STRAIGHT BETWEEN THE EYES

The second Joe Lynn Turner era Rainbow album saw them getting deeper into the AOR/melodic hard rock waters. Which, by the way, is not a bad thing: the high quality of Blackmore´s compositions, arrangements and performances is all over the place. Although that period of the band can´t be compared to their stunning beginning during the mid-seventies, they were also a completely new group by 1982. And if the new material is not their best, it is still very good. Blackmore and co seems to give even the most cliched tune such a stunning performance that they became something fresh and exciting. Better still, unlike the two previous albums, Straight Between The Eyes does not rely on outside writers for their singles. This time the Blackmore/Turner songwriting partnership proved capable of delivering a great power ballad in the form of the classic Stone Cold. It deserved to be a bigger hit than it was.

As usual for all Rainbow albums, the remaining tracks are all very good, with a few gems among them like the fantastic 6 minute epic Eyes Of Fire. In fact, the only real let-down of the whole CD is Rock Fever, a track so mediocre that even a blistering, tasteful Blackmore solo can save it. Fortunately, songs like Death Alley Driver, Bring on the Night (Dream Chaser) and Tearin' Out My Heart mote than compensate it. Production (by bassist Roger Glover) is excellent. Keyboardist Don Airey, tired of their relentless touring, decided to leave the band, but Blackmore was able to find a fitting replacement in the form of 21 year old David Rosenthal, who does a great job here.

Conclusion: a very fine AOR/Melodic Hard Rock album. It stood well the test of time and, in fact, I appreciate it more now than when it was released. Just don´t expect anything new or groundbreaking. Or prog, for the matter. It is only good rock music.

Rating: 3,5 stars.