RITCHIE BLACKMORE'S RAINBOW: STRANGER IN US ALL

Were you there when the glory years of rock music took place in late sixties into late seventies? If so, I think you must remember the debut album by Ritchie Blackmore's (who had been famous as Deep Purple guitarist) newly established band, Rainbow. And I bet you remember that the ballad 'Temple of The King' was a hit maker. In my case, I remember vividly how my big brother Jokky played the cassette (Perina) repeatedly almost everyday, in loud volume, replaying 'The Temple of The King'. For my personal favorite, I liked 'Man on The Silver Mountain' , 'Self Portrait', 'Snake Charmer' and ...the concluding track, an instrumental one, called 'Still I'm Sad'. ANd two years later the band released 'Rainbow On Stage' which made me 'stunned' and the song was performed with lyrics. What an excellent rock live record!

My point is clear .. If you were there in the seventies, I think you would jump into the last track of this album and start shouting:

See the stars come fallin' down from the sky

Wouldn't you? I did! Yeah.. I was there and this song was one of my favorite rock songs of the seventies. The song is really fabulous in terms of composition. It has great melody that flows nicely, brings the music into an inspiring energy, combined with great harmonies resulted from the combination of Ritchie's guitar and other musicians plus singer. The strength of the song is truly in its groove and melody. Oh man .. I love it very much! I think this song attracts those of you who love classic rock of the seventies.

But don't worry .. the opening track 'Wolf to the Moon' (4:16) is also kickin'. It has all you need in straight hard rock music: excellent melody, catchy riffs and powerful guitar solo by Ritchie. Even though in this album there is no musician who played with Ritchie in the seventies but I can feel the taste of the seventies especially through Ritchie's guitar work in rhythm section as well as solo. The vocal work by Doogie White is not bad at all and it reminds me to the voice of Ronnie James Dio as it fits with the music. 'Cold Hearted Woman' (4:31) is not a bad composition at all. While in 'Stand and Fight' (5:22) the music changes into rock'n'roll style with harmonica opens the music combined with guitar work. Another interesting track is 'Black Masquerade' (5:35) where the music has some sort of eastern music content.

Overall, this is a good album which demonstrates that Ritchie is still kickin' in the nineties. Of course you should not expect something like 'Stargazer' is coming out during this period of time. But the guitar playing of Ritchie is interesting and those who love Deep Purple and Rainbow will favor this album, I believe. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW