DOWN TO EARTH

So, I recently raised the question with work colleagues of the greatest pop song ever written. It is of course, Billie Jean by Michael Jackson (closely followed by Relax by Frankie). Into the mix however, I threw Since You Been Gone by Rainbow. Yes, its an absolute pop song. And it was a big success for them, reaching number 6 in the UK top 40. I wonder what you think of that as a suggestion though. Great tune, easy lyrics, singalong chorus and handclaps! You really couldn't want more from a pop song, could you? Come on, forget that its the guy who did the riff for "Smoke On The Water". Let's start a campaign to have it the Ch****mas number 1. Come on!

Ok, I feel your reluctance. Why not give the rest of the album a listen, then.

This was our introduction to the voice that is Graham Bonnet. Previously little known, but oh my, what power in that throat. And a range too. Allegedly his voice was so strong that the recording microphone had to be set up 6 feet away from him. His background was in pop and it was known at the time that Ritchie Blackmore wanted to be more commercially received. A perfect fit you would think. Alas, no.

Bonnet's dress sense and hairstyle eventually infuriated Blackmore and he was posted off after only this album and a succesful tour, which included headlining the first ever Donington Monsters of Rock festival in 1980. Has to be said that it is a very good album. It shows off the skills of the band and includes two or three bangers, even outside of "Since.." and the other hit single "All Night Long".

Both sides commence with a hit single as a sort of way of pulling you into a more commercial outlook. But after the pop, comes the rock. Eyes of the World is amongst the top 5 or 6 songs Rainbow have done. Aye, its that good. A strong riff, great tune and fantastic playing by the whole band. I have to highlight Cozy Powell here. Have to say that he is not my favourite drummer, just a bit one-dimensional for my liking, but his playing on Eyes and indeed right through the album is outstanding. Along with Roger Glover they form a dynamic and solid rhythm section.

The songs other than the singles are solid Rainbow songs. Definitely Rainbow, just a bit of a different sound with Dio having flown the nest a year earlier. Alongside Eyes, my other favourite track on here is the closer, Lost In Hollywood. It can be described as a fast-paced driving rock song. Again the playing from all members is outstanding and Bonnet's voice soars above it all. Keyboards throughout the album are provided by the exemplary Don Airey. I could write a whole blog covering his own career, such is the number of artists he has played with. Currently with Deep Purple (whoever they are!), Don Airey co-wrote the Eurovision Song Contest winner, Love, Shine A Light by Katrina & The Waves. I bet you never thought you'd read about that here, but Airey's talent as I said has visited many shores.

After the Donington show, the poorly kept secret of Powell and Airey leaving the band came to be. Blackmore and Glover went off to LA and hired a vocalist called Joe Lynn Turner without telling Bonnet who was a little bit, shall we say, ticked off. So he never travelled to the US for recording. The next album was more commercial-sounding to accommodate Turner's voice and there were only a further two albums released after that.

Due to the band being fronted and led by Blackmore, they would command a healthy following for their entire career. The last time a concert was played was in 2018 with a much-changed lineup. There had been 28 different musicians playing officially for Rainbow up to 2023. It would seem they are now at an end. Blackmore reportedly suffered a stroke last year which has affected his ability to play and travel.

I saw Rainbow at the Edinburgh Playhouse in 1984 on the Bent Out of Shape tour. To be honest, my memory of the night is not a positive one. But let's not end this post on a bad note.

Thank you Ritchie for everything Rainbow. Down To Earth is a fine album with a couple of outstanding songs. I guess you could just LIE BACK AND ENJOY IT!

Track Listing:

All Night Long

Eyes Of The World

No Time To Lose

Makin' Love

Since You Been Gone

Love's No Friend

Danger Zone

Lost In Hollywood

Members:

Ritchie Blackmore - Guitars

Cozy Powell - Drums

Roger Glover - Bass

Don Airey - Keyboards

Graham Bonnet - Vocals