with strong, melodic solos pushed in the mix through plentiful use of an octaver, and a bed of crunchy rhythm guitars reduces the use of synths to a minimum. Thick, layered Leppardesque choruses round up the lot, some great, great songs in here. Just too bad this CD didn't go anywhere. Pick it up if you see it laying around!.

It don't get any better than this
If you are a die hard Night Ranger fan, you may have a hard time swallowing this review. Alright. However, in my opinion this is by far the best Night Ranger album ever. So what if only two original members are on this. If you had to chose only two, Kelly and Brad would be it. And as for Gary Moon. . . I believe he is one of the best vocalists ever. One reviewer compared his vocal to Cinderella's lead singer. I don't think so. As far as range. . . maybe. However, the difference is talent here. Listen closer and you'll realize that Gary's vocals are of extreme talent, not just screaming at the top of your lungs. This is a well written, hard rocking album. Just what Night Ranger needed to get away from the "Sister Christian" curse. I think Night Ranger would have been better off getting rid of Jack Blades and bringing the other two members back. But, for reasons to do mostly with money, Gary Moon got dropped. (Go to Gary Moon's website, [. . . ] for the whole story) The original line up got back together with a promise of big bucks from the record company. I recently e-mailed Gary Moon and told him what I thought. He quickly e-mailed back saying how proud he was of this CD. It shows. His vocals are amazing. The songs are top quality. Whether you agree with me or not, this CD should not be missed. Kelly and Brad are at the top of their game. Nothing against Jack Blades. But. . . once you realize how awesome Gary Moon's vocals are, you'll forget about Jacks "average" vocal ability. Feel free to attack me die hards! Just remember, it's only rock and roll but we like it. If you don't have this CD and you like to rock, get it now. Call it Moon Ranger, Night Ranger, etc. Call it what you will. I call it a masterpiece. .

Some like it, some do not.
It is different from Night Ranger, no doubt about it. To be honest, I wasn't that thrilled listening to this CD the first time through. However, I stuck with it and have loved it more and more with each new spin! I also saw this trio twice in concert (Gillis, Keagy and Moon). Their energy live was awesome. Moon is a great front-man. Kelly and Brad were their usual great selves live.

The biggest complaint I hear about this album is Gary Moon's vocals. Gary is a very gifted vocalist. However, you either love them or hate them. Very few are indifferent when it comes to Gary's vocals. For what it's worth, I'm firmly in the LOVE them camp and will support any release Gary puts out sololy, or that he works on.

The songs are very well written, and the music is beautifully composed, recorded and executed. Personal favorites include Mojo, Precious Time, Music Box and Tell Me I'm Wrong.

If you like adult-oriented rock I;d strongly urge you trying to get this now out of print disc.

A LITTLE DIFFERENT, BUT THAT'S GOOD!
Probably overlooked by many because only two of the original band members (Keagy and Gillis) along with bassist Gary Moon are here. This is a fine album with great musical talent. The tracks are strong for the most part with driving rhythms and fine guitar work. Vocals are right on the money. If you are a NR fan, don't overlook it!.

You can see a complete list of all Night Ranger discography, or go back to the Night Ranger tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.