Review by UnhinderedbyTalent for Rainbow - Rising (1976)

This is perhaps one of the most succinct records in any genre of metal/hard rock.  At only six tracks in length and just over thirty minutes total run time, Rising does well to get its message across so impressively in such a short run time.  Opening track Tarot Woman probably showcases this ethos best of all the tracks on the record, with its galloping rhythm and melodic keys balanced against a catchy lyric sheet across a track that adds psychedelic tinges to embellish the very mystery of the lady in the song.  It is equal amounts classic Dio and Blackmore encapsulated in six minutes of well written hard rock.

Second track, Run With The Wolf  keeps the pace up nicely adding a more metal feel to proceedings as Dio applies his trademark grittyness to his vocal delivery, he seems to control the tempo of the track all by himself like some metal composer arranging his symphony around him.  The insanely catchy Starstruck soon follows with an almost cabaret beat that sees Blackmore firing licks left, right and centre over a rampant rhythm section.

The cheeky Do You Close Your Eyes continues the showy performance with its big chorus line constituted of the somewhat clumsy lyrics that Dio somehow still manages to make an impressive job of delivering.  By far the most impressive of the tracks on the album is Stargazer with a slow to mid-tempo soaring on warm uplifts from Carey's keys that give Blackmore's riffs a floating feeling, his eastern promise sliding lead work giving an added depth to an already lush and vibrant track.

Album closer A Light in the Black stands things down nicely being the second eight minute plus track that made up side B of the vinyl format.  This is a racey number to end on and works really well, letting things go out on an uptempo high instead of a brooding ballad.  This was Rainbow in their prime most definitely and it shows on this record.