Reviews list for Rainbow - Rising (1976)

I just always have such a good time listening to this. I just get lost in the riffs. I can put this on and forget myself for a short 33 minutes. I almost want more on this album but at a cool 6 songs, none of which are bad and each have their place here,  it's a near perfect mix. This will always be a solid listen for a good short time, about the time of an extended sitcom episode but still one of the shortest full length albums I've heard in a while.  I personally think the sweet spot is between 40-45 minutes, and if this had one more great song it may actually break my opinion on this. I think I do like it more because it's so short, since I have less time to dedicate to it so it can finish before I get too distracted and move on to busying myself with life. I always catch myself tapping my foot, nodding my head, or even singing along especially to Startstruck and A Light In The Black. 

I do find myself falling out near the end of Tarot Woman or in the middle of Do You Close Your Eyes, but then the next riff pulls me back in and I enjoy myself again. Still very short songs considering, I had to look and see that A Light In The Black is 8 minutes and it doesn't feel like it because I think that's my favorite song on the album. You can't go wrong with this album, and definitely can spare the 30 minutes to give it a chance on a short drive or walk and have a great time. 

It took me a long time to get around to listening to Rainbow's Rising. Don't make my mistake: listen to it. Listen to it again if you already have. Listen to it while you read this. Because if you're any kind of fan of rock 'n' roll or heavy music, you will enjoy it. It's simply that good.

It's hard to properly convey just how superbly crafted Rising is in words, as a reviewer I forever want to stick the album on and say "See?" to the reader. It doesn't necessarily break any boundaries, it just makes everything work so well. One of the most striking aspects, and as good a place to start as any, is how the album is so startlingly devoid of filler or fat in any form. Not a moment is wasted, every track is an absolute belter, and every part of each works. It's just six tracks of pure rocking brilliance. 

Ronnie James Dio and Ritchie Blackmore is a match made in heaven, with Dio's gorgeous vocals and Blackmore's fantastic guitar work sitting side by side. Just listen to the way they play off each other to make "Lady Starstruck" so insanely catch, both shining and complementing one another. Or the crazy fun that is "A Light in the Black", which demands that you nod your head, tap your foot and sing along with Ronnie that you're "coming hoooome!". Then it treats you to some of the most succulent keyboard and guitar soloing to be had. 

The song-writing on show here is fun and catchy without ever feeling dumbed down, and Rainbow are masters at evoking awe and wonder alongside the straightforward rocking. "Stargazer" is a perfect example, a tale to be told of an epic journey. Ronnie sings of the heat and the rain, the towers of stone, and Eastern-sounding melodies mingle with the constant marching pound of the drums to paint pictures of a trek across a vast, scorching desert, and all the wondrous sights along the way.

Rising gets a 5/5 because I simply can't justify giving it anything less. There isn't a wasted moment here, not an ounce of fat to be trimmed, not a single solitary bit of filler, just six tracks of pure, concentrated awesome, and every fan of heavy music should have this one in their collection. 

Choice cuts: Stargazer, A Light in the Black, Lady Starstruck, Tarot Woman