Rainbow - Straight Between the Eyes Ultra Rare UK Vinyl LP - Unique No-Text Label, 1982 Pressing #vinylrecords

Rainbow: Straight Between the Eyes – A Laser-Guided Missile of Hard Rock Majesty

Album Description:

In the smoke-filled haze of 1982, amidst a sea of spandex, hairspray, and MTV's neon glow, Rainbow unleashed "Straight Between the Eyes", a sonic assault that cut through the fluff like a diamond-tipped drill. This wasn't just another album; it was a declaration of intent, a statement that Rainbow, led by the enigmatic Ritchie Blackmore, was here to stay and conquer the airwaves.

The historical context is crucial. This was post-Dio Rainbow, a band still reeling from the departure of their iconic frontman. But with Joe Lynn Turner at the helm, they weren't looking back. Turner's voice, a blend of grit and soaring melody, was the perfect foil for Blackmore's guitar wizardry. Together, they forged a new sound, one that was both heavier and more accessible than Rainbow's earlier work.

"Straight Between the Eyes" is a masterclass in hard rock songwriting. From the opening salvo of "Death Alley Driver" to the anthemic closer "Stone Cold", the album is packed with hooks, riffs, and solos that stick in your brain like shrapnel. The production, helmed by the legendary Martin Birch (Deep Purple, Iron Maiden), is crisp and powerful, capturing the raw energy of the band's live performances.

"Stone Cold", the album's centerpiece, is a power ballad that showcases Turner's vocal range and Blackmore's emotive guitar playing. It's a song that resonates with anyone who's ever experienced heartbreak, and its enduring popularity is proof of its timeless appeal.

This is arena rock at its finest, music designed to be blasted at ear-splitting volumes in front of thousands of screaming fans. But it's not just mindless bombast. Blackmore's guitar playing is as intricate as ever, weaving complex melodies and harmonies amidst the thunderous rhythms. Turner's lyrics, while not exactly poetry, are full of passion and conviction.

There was some controversy surrounding the album's release. Some critics accused Rainbow of selling out, of sacrificing their artistic integrity for commercial success. But the fans didn't care. "Straight Between the Eyes" was a hit, spawning several MTV staples and cementing Rainbow's place in the hard rock hall of fame.

The album's iconic record label art, featuring a close-up of an eye, is a perfect visual representation of its music: direct, powerful, and unforgettable. This is an album that demands your attention, one that refuses to be ignored.

"Straight Between the Eyes" is a monument to the enduring power of hard rock. It's an album that still sounds fresh and exciting today, a reminder of a time when music was loud, proud, and unapologetically itself. So crank it up, let the music wash over you, and experience the thrill of Rainbow at their peak. Don't forget to crank up the volume for the driving force of "Death Alley Driver" and immerse yourself in the emotional depth of "Stone Cold" - this album is a journey through the heart of hard rock.

Music Genre:

70s Prog Hard Rock British

Album Production information:

Produced by: Roger Glover
Roger Glover – Bass, Producer, Songwriter
If the groove feels like a tank with manners, his name is usually somewhere nearby. Read more...
Roger Glover is one of those credit lines I trust on sight: a Welsh bassist, producer, and songwriter who helped define the heavyweight “engine room” of classic hard rock. I mainly tag him to two eras that just refuse to die: Deep Purple (1969–1973, 1984–present), where his bass and writing instincts locked in with that Mark II bite, and Rainbow (1979–1984), where he wasn’t just playing low-end—he was also steering the sound as lyricist and producer. He came up through Episode Six, then spent the 1970s stacking production work and side projects like it was a second career (because, yeah, it basically was), but those Purple and Rainbow years are the real “mythology in the liner notes” stuff.
Roger Glover Wiki
Sound/recording engineers: Nick Blagona, Robbie Whelen
Recorded at: Le Studio, Morin Heights, Canada
Mastering by: Greg Calbi, Sterling Studios, New York

Record Label & Catalog-nr:

Polydor Deluxe POLD 59056

Album Packaging:

This album includes the original DELUXE custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and photos.

Media Format:

12" Vinyl Full-Length Stereo Long-Play Gramophone Record
Album weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

1981 Made in the UK

Band Members and Musicians on: Rainbow Straight Between the Eyes

Ritchie Blackmore - Fender Strat
Ritchie Blackmore – Guitarist, Songwriter
The guy who made the guitar sound both medieval and radioactive, often in the same solo. Read more...
Ritchie Blackmore is the sort of name I see on a sleeve and instantly expect sparks: born Richard Hugh Blackmore (1945), he’s an English guitarist who helped hard-rock riffing grow teeth and then politely refused to stop. His era-stamps are basically whole chapters of rock history: Deep Purple (1968–1975, 1984–1993), where the riffs got louder, sharper, and more dramatic; Rainbow (1975–1984, 1993–1997), where he leaned into melody and fantasy like it was a weapon; and Blackmore’s Night (1997–present), where the electric storm calms down into Renaissance-folk textures without losing that unmistakable Blackmore touch. I love that arc: from amp-stacks and arena thunder to lutes-and-candles vibes, like he just swapped dragons for different dragons.
Ritchie Blackmore Wiki
Roger Glover
Roger Glover – Bass, Producer, Songwriter
If the groove feels like a tank with manners, his name is usually somewhere nearby. Read more...
Roger Glover is one of those credit lines I trust on sight: a Welsh bassist, producer, and songwriter who helped define the heavyweight “engine room” of classic hard rock. I mainly tag him to two eras that just refuse to die: Deep Purple (1969–1973, 1984–present), where his bass and writing instincts locked in with that Mark II bite, and Rainbow (1979–1984), where he wasn’t just playing low-end—he was also steering the sound as lyricist and producer. He came up through Episode Six, then spent the 1970s stacking production work and side projects like it was a second career (because, yeah, it basically was), but those Purple and Rainbow years are the real “mythology in the liner notes” stuff.
Roger Glover Wiki

Bobby Rondinelli – Drums

When I see his name in the credits, I brace for that “arena-sized, no-nonsense” kick drum that makes guitars behave. Read more...

Bobby Rondinelli is one of those drummers I clock instantly because his playing has that hard-rock muscle with a metronome spine. He hit peak visibility with Rainbow (1980–1983), driving the Joe Lynn Turner era with that crisp, punchy feel that keeps big choruses standing upright. Then he pops up in the kind of “wait, HIM?” resume that collectors love: Quiet Riot (1991–1993), Black Sabbath (1993–1994, 1995–1996) right in the Tony Martin-era churn, and Blue Oyster Cult (1997–2004) where he locked the grooves down for years of shows and recordings. Since 2013, he has been the drummer for the Axel Rudi Pell band, which is basically the job description “keep the riffs powered and the double-kick honest.”

Bobby Rondinelli Wiki

Joe Lyn Turner
Joe Lynn Turner – Vocals
The voice that turned Rainbow’s thunder into radio-sized choruses, then walked straight into Deep Purple like he owned the mic stand. Read more...
Joe Lynn Turner is the kind of singer I file under “instant era-definer”: born Joseph Arthur Mark Linquiti (1951), he’s an American rock vocalist who can sell melody without sanding off the bite. His headline chapters are stamped in clean, collector-friendly time blocks: Rainbow (1980–1984), where his smoother, hook-first approach powered the early-’80s albums and made the choruses feel built for speed; and Deep Purple (1989–1992), where he fronted the band in the early ’90s and proved Purple could wear a different voice without losing the fire. I love that he sits right at that crossroads where classic hard rock gets shinier, louder, and just a little more dangerous in the “FM-friendly but still mean” way.
Joe Lynn Turner Wiki
David Rosenthal
David Rosenthal is an American keyboardist, musical director, orchestrator, and producer, widely recognized for his versatile work across rock, pop, and theater. Born on January 1, 1961, he studied at the Berklee College of Music and has built a distinguished career spanning multiple decades. Rainbow (1981–1984) – Joined during the Difficult to Cure tour and played on Straight Between the Eyes and Bent Out of Shape

Complete Track Listing of: "Rainbow Straight Between the Eyes"

The Song/tracks on "Rainbow - Straight Between the Eyes" are:

Side One:

Death Alley
Driver Stone
Cold Bring on the Night
The Squeeze
Tearin' Out my Heart

Side Two:

Power
MISS Mistreated
Rock Fever
Eyes of Fire

Album Cover Photo Gallery of: Rainbow Straight Between the Eyes

Album cover of Rainbow's 'Straight Between the Eyes' showing a photorealistic illustration of a guitar headstock shattering through a human forehead, between two wide-open green eyes. — *Rainbow – Straight Between the Eyes* album cover features a striking and surreal illustration. Dominating the image are two photorealistic human eyes—green with intricate iris detail—set wide open in a shocked expression. Emerging from the center of the forehead is the headstock of a Fender-style guitar, which appears to have smashed through the skull, sending jagged shards of bone and skin flying outward in all directions. The intensity of the image is heightened by its vivid rendering and the sense of explosive impact. Above, the band’s name "RAINBOW" is printed in large black uppercase letters, with part of the "R" cropped out of frame. In the upper right is a circular sticker graphic stating “Includes the hit single 'Stone Cold'.” At the bottom, the album title **STRAIGHT BETWEEN THE EYES** is centered in bold black type. The image captures the album’s aggressive energy and plays on the title with literal and metaphorical visual force.

Photo of "Rainbow Straight Between the Eyes" Album's Inner Sleeve

Black and white group photo of Rainbow's 1982 lineup, showing all five members in a studio portrait with intense expressions and classic 80s rock style. — This black and white studio portrait captures Rainbow’s 1982 lineup in a striking and intense composition. Center front is **Ritchie Blackmore**, wearing a dark leather vest over a polka-dot shirt, gazing directly at the camera with a serious, almost confrontational expression. To his left (the viewer’s right) stands **David Rosenthal**, clean-shaven with styled hair, dressed in a light shirt and dark vest. Behind Blackmore and slightly elevated is **Roger Glover**, wearing a loose shirt, layered scarf, and sporting a shaggy beard with a calm but focused demeanor. On the far left is **Joe Lynn Turner**, with a full head of voluminous curls and a penetrating look, dressed in a dark jacket. At the bottom left sits **Bobby Rondinelli**, wearing a white shirt and black leather jacket, staring outward with a stern gaze. The image conveys the band's cohesion, seriousness, and classic early '80s rock aesthetic.

A close-up of the Side A vinyl record label for Rainbow's album 'Straight Between the Eyes.' The label features a detailed illustration of a bloodshot human eye with a green and yellow iris, surrounded by copyright text on black vinyl. The catalog number is POLD 5056. — This is a high-detail, close-up photograph of the paper label on the A-side of a black vinyl record. The central artwork is a vivid and realistic illustration of a wide-open human right eye, which fills the entire circular space of the label.

The eye's iris is a complex hazel color, rendered with fine, radiating lines of olive green, yellow, and brown. The pupil at its center is a solid black circle, interrupted by the record's spindle hole. A bright, white circular reflection is painted on the upper right portion of the iris and pupil, indicating a strong light source. The white of the eye, the sclera, has a pinkish, fleshy tint and is heavily bloodshot with red veins, particularly on the right side, where streaks of yellow are also visible, giving it a strained or surreal look.

Delicate, individual eyelashes are meticulously painted along the upper and lower eyelids. On the far left, a sharp, white, shard-like object points towards the eye, nearly touching the sclera. The surrounding skin is depicted with realistic flesh tones and subtle wrinkles.

Text is printed in black around the perimeter of the label. The upper edge reads, "SEE SLEEVE FOR DETAILS." Along the bottom curve is the copyright and rights warning: "ALL RIGHTS OF THE PRODUCER AND OF THE OWNER OF THE WORK REPRODUCED RESERVED. UNAUTHORISED COPYING, HIRING, LENDING, PUBLIC PERFORMANCE AND BROADCASTING OF THIS RECORD PROHIBITED." To the left of the central hole, it is designated as **SIDE A**. Below the hole, the catalog number "POLD 5056" and the playback speed "33⅓ rpm" are printed.

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 ).