Rainbow: Ranking Their 8 Studio Albums

Rainbow, the brainchild of guitar virtuoso Ritchie Blackmore, embarked on a musical journey that spanned eight studio albums. This project began as a solo endeavor while Blackmore was still a member of Deep Purple, evolving into a full-fledged band that carried on his creative vision. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Rainbow, ranking their albums from worst to best.

Table of Contents

Inception of Rainbow

Rainbow’s story traces its origins back to Ritchie Blackmore’s decision to step away from Deep Purple after their 1975 album “Stormbringer.” It was at this juncture that he set out on his own musical path, and thus, Rainbow was born. The band’s journey continued until their triumphant return with “Perfect Strangers” in 1984.

Ronnie James Dio: The True Rainbow Icon

Rainbow’s legacy is intricately linked with the introduction of Ronnie James Dio. While Rainbow’s reputation rested largely on Blackmore’s exceptional guitar work, it was Dio who truly left an indelible mark. Dio’s tenure in the band spanned three studio albums, and his departure marked a significant turning point in Rainbow’s musical direction.

The Ever-Changing Lineup

One notable aspect of Rainbow’s history is their ever-evolving lineup. Blackmore’s creative restlessness and the band members’ desires for more recognition and compensation resulted in constant changes. This dynamism meant that no two studio albums featured the same lineup.

The Search for Songwriters

Blackmore, often modestly referring to himself as a “riff merchant,” consistently sought talented songwriters to complement his music. Notable contributors included his former Deep Purple bandmate Roger Glover, who also served as Rainbow’s producer and bassist, and Joe Lynn Turner, who made significant contributions on multiple albums.

The Eight Studio Albums: A Deep Dive

Now, let’s take a closer look at each of Rainbow’s eight studio albums, ranked from worst to best, while exploring their distinctive characteristics and the musical journey they represent.

8. “Straight Between The Eyes” (1982)

“Straight Between The Eyes” may not be Rainbow’s shining moment, but it does contain one standout track – the single “Stone Cold,” which achieved chart success on both sides of the Atlantic. Unfortunately, the rest of the album seems to lack fresh ideas, with tracks like “Bring On The Night (Dream Chaser)” reusing earlier melodies and “Eyes Of Fire” missing the mark.

7. “Bent Out Of Shape” (1983)

As Rainbow’s seventh album, “Bent Out Of Shape” showcased the band’s evolving sound. With Ritchie Blackmore as the only constant member, this album even featured a reworking of Howard Blake’s theme from the animated children’s film “Snowman.” Although it didn’t fully resonate with Rainbow’s original fans, tracks like “Street Of Dreams” and “Can’t Let You Go” explored the potential of the AOR (Album-Oriented Rock) direction.

6. “Stranger In Us All” (1995)

“Stranger In Us All,” released in 1995, marked the return of Ritchie Blackmore after his final departure from Deep Purple. While initially intended as a solo record, it was billed under Rainbow’s name. The album introduced vocalist Doogie White, who brought echoes of both Dio and Turner to the band. Notable tracks include “Hunting Humans (Insatiable)” and the haunting “Ariel,” showcasing a return to Rainbow’s earlier style.

5. “Difficult To Cure” (1981)

“Difficult To Cure,” Rainbow’s follow-up to their 1979 hit album “Down To Earth,” marked a transition in the band’s lineup, with Joe Lynn Turner taking the helm as the singer. Despite concerns from fans about sacrificing the band’s heritage for the U.S. market, the album produced hits like “I Surrender” and “Can’t Happen Here.” Fans also appreciated the instrumental prowess displayed in tracks like “Vielleicht Das Nächste Mal (Maybe Next Time)” and “Midtown Tunnel Vision.”

4. “Long Live Rock’n’Roll” (1978)

Rainbow’s third album, “Long Live Rock’n’Roll,” is a divisive one. Although it may not reach the heights of its predecessors, it features iconic tracks like “Kill The King” and the epic “Gates Of Babylon.” “LA Connection” even managed to secure a top 40 single spot in the UK. This album is a testament to Ronnie James Dio’s exceptional vocal talent.

3. “Down To Earth” (1979)

After Ronnie James Dio’s departure, Rainbow faced an uncertain future. Their album “Down To Earth” marked a shift towards a more mainstream sound, featuring hits like “Since You’ve Been Gone” and “All Night Long.” However, it also retained the band’s signature style with tracks like “Eyes Of The World” and “Lost In Hollywood,” connecting the new Rainbow to their Dio-era roots.

2. “Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow” (1975)

Rainbow’s debut album, “Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow,” was born out of an experiment. Blackmore, still with Deep Purple, enlisted the support band Elf, primarily for their vocalist, Ronnie James Dio, to record a cover of “Black Sheep Of The Family” and “Sixteenth Century Greensleeves.” The result was an album featuring classics like “Man On The Silver Mountain” and “Catch The Rainbow.” This marked the genesis of Rainbow and Blackmore’s journey beyond Deep Purple.

1. “Rainbow Rising” (1976)

Unquestionably the crown jewel of Rainbow’s discography, “Rainbow Rising” stands as their second album, featuring only six songs but a wealth of musical brilliance. This album saw the addition of Cozy Powell on drums and Jimmy Bain on bass, elevating the band’s sound. Tracks like “Tarot Woman,” “Stargazer,” and “Light In The Black” exemplify the band’s peak, with Ritchie Blackmore’s guitar work shining brightly.

In conclusion, Rainbow’s legacy is a testament to their ever-evolving musical journey, marked by iconic vocalists, evolving lineups, and a constant quest for musical excellence. While some albums may have fared better than others, each contributes to the colorful tapestry that is Rainbow’s history. Whether you prefer their early mysticism or their later AOR direction, Rainbow’s music continues to captivate audiences, standing as a testament to the enduring power of rock and roll.

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Adam Regan

Deputy Editor

Features and account management. 3 years media experience. Previously covered features for online and print editions.

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