Bruce Hornsby & The Range: A Night On The Town - 1990


This was the third and final album accredited to Bruce Hornsby & The Range and it has always been one that has never quite done it for me, despite a few high points. 

Hornsby's trademark piano licks are noticeably thinner on the ground, as are the killer melodies and it is a far more rock-powered album, which was a bit of a shame in comparison with its two predecessors. Hornsby was always a great lyricist, though, and his skill is still apparent on many of the songs here. It is also long overdue a remastering, as its sound is still a bit tinny. A sonic makeover would improve the album considerably. 

A Night On The Town is a solid, chunky opener, with a firm bass sound and an insistent, grinding melody. Hornsby's evocative voice is instantly recognisable. Carry The Water utilises that most eighties-nineties thing - the accursed programmed drum sound. When you have a drummer as competent as John Molo, why not just have "proper" drums?  Whatever, it is still a reasonable track, with a great hook and a welcome typical piano solo. Fire On The Cross is a hard-hitting song about the Ku Klux Klan, backed by an appealing country-style mandolin. 

By far my favourite track on the album is the moving Barren Ground, a slow number delivered in Hornsby's pathos-evoking voice as he tells us how good seeds don't grow on barren ground. Bruce Springsteen wrote great hard times songs in this mould and, at times, Hornsby is right up there with him. I love this song dearly and have done for thirty years. Shawn Colvin provides excellent backing vocals, by the way. 

The lively Across The River is another top notch track, unfortunately blighted by dodgy sound in places, but not enough to detract from its appeal. although Stranded On Easy Street has a typically eighties-nineties synth riff, it is a mightily enjoyable song. 

Stander On The Mountain is the album's big, robust production number featuring more impressive vocals, lyrics and a tinkling piano passage. Shawn Colvin contributes a great vocal on the album's last real Hornsby classic in the emotional and touching Lost Soul. 

Another Day is a rollicking piano-driven rocker and the riffy, slightly swampy Special Night rocks more than I recall from when I first heard the album. I have rediscovered a liking for the track. There is some great guitar and piano interplay near the end. These Arms Of Mine is more dignified and soulful. I hope I have reassessed this album positively, although I still have slight problems with the sound.

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