Album Information:
Album ID: 9438
About Rainbow:
Rainbow is a British rock band that was formed in 1975 by former Deep Purple guitarist, Ritchie Blackmore. The band's line-up has changed several times over the years, but their classic line-up consisted of Blackmore, Ronnie James Dio on vocals, Cozy Powell on drums, Jimmy Bain on bass, and Tony Carey on keyboards.
Rainbow's debut album, 'Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow,' was released in 1975 to critical acclaim, blending elements of hard rock and classical music. The album featured the hit single 'Man on the Silver Mountain' and helped establish Rainbow as a rising force in the rock world.
In 1978, Dio left the band to join Black Sabbath, and was replaced by Graham Bonnet for the hit album 'Down to Earth,' which featured the hit single 'Since You Been Gone.' Bonnet left the band shortly after the album's release, and was replaced by Joe Lynn Turner.
The Turner era of Rainbow featured a more commercial sound, with hits like 'Street of Dreams' and 'I Surrender.' However, tensions between Blackmore and Turner eventually led to the band's dissolution in 1984.
Blackmore reformed Rainbow in the 1990s with a new line-up, but the band struggled to recapture their earlier success. The band continued to tour and release albums until Blackmore retired from music in 1997.
Despite their relatively short career, Rainbow left a lasting impact on the rock world, influencing many bands with their unique blend of hard rock and classical music. Ritchie Blackmore in particular remains one of the most respected guitarists in rock history.
About the album Straight Between The Eyes:
Sure thing!
Straight Between The Eyes is the sixth studio album by the British rock band Rainbow, released in 1982. The album marked a change in the band's sound, with a shift towards a more commercial style of hard rock. It was also the first album to feature vocalist Joe Lynn Turner, who had replaced Ronnie James Dio.
The album opens with the driving riff of 'Death Alley Driver', featuring Turner's powerful vocals and Ritchie Blackmore's guitar solos. 'Stone Cold' follows suit, with a catchy chorus and a melodic, radio-friendly sound. The album's title track is a hard-hitting rocker with a fast-paced beat and a memorable guitar riff. 'Miss Mistreated' slows things down with a soulful, bluesy sound and a moody atmosphere.
The standout track on the album is undoubtedly 'Street Of Dreams', a power ballad that features Turner's emotive vocals and Blackmore's breathtaking guitar work. The song was a big hit for the band and remains one of their most popular tracks to this day. 'Drinking With The Devil' is a raucous, bluesy number with a straightforward, no-frills approach. 'Power' is a heavy, guitar-driven track with a dark, brooding atmosphere and a powerful chorus.
The album's final two tracks, 'Rock Fever' and 'Eyes Of Fire', both feature driving rhythms and catchy choruses, with Blackmore's guitar work shining through as always.
Overall, Straight Between The Eyes is a solid album that showcases Rainbow's abilities as a hard rock band. It may not be as groundbreaking or influential as some of their earlier releases, but it's still an enjoyable listen that has stood the test of time.
Members:
Rainbow is an English rock band formed by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore in 1975. Over the years, the band has had several members, including:
1. Ritchie Blackmore - Blackmore is the founding member of Rainbow and is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Born in 1945 in Weston-super-Mare, England, Blackmore started his music career in the 1960s. He was a member of several notable bands, including Deep Purple and Blackmore's Night.
2. Ronnie James Dio - Dio was the lead vocalist for Rainbow from 1975 to 1979. Born in 1942 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Dio started his career as a vocalist in the 1950s. He gained fame in the 1970s as the lead vocalist of the bands Elf and Rainbow. Dio died in 2010 at the age of 67.
3. Cozy Powell - Powell was the drummer for Rainbow from 1975 to 1980. Born in 1947 in Cirencester, England, Powell was a highly respected drummer who played with numerous bands throughout his career, including Jeff Beck, Black Sabbath, and Whitesnake. Powell died in a car accident in 1998 at the age of 50.
4. Don Airey - Airey was the keyboardist for Rainbow from 1978 to 1981. Born in 1948 in Sunderland, England, Airey is a classically trained pianist who has worked with numerous bands and artists, including Ozzy Osbourne, Gary Moore, and Deep Purple.
5. Graham Bonnet - Bonnet was the lead vocalist for Rainbow from 1979 to 1980. Born in 1947 in Skegness, England, Bonnet had a successful solo career before joining Rainbow. He has also been a member of several other bands, including Alcatrazz and Michael Schenker Group.
6. Joe Lynn Turner - Turner was the lead vocalist for Rainbow from 1980 to 1984. Born in 1951 in Hackensack, New Jersey, Turner is an American singer who has worked with several bands and artists, including Deep Purple and Yngwie Malmsteen.
7. Roger Glover - Glover was the bassist for Rainbow from 1979 to 1984. Born in 1945 in Brecon, Wales, Glover is a musician and record producer who is best known for his work as the bassist for Deep Purple.
8. Bobby Rondinelli - Rondinelli was the drummer for Rainbow from 1980 to 1983. Born in 1955 in Brooklyn, New York, Rondinelli has played with several bands, including Black Sabbath and Blue Oyster Cult.
These are just a few of the key members of Rainbow throughout their career. The band has had many other members who have contributed to their sound over the years.
Track List for Straight Between The Eyes:
1. 'Death Alley Driver' (4:36) - A high-energy rock song with a driving beat and powerful vocals. The guitar work is particularly noteworthy, with intricate riffs and impressive solos.
2. 'Stone Cold' (5:17) - This track slows things down a bit, with a more melodic sound and emotional vocals. The chorus is catchy and memorable, making this one of the most popular tracks on the album.
3. 'Bring on the Night (Dream Chaser)' (4:07) - A fast-paced, upbeat song with a sense of urgency and excitement. The lyrics are optimistic and inspiring, urging listeners to chase their dreams and never give up.
4. 'Tite Squeeze' (3:15) - This instrumental track showcases the guitar work of Ritchie Blackmore, with a blend of rock and blues influences. The tempo is relatively slow, with a relaxed vibe that allows the listener to appreciate the musicianship.
5. 'Tearin' Out My Heart' (4:06) - A heartbreaking ballad featuring emotive vocals and poignant lyrics. The piano and guitar work are both notable, creating a mournful atmosphere that perfectly matches the theme of lost love.
6. 'Power' (4:30) - This track picks up the pace again, with driving drums and guitar riffs. The lyrics emphasize the importance of personal strength and determination, making this an anthemic and empowering song.
7. 'Miss Mistreated' (4:31) - Another up-tempo track with a catchy chorus and intense energy. The guitar work is particularly impressive on this song, with intricate riffs and a blistering solo.
8. 'Rock Fever' (3:50) - A fun, lighthearted song with a straightforward rock sound. The chorus is simple and catchy, making this a great track to sing along to.
9. 'Eyes of Fire' (6:37) - The album's epic closer, featuring soaring vocals and intricate guitar work. The tempo varies throughout the song, building tension and drama until the explosive climax. The lyrics are poetic and mysterious, adding to the song's grandeur and impact.
Discography for Rainbow:
1. Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow - August 1975
2. Rising - May 1976
3. On Stage - June 1977
4. Long Live Rock 'n' Roll - April 1978
5. Down to Earth - July 1979
6. Difficult to Cure - February 1981
7. Straight Between the Eyes - April 1982
8. Bent Out of Shape - August 1983
9. Finyl Vinyl (live compilation) - March 1986
10. Stranger in Us All - August 1995
11. Memories in Rock: Live in Germany (live) - November 2016
12. Memories in Rock II (live) - April 2018
Singles:
1. 'Man on the Silver Mountain'/'Snake Charmer' - October 1975
2. 'Starstruck'/'Run with the Wolf' - February 1976
3. 'Kill the King'/'Man on the Silver Mountain' (live) - March 1978
4. 'Long Live Rock 'n' Roll'/'Sensitive to Light' - July 1978
5. 'Since You Been Gone'/'Bad Girl' - February 1979
6. 'All Night Long'/'Weiss Heim' - April 1980
7. 'I Surrender'/'Vielleicht Das Nachster Zeit (Maybe Next Time)' - March 1981
8. 'Can't Happen Here'/'Jealous Lover' - July 1981
9. 'Stone Cold'/'Rock Fever' - April 1982
10. 'Street of Dreams'/'Anybody There' - October 1983
Other releases:
1. Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow Live (video) - 1984
2. Rock Profile (compilation) - 1990
3. Catch the Rainbow: The Anthology (compilation) - 2003
4. Live in Munich 1977 (live) - 2006
5. A Light in the Black: A Tribute to Ronnie James Dio (compilation) - 2015