"Best of Rainbow" is a compilation album by the British rock band Rainbow, which was released in 1981. It features some of Rainbow's most popular and well-known tracks from their first six studio albums, including "Since You Been Gone," "All Night Long," and "I Surrender." The LP was released to capitalize on the success of the band and showcase their musical style, which blended elements of hard rock, heavy metal, and classical music. It remains a popular release among fans of the band and is considered a classic of the rock genre.
Album Description: The "Best of Rainbow" album is a timeless masterpiece that encapsulates the essence and brilliance of the British rock band Rainbow. Released in 1981, this gatefold cover 12" LP vinyl album serves as a testament to the band's talent, versatility, and impact on the rock music scene. Produced by Roger Glover and Ritchie Blackmore, two influential figures in the realm of rock music, the album showcases a carefully curated selection of Rainbow's finest tracks from their early years. The LP opens with Side One, setting the stage for an exhilarating musical journey. "All Night Long" kicks off the album with its infectious energy and catchy melodies, immediately captivating the listener. The powerful and anthemic "Man on the Silver Mountain" follows, showcasing Ronnie James Dio's exceptional vocals and Ritchie Blackmore's signature guitar work. As the album progresses, tracks like "Lost in Hollywood" and "Jealous Lover" demonstrate the band's ability to blend hard rock and heavy metal elements seamlessly. The epic "Long Live Rock and Roll" concludes Side One, leaving listeners hungry for more. As the LP flips to Side Two, Rainbow continues to captivate with their musical prowess. "Stargazer" takes center stage, a progressive rock masterpiece that highlights the band's virtuosity and ability to create complex yet accessible compositions. "Kill The King" maintains the momentum with its fierce guitar riffs and thunderous rhythm section. "A Light in the Black" further demonstrates the band's ability to craft epic and dynamic songs that push the boundaries of the rock genre. Moving onto Side Three, Rainbow reveals their softer side while maintaining their distinctive sound. "Since You Been Gone" serves as a testament to the band's ability to deliver radio-friendly hits without compromising their artistic integrity. "16th Century Greensleeves" showcases the band's fusion of classical influences and heavy rock, creating a unique and captivating sound. "Catch The Rainbow" stands out as a heartfelt ballad, highlighting the emotional depth and range of Ronnie James Dio's vocals. The side concludes with "The Eyes of the World," a high-energy track that combines intricate instrumental sections with powerful vocals. Side Four of the LP continues to impress with its diverse range of tracks. "I Surrender" stands out as a melodic rock anthem, featuring catchy hooks and a memorable chorus. "Gates of Babylon" transports listeners to a mythical world through its grandiose soundscapes and immersive storytelling. "Can't Happen Here" delivers a politically charged message, showcasing the band's ability to tackle social issues through their music. The album comes to a close with "Starstruck," a high-octane track that leaves a lasting impact and solidifies Rainbow's position as one of the leading rock bands of their time. |
Music Genre: British Hard Rock |
Album Production Information: The album: "RAINBOW - Best of Rainbow FOC Gatefold" was produced by: Roger Glover, Ritchie Blackmore : |
Record Label Information: Polydor 2929 105 |
Packaging: Gatefold (FOC) cover design with artwork / photos on the inside cover pages |
Media Format: 12" 2LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 280 gram |
Year & Country: 1981 Made in Germany |
Complete Track-listing of the album "RAINBOW - Best of Rainbow FOC Gatefold" |
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High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "RAINBOW - Best of Rainbow FOC Gatefold" |
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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.