A still from the video for "Sister Christian" by Night Ranger
I won’t deny that it was the Old Navy back-to-school commercial to the tune of “Sister Christian” that reminded me it was time to revisit the music videos of Night Ranger. But it doesn’t matter how I got here… Let Night Ranger usher in your back-to-school season with two classic videos that evoke the happy yet drama-filled school days of yore!
This San Francisco rock band brought its energetic sound to the ’80s with ballads like “Sister Christian” and beat-driven hits such as “When You Close Your Eyes.” Both are video picks this week. Let’s start with the former…
If you’re hoping that watching this video will clarify the song’s use of the word “motoring,” think again (although the “Sister Christian” wikipedia entry sheds some light on the term and notes that the song was inspired by drummer Kelly Keagy’s younger sister, Christy). But if what you want is a trip down memory lane, this video will do it for you. It may even take you back to high school, when you longed to break out of your shell, loosen your collar, bust out of the school’s confining doors, and drive away with Night Ranger in a 1950s convertible, leaving your troubles behind you…
And now the video for “When You Close Your Eyes,” which also touches on themes of youth, regret, missed opportunity, and general high school angst. Once again featuring the same lovely leading lady from the previous video, this piece may as well be called “When Sister Christian grows up, gets trapped in a loveless marriage to a chimp (literally), serves as a maid for her ungrateful children, and yearns for her glory days when she dated a follically-blessed guitarist.” Don’t worry–scenes featuring characters in prom and varsity attire keep things lighthearted enough!
Don’t forget to take note of some great ’80s fashion as you watch the videos, including both formal and casual wear. But the real star of these pieces is the understated hair of the leading lady, which is unusually sleek for the days before straightening irons were a style staple. I too wanted Sister Christian’s haircut.
Also be on the lookout for the best fake prom break-up scene you’ll ever witness, and the overall infectious energy that made Night Ranger band members a true joy to watch in those early days of MTV.
Happy Friday!
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