RITCHIE BLACKMORE'S RAINBOW: STRANGER IN US ALL

On of the few Rainbow albums I have outside the marvelous Dio years, again Ritchie introduces a new vocalist, the unknown Doogie White (as are all players unknown to me), and again it proofs to be a good choice for the music. Which naturally is very good, with some outstanding tracks, and filled with great melodies and guitar play from Ritchie Blackmore. Some medieval and classical influences are heard throughout the album, while the sound can be compared with the better Deep Purple and Rainbow songs from the eighties.

The album is very heavy with great guitar runs and licks from Ritchie, with outstanding bass and vocals, but it's on the more melodic and slow parts where the real beauty of this album becomes apparent. "Hunting Humans" filled with beautifull guitars, but driven by the fabulous basslines and hypnotising keyboard sounds and Doogie's voice is really beautifull. Same applys to "Ariel" simply stunning song, co-written with Candice Night, and a classical feel to the sounds on a fantasy medieval theme.

Black Masquerade has again that medieval influence that often enters Blackmore's music, rather pompuously done, with hints of Anya from deep Purples The Battle Rages On, but with better vocals and lyrics. Grieg's "Hall of the Mountain King" is treated with respect, with very good vocals from Doogie, and grandiose guitars, the melody is used quite often by rockbands, but this is the ultimate rock version of that classical piece (IMO). The album closes with the "Yardbirds" cover "Still I'm Sad" which they had done previously on their debut album also (as an instrumental), and one of the best songs on this great album, the build-up to the title line is perfect.

I didn't mentioned all tracks, but the ones mentioned are the highlights according to me, the rest is very good also. A solid rock album, with lots of interesting sounds and it rocks from start till finish. Get this if you think Ritchie Blackmore is a great guitar player.