ALL NIGHT LONG: AN INTRODUCTION

Different, but not altogether a great compilation of this great band. The songs are not in the chronological order, so the different styles of music may confuse the newbie (Rainbow started as a hard rock/metal band by the mid 70´s and then a more commercial hard/pop band in the 80´s). However, the quality of the materail here is quite good, and the inclusion of one of their most powerful tracks ever (Tarot Woman) is very welcomed! I can´t really understand why this classic epic (with one of Blackmore´s most inspired solos) is usually so forgotten in most compilations. Ok, Stargazer of the same album (Rising) is equally good (and most interesting prog-wise), but Tarot Woman is still first class in any way you look at it.

The track order spoils the overall effect of the songs, though. There are far better compilations of this classic band out there (The Best Of Rainbow is surely the number one in the case you don´t want to spend your hard earned money in all their terrific 70´s CDs just to know them). Still, I can´t give this album a less than 3 star rating because the tunes themselves are real fine. Some are better than others, of course, but the but none is bad or even weak. Ritchie Blackmore is one of the genius guitar players/songwriters of the last century.