Man In Motion

[TageRyche]

I wrote my latest Cassette Chronicles article on the band's 1988 album Man In Motion.

[BBKlima]

Interesting take. I found a few things interesting in your review:

1) That you were a fan for Midnight Madness and 7 Wishes, but not later. I think this was Night Ranger's problem in the late 80s. For whatever reason many of their "fans" moved on. Maybe it was Guns N Roses? Maybe it was that you had either be full out pop or full out metal, and their blend of the two didn't find an audience. I've never really been sure, but both Big Life and Man In Motion were awesome releases by a very talented band.

2) You hardly even mention Don't Start Thinking I'm Alone Tonight, which is my favorite track off the album. Reminds me a lot of Whey You Close Your Eyes.

3) A couple of asides. Man In Motion was originally Mad Emotion, but the band thought Kelly sounded like he was sing man in motion so they changed it. I still hear him saying Mad Emotion though. Also, the song I DId It For Love was not written by the band. The label insisted they record it as the first single. The band decided to make it as heavy as they could and when the record label heard the finished product they were so peeved they pulled all marketing for the album.

I've loved that album for 29 years.

[Abitaman]

Man in Motion is not a good Night Ranger release in my opinion. I ma not saying it is a bad cd, just not near the top of their stuff. Hole in the Sun the bands worst cd, by any standards, is below MiM. So MIM is next to last, but there is a big difference in between them.

Man in Motion has some good songs, but some that just doesn't gel. The production to me, while nice and clear, lack punch for the harder songs. While the band plays good and sounds good, the songs and playing seem uninspired, but this could be due to the production.

MIM I would give a C+
HITS (Hole in the Sun, not hits, which it is NOT) a D

[TageRyche]

Thank you both for the feedback.

[JohnH]

Man just goes to show opinions can vary. Hole in The Sun is one of their best albums if you ask me.