Rainbow Rising

The band’s second studio outing is also considered their best. Ritchie Blackmore, unhappy with the previous release replaced all the musicians barring Ronnie James Dio. Blackmore managed to rope in Jeff Beck drummer Cozy Powell. The album recorded in the German city of Munich has the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra playing along with the band to reinforce the other instruments.



Artist Info:

Ronnnie James Dio – Vocals
Ritchie Blackmore – Guitar
Cozy Powell – Drums
Tony Carey – Keyboards
Jimmy Bain – Bass
Munich Philharmonic Orchestra


1. Tarot Woman

The keyboard intro gives the listener an extra celestial feeling. Mr. Blackmore kicks in with a ringing riff before the rest of the band joins.  Dio’s dragging vocals have a sort of delayed effect. Blackmore’s solo spot is fairly lengthy and he avoids anything flashy. Tony Carey doing a great job. Cozy Powell’s drumming tight as ever.

2. Run With The Wolf 

One can’t help but sway with the rhythm of this song. The main Tony Iommi style riff is highly effective against Cozy’s hard hitting drumming. Dio is top notch as always. Fewer keyboards on this one. Ritchie finishes of in style.

3. Starstuck

Dio all the way. One of the best tracks on the album. The stalker lyrics though are a bit humdrum. Ritchie’s strat sings along the chorus. 

4. Do You Close Your Eyes

Worth a listen for checking out Dio’s range. The lyrics, though, are atrocious.

5. Stargazer

Cozy rolls in the stand out track of the album. Cozy and Blackmore are both superb. Blackmore brings in his classical touch which serves the right purpose here. The orchestrated keyboards fill the gaps beautifully. 

6. A Light In The Black

Another lengthy one. The lyrics are about someone gone stray who is finding his way back in life. The extended keyboard and guitar leads are on the lines of ‘Highway Star.’

Rising’ is a must have for any Rainbow fan or a fan of classic rock/metal. Featuring a pre-Sabbath Dio and post-Purple Blackmore, the album is a real powerhouse of talent not to mention a beautiful album cover.