Rainbow Discography

In 1974, Ritchie Blackmore, frustrated with the funk/soul direction of Deep Purple's Stormbringer, as well as the band's rejection of his desire to record a cover tune, decided to record the song as a solo single track. He brought in the band Elf (minus their guitarist), who had supported Deep Purple on previous tours, as his backing musicians. However, Blackmore and singer Ronnie James Dio quickly discovered a musical chemistry, which prompted Blackmore to leave Deep Purple and form Rainbow.

From 1975 - 1984, and again from 1994 - 1997, the band included a staggering 24 musicians (featuring seven bassists, six drummers, six keyboardists, four singers, and one very tempermental guitarist). The early recordings with Dio are fan favorites, and were influential in the development of many of today's progressive and power metal bands.

Rising (1976) - 97.98
Well, it doesn't get much better than this. This is actually my second-highest rated album, and needless to say, there's not a bad song to be found. Side two of the original LP may be the best album side in rock and metal history, with two tracks (Stargazer and A Light In the Black) totalling almost 17 minutes of sheer musical bliss. Recommendation: Buy immediately!

Favorite tracks: Stargazer, A Light In the Black, Tarot Woman, Starstruck

Stranger In Us All (1995) - 88.10
Ritchie Blackmore reforms Rainbow after a tumultuous 10 year stint with the reformed Deep Purple. The album features an all-new lineup (including future wife and Blackmore's Night founding partner Candice Night as songwriter and off-stage background singer) and is an excellent conclusion to the Rainbow studio discography. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite tracks: Ariel, Hall of the Mountain King

Straight Between the Eyes (1982) - 86.27
Rainbow finally achieve commercial success (not a bad thing, by the way) with power ballad Stone Cold leading the way. The album title allegedly came from Jeff Beck, who used the phrase when describing Jimi Hendrix to Blackmore. Blackmore tucked it away for years, finally deciding this was the time to use it. It's hard to disagree. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite tracks: Death Alley Driver, Stone Cold, Eyes of Fire

Down to Earth (1979) - 86.00
Graham Bonnett replaces Dio on vocals, and not surprisingly, the band starts to pull away from the fantasy motif of the previous albums. Rainbow finally hit the radio airwaves (and MTV!) with All Night Long and Since You Been Gone, but Eyes of the World and Lost In Hollywood are the real gems on this album. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite tracks: All Night Long, Eyes of the World, Lost In Hollywood

Long Live Rock 'n' Roll (1978) - 84.44
Rock anthems, speed metal, fantasy themes, ballads... this album has it all. Unfortunately, the lengthy mediocre ballad Rainbow Eyes had a rather large impact on the rating. Were it just a little better, the album rating would have been almost five points higher. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite tracks: Long Live Rock 'n' Roll, Gates of Babylon, Kill the King

Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow (1975) - 84.01
The first Rainbow album is a mix of great and not-so-great songs, but standout tracks Man on the Silver Mountain and Sixteenth Century Greensleeves hint at future excellence. Plus, there's a cool instrumental cover of The Yardbird's Still I'm Sad. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite tracks: Man on the Silver Mountain, Sixteenth Century Greensleeves, Still I'm Sad

Difficult to Cure (1981) - 82.66
Joe Lynn Turner takes over vocal duties. The band, turning ever more commercial, continues producing radio- and MTV-friendly tunes. Mostly good stuff here, but ironically, the non-radio-friendly self-titled instrumental is the only standout track. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite track: Difficult to Cure (Beethoven's Ninth)

Bent Out of Shape (1983) - 79.91
Their most radio-friendly album was also their weakest. This is not a condemnation of the album; after all, it still received an 80 rating (if you round up). It's just that there are no "holy shit" moments. On the other hand, there are no "vomit-a-little-in-your-mouth" moments either. There is something to be said for consistency, even if only reaches the level of very good. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite tracks: none

Iron Maiden discography

Wow, talk about consistency! Fourteen albums, and none rate lower than 80.43. This is what makes Iron Maiden such a great band. I could end the discography review right now by simply recommending you buy their entire studio discography, but because I like to write, you're stuck with 14 (largely unnecessary) reviews. But I'll try to make them interesting, if not very informative (kind of like everything else posted here).

Powerslave (1984) - 94.86

I remember buying the LP (remember those?), tearing off the plastic wrap, and placing it on the record player for the first time. I was at a friend's house, and man, were we excited to hear the album. Everyone loved it (well, maybe not the women, but the guys certainly did). Powerslave floored me then and still does today. And a 13 1/2 minute metal song? You've got to be kidding! Killer album, both visually (what incredible cover art!) and musically. Recommendation: Buy immediately!

Favorite tracks: Aces High, 2 Minutes to Midnight, Powerslave, Rime of the Ancient Mariner

Piece of Mind (1983) - 91.90

The album kicks into high gear immediately with Where Eagles Dare, and doesn't back off until the last notes of To Tame A Land. Flight of Icarus was the big hit off the album, and it's a great song that brings back fun memories of my college days, but my favorite song is the aforementioned To Tame a Land. It's based on the book Dune, and I believe the band wanted to use the book title as the name of the song, but (Dune author) Frank Herbert refused. Recommendation: Buy immediately!

Favorite tracks: Where Eagles Dare, Revelations, Flight of Icarus, To Tame a Land

The Number of the Beast (1982) - 91.40

Ex-Samson vocalist Bruce Dickinson (a.k.a. Bruce Bruce) joins the band, replacing Paul Di'Anno. It's absolutely a classic album, but it's also just a little too inconsistent for me to rank at the top of the list. And although it appears that Dickinson didn't contribute to the album, in fact, he did, but wasn't credited due to contractual issues with Samson. Recommendation: Buy immediately!

Favorite tracks: The Number of the Beast, Run to the Hills, Hallowed be Thy Name

A Matter of Life and Death (2006) - 87.70

Their most recent studio album contains 10 tracks, nine of which are at least five minutes long. Lengthy tracks can be disastrous to an album's rating (see my first post, From the Beginning..., for an explanation), but this is Iron Maiden we're talking about. They know how to pull this off better than anyone. Only one quibble... why are we still waiting for a new studio album? It's been over three years since this was released! Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite track: For the Greater Good of God

Brave New World (2000) - 86.68

The first album recorded by the new and improved six-piece Iron Maiden (following the return of Bruce Dickinson and Adrian Smith, while keeping Janick Gers) is a solid return to the classic Iron Maiden sound. Nine of the ten songs were good to excellent, with only The Thin Line Between Love and Hate as the exception. Because of the song's length, its low rating bumped the album below A Matter of Life and Death. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite tracks: The Wicker Man, Ghost of the Navigator, Blood Brothers

Virtual XI (1998) - 85.47

The second album with Blaze Bayley on vocals received this rating on the strength of three long tracks (Angel and the Gambler, Clansman, and Don't Look to the Eyes of a Stranger), although ironically, the best track, Futureal, is the shortest. The rating is no fluke, though, as the remaining tracks are all good as well. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite tracks: Futureal, Don't Look to the Eyes of a Stranger

Killers (1981) - 84.66

Iron Maiden's second album is similar to the punk/metal sound of the first, but with more consistent song-writing. The first seven of the 11 songs are very good to excellent, but the quality drops a bit on the last four songs. This is the last album with Paul Di'Anno on vocals, who was fired due to his erratic behavior while touring. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite tracks: Wrathchild, Killers

Somewhere in Time (1986) - 84.30

A decent album in a vacuum, but relatively weak when compared to its predecessors The Number of the Beast, Piece of Mind and Powerslave. The songs are likable enough, but that's not very high praise considering the standards set by the previous albums. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite track: Caught Somewhere in Time

X Factor (1995) - 83.34

After Bruce Dickinson left the band in 1993 to pursue a solo career, Blaze Bayley was brought in as his replacement. Fans didn't react well to this album and the follow-up, Virtual XI, but if you can accept the style change in vocals, you'll find the songs are worthy of the band. The lack of a favorite track here is a bit misleading as all the songs are good; there are just none that stand out as spectacular. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite tracks: none

No Prayer for the Dying (1990) - 82.49

A personnel change as guitarist Adrian Smith left the band and was replaced by Janick Gers (who played guitar on Bruce Dickinson's solo album Tattooed Millionaire). The band moved away from the progressive elements on the two previous albums and returned to more traditional metal sound. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite tracks: Tailgunner, Run Silent Run Deep

Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (1988) - 81.74

The last album with the classic lineup of Harris, Dickinson, Murray, Smith and McBrain continues the progressive sound of Somewhere In Time, only not as well. The title track, however, is simply fantastic, and may contain the fastest solos and bass playing of any Iron Maiden track. Worth it for that track alone. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite track: Seventh Son of a Seventh Son

Fear of the Dark (1992) - 80.83

There are quite a few very good songs here (including the radio-friendly ballad Wasting Love), but two average songs (Judas Be My Guide and Weekend Warrior) severely affect the rating. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite track: Fear Is the Key

Iron Maiden (1980) - 80.50

Iron Maiden's first album is a mix of punk energy and metal riffs, which fit well with singer Paul Di'Anno's style, both vocally and visually. Song quality alternates between good and very good, with one great track (see below) and one not-so-good track (Charlotte the Harlot). Mascot Eddie the 'Edd ('Edd, as in Head... get it?) also makes his first official appearance, and has graced every album cover since. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite track: Remember Tomorrow

Dance of Death (2003) - 80.43

The band's "worst" album is still better than almost 1,300 other albums I've rated. All the songs are good, but only No More Lies really stands out. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite track: No More Lies

Black Sabbath discography

Like most bands that have been around a while, their albums range in quality. But even the worst Black Sabbath albums have merit, and if you're a fan, there's no doubt that you should own them all.

Born Again (1983) - 93.73

Ian Gillan's only album as vocalist is... wait... What? Ian Gillan? From Deep Purple? Although this sounds like an odd pairing (in fact, the deal was sealed after everyone had a bit too much to drink one night), if you ignore the atrocious cover and not-so-good production and focus instead on the sinister guitar riffs and solos, the godly metal shrieks, and the face-bashing rhythm section, you'll find Black Sabbath at their head-banging best! Recommendation: Buy immediately!

Favorite tracks: Trashed, Zero the Hero, Digital Bitch

Paranoid (1970) - 91.47

Paranoid. War Pigs. Iron Man. Electric Funeral. Fairies Wear Boots. The second album is still a metal classic almost 40 years after it was released. 'Nuff said! Recommendation: Buy immediately!

Favorite tracks: Paranoid, War Pigs, Iron Man

Tyr (1990) - 90.85

Criminally underrated. There's not a bad song to be found here. It's easily the best Black Sabbath album recorded in the past 20 years. Tony Martin's vocals won't remind you of Ozzy or Dio, but he more than holds his own on this excellent album. Recommendation: Buy immediately!

Favorite tracks: Anno Mundi, The Sabbath Stones, Valhalla

Master of Reality (1971) - 90.52
The third album is a "master" piece of early metal. The only weak spot is Orchid, but because it's only a minute and a half long, I can't hold that against the album. By the way, did you know that the coughing at the beginning of Sweet Leaf is Tony Iommi after he took a drag on a joint? Recommendation: Buy immediately!

Favorite tracks: Sweet Leaf, Children of the Grave

Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (1973) - 90.18

The rating here is actually misleading as just one song, Fluff, caused it to be much lower than it could have been. A higher song rating would have made this album no worse than my second favorite, and quite possibly my favorite. Every other song is very good to excellent. Recommendation: Buy immediately!

Favorite tracks: Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, Sabbra Cadabra, Killing Yourself to Live

Heaven and Hell (1980) - 89.96

Exit Ozzy Osbourne and Bill Ward, enter Ronnie James Dio and Vinnie Appice. Dio and Appice brought new blood to a stagnant band and helped them record their best album since Sabbath Bloody Sabbath. Not a bad song to be found on this excellent album. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite tracks: Neon Knights, Lady Evil, Heaven & Hell

Sabotage (1975) - 89.92

An excellent follow-up to Sabbath Bloody Sabbath. A consistently great album with standout track Symptom of the Universe. Look for the 23-second track Blow On A Jug tacked on to the end of The Writ, which features Ozzy and Bill Ward messing around in the studio. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite track: Symptom of the Universe

Headless Cross (1989) - 88.33

Another Tony Martin album, and again he delivers. A solid album with no weak tracks, save the intro song Gates of Hell. Listen for the Brian May guitar solo on When Death Calls. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite tracks: Headless Cross, When Death Calls

Black Sabbath (1970) - 88.31 (US version); 88.25 (UK version)

Black Sabbath began as a heavy blues-rock band called Earth, but soon renamed themselves after the title of a 1963 Italian horror film. The difference in the two ratings is due to the inclusion of a different track on the US album versus the UK album (Wicked World instead of Evil Woman). Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite track: The Wizard

Vol. 4 (1972) - 84.25

Another solid release. The slightly lower score is the result of a few weak tracks that keep this album from being on par with those released before and after. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite track: Supernaut

Eternal Idol (1987) - 83.24

The band line-up and recording of this album is a bit of a jumbled mess. There were quite a few personnel changes during the recording of this album, including vocals, which featured Ray Gillen on the original demos. But Gillen left the band before the album was finished, and they brought in Tony Martin (who they wanted previously but was unavailable) to re-record the vocals. The result is a pretty solid album overall. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite track: The Shining

The Devil You Know (2009) - 81.17

Tired of waiting for Ozzy to record with the band, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler reunited with ex-bandmates Ronnie James Dio and Vinnie Appice to record this album. Yeah, technically they're now called Heaven and Hell, but that's just a (legal) formality. It's still a Black Sabbath album, and a pretty good one at that. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite Song: Fear

Seventh Star (1986) - 79.87

This was originally recorded as a Tony Iommi solo album, but the record company pressured him into calling it a Black Sabbath album. Glenn Hughes sang on the album, but was fired early on the tour and was replaced by Ray Gillen. Although it was never released on CD in the U.S., it's decent enough to spend the extra money on. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite tracks: In for the Kill

Dehumanizer (1992) - 78.92

I'll be honest... I had pretty much forgotten about this album prior to the Heaven and Hell reunion tour. But during the concert, they played the song "I," and I was blown away. I didn't remember the song being that good. I was wrong. The album's not bad, but the song kicks ass. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite Tracks: I, TV Crimes

Cross Purposes (1994) - 74.14

Tony Martin returns, but this time the results aren't as impressive. A few above average songs are balanced by a few below-average songs, resulting in a pretty average album. Recommendation: Listen before you buy.

Favorite tracks: none

Mob Rules (1981) - 71.30

The second album featuring Dio on vocals. It has some strong tracks, but it's not nearly as good as Heaven and Hell. Cool cover painting by fantasy artist Greg Hildebrandt. Recommendation: Listen before you buy.

Favorite track: The Mob Rules

Forbidden (1995) - 68.74

Tony Martin is again on vocals, but the magic of his previous albums is nowhere to be found on this release. Consistently weak, with only Shaking Off the Chains being a decent track. Recommendation: Listen before you buy.

Favorite tracks: none

Technical Ecstasy (1976) - 67.59

The beginning of the end with Ozzy. Personal (i.e., drug) issues were causing problems within the band, and the results showed. A pretty weak effort overall. Recommendation: Listen before you buy.

Favorite track: Dirty Women

Never Say Die (1978) - 65.39

The final Ozzy album. The problems were too much to ignore and a change was needed. Perhaps the album title and song were meant to inspire hope among the band and the fans, but even though the song rocked hard, it was too little, too late. Recommendation: Listen before you buy.

Favorite track: Never Say Die

Crap Track: Break Out

(Thanks to the website www.black-sabbath.com for some of the trivia posted here.)

Deep Purple discography

For my first discography ratings, I have to list my favorite band, Deep Purple. But as you'll see, I'm definitely critical of some of their releases.

Deep Purple In Rock (1970) - 98.14

The first studio album to feature Ian Gillan and Roger Glover, recorded after Jon Lord's project Concerto with Group and Orchestra. Ritchie Blackmore pushed for a change in direction, reminding everyone throughout the recording that "if it's not dramatic or exciting, it has no place on this album." The result was a hard rock masterpiece that remained on the charts for over a year. Recommendation: Buy immediately!

Favorite tracks: Speed King, Child In Time, Flight of the Rat, Hard Lovin' Man

Machine Head (1972) - 95.70

Although In Rock was a masterpiece, Machine Head received all the attention and accolades. The songs are more accessible and radio friendly, but not any less dramatic or exciting as those on In Rock. Smoke On the Water will always be the band's signature song, which is both a blessing and a curse. While its simple riff is impossible to ignore and has spawned generations of would-be guitar heroes, it has also overshadowed some of the better songs on the album. Recommendation: Buy immediately!

Favorite tracks: Highway Star, Smoke On the Water, Pictures of Home, Space Truckin'

Fireball (1971) - 90.71 (US version); 88.70 (UK version)
A minor disappointment following In Rock. Constant touring conflicted with studio and writing time, but overall it's a very good album with some excellent songs. The difference in ratings is reflected in my thoughts on Strange Kind of Woman (on the US version) versus Demon's Eye (on the UK version). Note: the 25th anniversary release includes tracks that should have made it onto the original album. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite tracks: Fireball, No One Came

Perfect Strangers (1984) - 88.51

After 11 years, Deep Purple Mark II (Blackmore, Gillan, Glover, Lord, Paice) had reunited. I remember holding the new album in my hands, anxious to hear the new songs. From the opening notes of Knocking at Your Back Door, it was clear that this album would enhance their legacy. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite tracks: Knocking at Your Back Door, Perfect Strangers

Who Do We Think We Are (1973) - 86.88

Internal conflicts were tearing the band apart. There are some quality tracks, but the strain of working together was evident (especially in the song Smooth Dancer -- check out the lyrics). Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite tracks: Woman from Tokyo, Rat Bat Blue

Burn (1974) - 84.57

Exit Ian Gillan and Roger Glover. Enter David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes. The two new members changed the dynamic of the band, but opening track Burn proved to even the most skeptical fan that the band wasn't done rocking yet. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite tracks: Burn, Sail Away, You Fool No One

Slaves and Masters (1990) - 82.23

This surprised me, being rated so high. With Joe Lynn Turner on vocals it sometimes sounds like Rainbow, but it does contain some excellent tracks. It would be rated even higher if not for its one crap song. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite tracks: King of Dreams, The Cut Runs Deep

Crap track: Love Conquers All

The House of Blue Light (1987) - 80.39

The internal struggles between Blackmore and Gillan begin to resurface, but the album is still pretty good overall. If you buy the album, make sure you buy the original as the remastered version edited some tracks. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite tracks: The Spanish Archer, Strangeways

Purpendicular (1996) - 79.58

Talk about a new dynamic. Steve Morse replaces Ritchie Blackmore on guitar, completely changing the signature guitar sound of the band. But this initial effort is actually very good, mixing new sounds with some nods to early 70s Purple. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite track: Soon Forgotten

The Battle Rages On (1993) - 75.66

The title could easily refer to Blackmore vs. Gillan. The conflict was at an all-time high, and while most of the songs are mediocre, a few really stand out. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite tracks: The Battle Rages On, Anya

Shades of Deep Purple (1968) - 74.72

The first album. Pre-Gillan and Glover, it was more pop/psychedelic oriented, which overshadowed the standout tracks. Recommendation: Listen before you buy.

Favorite tracks: And the Address, Hush, Mandrake Root

Crap track: Help (a Beatles cover... it's not the song that's bad, but the interpretation)

The Book Of Taliesyn (1968) - 73.80

The second album, with a bit less pop and a bit more psychedelia. Pretty good, if you're into 60s psychedelic music. Recommendation: Listen before you buy.

Favorite track: Kentucky Woman

Deep Purple (1969) - 73.79

Some experimentation into hard rock possibly foreshadowed what was to come on the next LP, In Rock. It contains some excellent songs, but also a crap track and a rather lengthy, mostly boring number that really bring down the rating. Recommendation: Listen before you buy.

Favorite tracks: Chasing Shadows, Fault Line/The Painter, Bird has Flown

Crap track: Lalena

Bananas (2003) - 73.09

The third album featuring Steve Morse contained some decent songs with one standout track. Recommendation: Listen before you buy.

Favorite track: Sun Goes Down

Come Taste the Band (1975) - 68.21

The only album to feature Tommy Bolin (RIP) on guitar. The sound is not what you would expect from Deep Purple, but it does contain a few very good hard rock songs. Recommendation: Listen before you buy.

Favorite track: This Time Around - Owed to G

Rapture of the Deep (2006) - 61.98

A Morse era album. There's nothing terrible about it, but there's nothing really good either. Yawn. Recommendation: For completists only.

Favorite tracks: none

Abandon (1998) - 60.93

Do you hear that sound? It's the fans, abandoning ship. Recommendation: For completists only.

Favorite tracks: none

Stormbringer (1974) - 53.44

Blackmore's influence over the band was greatly diminished due to personal issues, allowing Glenn Hughes' soul influences to surface. That's great if you like rock with soul, but terrible if you like Deep Purple (although the title track did kick some serious ass). Recommendation: For completists only.

Favorite track: Stormbringer