The Best of Rainbow compiles 16 of the best tracks from
Rainbow's first seven studio albums, wisely avoiding 1977's live
On Stage release. The first two tracks from their debut album, 1975's
Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow, showcases the instant bond that was formed between
Blackmore and
Ronnie James Dio, especially on
"Man on the Silver Mountain." Blackmore changed the band for the following year's
Rainbow Rising, with
Jimmy Bain replacing bass player
Craig Gruber, and
Cozy Powell taking percussion duties away from
Gary Driscoll. Adding keyboard player
Tony Carey helped tracks like
"Starstruck" and the lengthy
"Stargazer" to sound a little more dimensional and fluent than the group's first effort. All of 1978's
Long Live Rock and Roll have
Rainbow settling in to a heavier sound with faster guitar riffs, proven on the frantic
"Kill the King" and on the string accompanied
"Gates of Babylon." With
Dio leaving in 1978,
Graham Bonnet filled in on vocals for
Down to Earth, with
Roger Glover playing bass. Although the album gave the band a number 40 hit with
"Since You've Been Gone," one of
Russ Ballard's creations,
Bonnet left thereafter and was replaced by
Joe Lynn Turner for the
Difficult to Cure album. The album sold on the strength of
"I Surrender," one of their best tracks, but the remaining tunes marked the beginning of
Rainbow's recession.
"Jealous Lover," the B-side to 1981's
"Can't Happen Here" is a nice addition to the collection, while the next four tracks from
Rainbow's most disappointing releases are best heard here than on their parent albums. For a hits package,
The Very Best of Rainbow doubles as both a handy sift through the group's changing lineup and as a good place to start for those who are inquisitive. ~ Mike DeGagne
