• Rating:
After the success of "Rising" and the live album "On Stage", Rainbow returned to the studio in 1978 to record a new album. There were some lineup changes: Carey was replaced by Dave Stone on keyboards, and in place of Bain on bass, B. Daisley joined (though he arrived only when the recordings were practically completed, and the bass on the album was entirely played by Blackmore). With LONG LIVE ROCK N' ROLL, Rainbow presents us with an album that is less epic and majestic, but damn more edgy and catchy. The album, however, does not fail to offer typically "medieval" atmospheres, atmospheres that characterize all Rainbow albums with R.J. Dio on vocals.
Opening the show is the captivating title track, "LONG LIVE ROCK N' ROLL," a true anthem for all the metal fans of that time. Built on a powerful triplet rhythm by Powell, R.J. Dio immediately delivers an excellent performance, very warm and very powerful. The riff and Blackmore's solo are also truly beautiful. The second track is the excellent "LADY OF THE LAKE," driven by a beautiful vocal interpretation by Dio, where a fine slide guitar solo by the Man In Black also finds its place. Also noteworthy is the text, written by Dio, very "medieval" and full of metaphors. After "LADY OF THE LAKE," we move on to "L.A. CONNECTION," a very "Zeppelin-like" track that makes use of the boogie piano. A mediocre song, despite the usual good performance by Dio. The fantastic "GATES OF BABYLON" lifts the album, in my opinion, the best track on the album. Opened with Stone's keyboard sound, the track is based on a very oriental (as is the rest of the text) and evocative riff. Powell's very precise drumming supports Ronnie Dio's voice, in this case very powerful and warm. About halfway through the song, Blackmore unleashes a superb solo (in my opinion one of the best of his entire career), which gives chills (at least to me) with every listen. It is, for me, the song where the true Rainbow sound is concentrated. Right after "GATES OF BABYLON" we move to "KILL THE KING" (already present on "On Stage"), a track where Powell's double bass drum rages and where Blackmore indulges in a very engaging and, at the same time, very theatrical solo. The lyrics speak of a popular revolt against the king's power, as evidenced by the final verses: "The People roar: Strake him down, take his crown, Kill The King". "THE SHED (SUBTLE)" is the worst track on the whole cd. After an initial solo by Blackmore, a binary rhythmic section by Powell, not very convincing, subsequently inserts itself. Dio's very good performance is not enough to save this track from mediocrity, which is still listenable and catchy. "SENSITIVE TO LIGHT" is a very catchy speed-song. Driven by a nice riff by Blackmore and a very fast and powerful rhythmic section, "SENSITIVE TO LIGHT" is direct and immediate, hard to forget (thanks to Dio's usual, excellent performance). It closes with the third masterpiece of the album, the slow and melodic "RAINBOW EYES," in which only Ritchie and an orchestra of violins accompany Dio's warm voice (here in the mesmerizing role of the minstrel) in a very reflective and introspective track.
After the album's promotional tour, Ronnie Dio left Rainbow to join Black Sabbath and then continue with a glorious solo career.
In general, the album is a bit uneven, alternating fantastic episodes with some somewhat mediocre tracks. It is, however, a very good cd, which should not be missing from your cd collection if you are a fan of the band.
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