THE VERY BEST OF RAINBOW

Generally I'm not a big fan of compilation albums and this Rainbow greatest hits collection is not an exception. Still, considering that this album was an introduction to the band I might just as well mention it.

This greatest hits collection does offer us quite a few Rainbow classics but it also manages to miss out on a few excellent performances. I miss such classics as Tarot Woman and Temple Of The King that could easily have taken place of Starstruck and some of the lesser '80s hits. But generally a great Rainbow collection should include, first and foremost, Stargazer and Gates Of Babylon. This basic task is accomplished here plus we get the best rock moments from both Long Live Rock 'n' Roll and the debut album.

I don't consider any of the post Dio-era compositions worthy of a separate album purchase so this compilation does a great job of compiling the most essential performances from those four releases. It would have been great to have some of these tracks substituted for material from Stranger In Us All but due to label differences none of those excellent performances are featured on this particular release.

The Very Best Of Rainbow does a good job of compiling the bare essentials from Rainbow's short but versatile career. I have a slightly different opinion of what an excellent Rainbow compilation should include which is also why I don't rate it as such. For everyone who is interested in exploring the essential material should instead start off with Rising and work their way through the Dio-era albums before considering this greatest hits compilation.

***** star songs: Stargazer (8:26) Gates Of Babylon (6:46)

**** star songs: Man On The Silver Mountain (4.37) Catch The Rainbow (6:38) Starstruck (4:06) Kill The King (4:28) Long Live Rock 'n' Roll (4:23) Since You've Been Gone (3:17) All Night Long (3:50) I Surrender (4:01) Can't Let You Go (4:20) Street Of Dreams (4:26)

*** star songs: Can't Happen Here (4:57) Jealous Lover (3:11) Stone Cold (5:17)

** star songs: Power (4:26)