by Ed Rivadavia
Unlike many of their pop-metal contemporaries, Night Ranger's early work has aged quite well, and this excellent 1982 debut is a well-kept secret of the genre. Dripping with hooks and irresistible choruses, &Don't Tell Me You Love Me,& &Sing Me Away,& and &Young Girl in Love& are simply outstanding songs. Anyone doubting the band's ability to rock out need only listen to the vicious bursts of &Eddie's Comin' Out Tonight& and &Play Rough.& And despite offering the mandatory power ballad in &Call My Name& (which is actually quite good), the band rarely allow the album's intensity level to lag.