Man in Motion (Night Ranger album) explained

Man in Motion
Type:studio
Artist:Night Ranger
Cover:Night ranger man in motion.jpg
Released:1988
Studio:Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, California, Goodnight LA Studio, Los Angeles, California
Genre:
Length:50:05
Label:MCA
Producer:Keith Olsen, Brian Foraker
Prev Title:Big Life
Prev Year:1987
Next Title:Feeding Off the Mojo
Next Year:1995

Man in Motion is the fifth studio album by Night Ranger, released in 1988. This album was the first studio album recorded by Night Ranger after the departure of keyboardist Alan Fitzgerald, who was replaced by Jesse Bradman.[2]

Background

"Man in Motion" saw a change in the musical direction of the band, focusing on a more guitar driven sound. Unfortunately the change in direction did not result in much radio play and the album became the first Night Ranger album to fail to achieve gold or platinum status[3]

Bassist and singer Jack Blades would leave the band in 1989 to form rock super group Damn Yankess with Tommy Shaw of Styx and Ted Nugent. Jeff Watson also left to join the band Mother's Army. Jack Blades discussed why he left Night Ranger, stating that the members of the band were going in different directions, with everyone writing separate songs and their egos clashing.[4]

The band would not release another album until 1995's album Feeding Off the Mojo, which featured Gary Moon of Three Dog Night on bass and vocals.[3] Jack Blades, Jeff Watson, and Alan Fitzgerald all returned to the band for 1997's album Neverland.

Reception

"Man in Motion" received mixed reviews and its singles were unable to gain much recognition. The first single off the album was "I Did It for Love", which topped out on the Billboard Top 100 at 75. The second single "Reason to Be" reached position 48 in 1989 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart.[5] The third single, "Don't Start Thinking (I'm Alone Tonight)", failed to chart at all.[6]

Track listing

All credits adapted from the original release.[7]

Personnel

Night Ranger
Additional musicians
Production

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Album » Night Ranger - Man In Motion. Metal.it. December 28, 2023. it.
  2. Web site: Night Ranger Biography . Erlewine . Stephen Thomas . Stephen Thomas Erlewine . . Rovi Corporation.
  3. Book: The Virgin Encyclopedia of Heavy Rock. Colin Larkin. Virgin Books. 1999. First. 0-7535-0257-7. 320/1.
  4. Blades . Jack . Cavacini, Michael . A Conversation With Jack Blades . June 1, 2014 . July 24, 2021.
  5. Night Ranger Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs Chart History. . October 10, 2020.
  6. Eldridge Industries. Billboard. Night Ranger Chart History. July 24, 2021.
  7. Man in Motion . . 1988 . LP Sleeve . . Santa Monica, California. MCA 6238.
  8. Book: Oricon Album Chart Book: Complete Edition 1970–2005 . . Roppongi, Tokyo . 2006 . 4-87131-077-9 . ja.