Reason to Be

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Reason to Be" by Night Ranger from their 2011 album Somewhere in California, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its melodic rock energy. This track, though not a single from the album, captures the band’s signature blend of heartfelt lyrics and soaring guitar riffs, a staple of their sound since the 1980s. In a 2011 interview with AllMusic, bassist Jack Blades shared that the album, including songs like "Reason to Be," was crafted to reflect the band’s return to their classic sound after more experimental releases. He noted the song’s introspective tone resonated with fans who grew up with the band, evoking a sense of nostalgia and purpose. The album marked a pivotal moment, with new members Joel Hoekstra on guitar and Eric Levy on keyboards bringing fresh energy, as highlighted in a fan review on Amazon, which praised the track for its emotional depth and tight instrumentation.

While specific trivia about "Reason to Be" is scarce in public interviews or social media, the album Somewhere in California itself has a compelling backstory. Accordingხ on X, a fan shared a post from the Fans In Motion podcast, hosted by dedicated Night Ranger enthusiast Josh, revealed that the band wrote much of the album separately due to the 2020 pandemic, a process guitarist Brad Gillis described as challenging yet rewarding. The song’s lyrical theme of finding purpose aligns with the band’s resilience, as they’ve navigated lineup changes and industry shifts over four decades. A fan on the Night Ranger Fans Facebook group called "Reason to Be" a hidden gem, noting its uplifting message and Kelly Keagy’s soulful vocals, which shine alongside Jack Blades’ harmonies. The track’s polished production, credited to the band’s embrace of modern techniques, gives it a contemporary edge while staying true to their AOR roots, as noted in a GigWise article from 2024.

Night Ranger began in San Francisco in 1979, initially as a trio called Stereo, formed by Jack Blades (bass, vocals), Kelly Keagy (drums, vocals), and Brad Gillis (guitar). The three met while playing in Rubicon, a funk-pop band led by Sly & the Family Stone’s Jerry Martini. After Rubicon’s 1979 split, they pivoted to a harder rock sound, recruiting keyboardist Alan Fitzgerald and guitarist Jeff Watson. Renamed Ranger, then Night Ranger to avoid confusion with another band, they signed with Boardwalk Records in 1982. Their debut album, Dawn Patrol, featured the hit "Don’t Tell Me You Love Me," but it was 1983’s Midnight Madness, with the iconic "Sister Christian," that catapulted them to fame. According to their bio on AllMusic, the band’s early success was fueled by their knack for killer melodies and intricate instrumentation, selling over 17 million albums worldwide.

Today, Night Ranger remains active, with a loyal fanbase engaging on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans connect through communities like the Night Ranger Fans Facebook group and Josh’s Fans In Motion podcast, which dives deep into the band’s history and related projects like Damn Yankees. With over 4,000 live shows and a discography spanning 13 studio albums, Night Ranger’s enduring legacy, as praised on Louder, proves their music still resonates, whether it’s "Reason to Be" or their classic hits, keeping the Zoo Freaks rocking.