Rainbow's "Bent Out Of Shape," released in France on August 24, 1983, signifies a pivotal moment in the band's history. Amidst lineup changes, the album, recorded at Sweet Silence Studios, showcases a dynamic fusion of rock elements. Notable tracks like "Can't Let You Go" and "Street of Dreams" exemplify Rainbow's musical versatility, leaving a lasting impact on rock enthusiasts.
Rainbow, the iconic rock band formed by guitar virtuoso Ritchie Blackmore, left an indelible mark on the music scene with their diverse discography. Among their notable works, "Bent Out Of Shape," released on August 24, 1983, in France, stands out as a testament to their musical prowess. This album, recorded during a transitional period for the band, reflects both the creative tensions and collaborative brilliance that defined Rainbow.
Historical Context:
"Bent Out Of Shape" marked the departure of vocalist Joe Lynn Turner, a significant change in the band's lineup. Despite the challenges, the album showcased Rainbow's adaptability and commitment to delivering powerful rock anthems. The incorporation of keyboardist David Rosenthal added a new dimension to their sound, contributing to the album's distinctive character.
Studio Chronicles:
The album was primarily recorded at Sweet Silence Studios in Copenhagen, Denmark, known for its association with legendary producer Flemming Rasmussen. The studio's reputation for capturing raw energy and dynamic performances played a pivotal role in shaping the album's sonic landscape. The recording sessions were reportedly intense, with the band experimenting with different musical elements to achieve the desired sonic richness.
Tracklist Highlights:
"Stranded": A melodic opener that sets the tone for the album, combining Blackmore's intricate guitar work with Turner's emotive vocals.
"Can't Let You Go": A standout track, blending catchy hooks with poignant lyrics, showcasing the band's ability to craft radio-friendly hits.
"Street of Dreams": A ballad that highlights Turner's vocal prowess, coupled with Blackmore's soul-stirring guitar solos, creating a timeless piece.
Reception and Legacy:
Upon its release, "Bent Out Of Shape" received positive reviews for its musical diversity and the band's seamless transition through various rock sub-genres. While not a commercial blockbuster, the album has endured as a fan favorite, encapsulating Rainbow's evolving sound and artistic exploration.
Music Genre: English Hard Rock |
Album Production Information: The album: "Bent out of Shape" was produced by: Roger Glover for Thames Talent: |
Record Label Information: Polydor 815 305 1 |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1983 Made in France |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: RAINBOW - Bent Out of Shape (France) |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "RAINBOW - Bent Out of Shape (France)" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "RAINBOW - Bent Out of Shape (France)" is:
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High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "RAINBOW - Bent Out of Shape (France)" |
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Album Back Cover Photo of "RAINBOW - Bent Out of Shape (France)" |
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Note: The photos on this page are of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ). |
Rainbow is a British hard rock band that was formed in 1975 by the former Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. The band has gone through several line-up changes, and their sound has evolved over the years, but their music has always been characterized by Blackmore's virtuoso guitar playing and a blend of hard rock, heavy metal, and progressive rock. This page will provide a brief history of Rainbow, explore the band's music, and discuss their impact on the world of hard rock.
Rainbow was formed in 1975 by Ritchie Blackmore after he left Deep Purple. The original line-up of the band consisted of Ronnie James Dio on vocals, Craig Gruber on bass, Gary Driscoll on drums, and Micky Lee Soule on keyboards. This line-up recorded the band's debut album, "Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow," which was released in 1975. The album was a critical and commercial success, and it established Rainbow as one of the leading hard rock bands of the 1970s.
Over the years, Rainbow went through several line-up changes. Ronnie James Dio left the band in 1979 to join Black Sabbath, and he was replaced by Graham Bonnet. Bonnet sang on the band's third album, "Down to Earth," which was released in 1979 and featured the hit single "Since You've Been Gone." The band's next album, "Difficult to Cure," was released in 1981 and featured a new lead singer, Joe Lynn Turner. This line-up recorded three more albums, including "Straight Between the Eyes," "Bent Out of Shape," and "Stranger in Us All."
Rainbow disbanded in 1997, but Ritchie Blackmore re-formed the band in 2015 for a series of concerts in Europe. The new line-up of the band featured vocalist Ronnie Romero and keyboardist Jens Johansson, among others.
Rainbow's music is characterized by Ritchie Blackmore's virtuoso guitar playing, which combines elements of classical music with hard rock and heavy metal. The band's early albums, such as "Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow" and "Rainbow Rising," are considered to be classic examples of the hard rock and heavy metal genres. These albums featured epic, riff-heavy songs with soaring vocals from Ronnie James Dio.
As the band's sound evolved, Rainbow began to incorporate more progressive rock elements into their music. The album "Difficult to Cure" featured a cover of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, and the band's later albums featured more complex song structures and instrumental passages.
Rainbow is considered to be one of the most influential hard rock bands of the 1970s and 1980s. Their music has inspired countless other bands in the hard rock and heavy metal genres, and their influence can be heard in the work of bands such as Iron Maiden, Metallica, and Dream Theater.
Ritchie Blackmore's virtuoso guitar playing has also had a significant impact on the world of rock music. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest guitarists of all time, and his influence can be heard in the work of countless other guitarists.