Every Rainbow album ranked from worst to best
Rainbow, led by former Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore and featuring a revolving line-up of prolific musicians including vocalists Ronnie James Dio, Graham Bonnet, and Joe Lynn Turner, has made some remarkable contributions to rock music since the 1970s. From medieval-tinged rock operas to straightforward hard rock anthems, Rainbow’s discography includes an eclectic selection of albums. Here’s a look at every Rainbow album, ranked from worst to best.
1.Stranger in Us All (1995)
Considered the swan song for Rainbow, “Stranger in Us All” failed to capture the innovation of prior efforts. Despite having strong tracks like “Wolf to the Moon” and “Ariel,” the album couldn’t shake off a certain sense of nostalgia that worked against its favor.
2.Difficult To Cure (1981)
With Joe Lynn Turner at the helm, “Difficult To Cure” marked a shift towards a more radio-friendly sound. The hit single “I Surrender,” penned by Russ Ballard, is still celebrated, but overall, the album lacked cohesion and felt like Rainbow was trying too hard to adapt to commercial trends.
3.Down To Earth (1979)
Graham Bonnet’s lone appearance as frontman yielded the hit singles “Since You Been Gone” and “All Night Long.” This album steered away from epic compositions and lyrical fantasy themes towards more accessible lyrics and mainstream arrangements.
4.Straight Between The Eyes (1982)
“Straight Between The Eyes” offered up an array of solid tracks with Turner’s vocals bringing a melodic edge to Blackmore’s riffs. Songs like “Stone Cold” and “Death Alley Driver” displayed both commercial appeal and musicianship that pleased many fans.
5.Bent Out Of Shape (1983)
While not drastically different from its predecessor, “Bent Out Of Shape” featured the powerful ballad “Street of Dreams,” showcasing Turner’s range and emotive capability. It is also prized for some intricate musicianship and top-notch production.
6.Rising (1976)
Often heralded as one of the greatest heavy metal albums of all time, “Rising” featured classics like “Tarot Woman,” “Stargazer,” and “A Light in the Black.” While short with only six tracks, each song was a testament to Rainbow’s creative peaks during Blackmore’s collaboration with Dio.
7.Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll (1978)
Ronnie James Dio’s final album with Rainbow is nothing short of compelling. From the anthemic title track to the rich storytelling in “Gates of Babylon,” this album blended elements from their earlier works into something dynamically robust.
8.Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow (1975)
The debut album remains unmatched in its influence on hard rock and neoclassical metal genres. The fusion of Dio’s mythical lyricism with Blackmore’s classical guitar influences produced tracks such as “Man on the Silver Mountain” that would become timeless anthems.
Each album holds a unique place in rock history with contributions that have echoed throughout hard rock and metal ever since. This ranking might spur debate among fans but serves as a testament to Rainbow’s rich legacy in music.