DIFFICULT TO CURE

Through this album, the lead vocalist changed from Graham Bonnet to Joe Lynn Turner. Not much different from previous album "Down To Earth", this "Difficult To Cure" does not make the listener aware that the vocal department was changed. One thing thak makes this album attractive is the combined work between Don Airey keyboard (one of the best rock keyboard players I have ever known) and Ritchie's wild guitar work. This does not seem so obvious at the opening track - which was a radio hit as well - "I Surrender". One might compare this album with previous work like "Rising" or debut album, but I do not think that's fair for the band as they embarked to different kind of musical style. Since the previous album Rainbow had moved towards more poppy sound while maintaining its heavy music.

You can not expect something as great as "Stargazer" (Rising) or "Gates of Babylon" from Rainbow albums during this Bonnet or Turner eras. But there are still basic characteristics of Rainbow sound right here and there. The album contains two excellent instrumentals in Vielleicht Das Nachster Zeit (Maybe Next Time) and Difficult To Cure which includes an adaptation of Beethoven's Ninth.

It's definitely not the best album to start with Rainbow. But, if you are a great fan of Ritchie, you should have one. It's not a bad album, really.

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW (i-Rock! Music Community)