Rainbow Straight Between The Eyes: In-depth

Straight Between The Eyes is a detailed look at Rainbow's sixth studio album, including its creation, presentation, and legacy. It was released in 1982 and marked a musical peak for the band.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 22 April 2022
Publisher: Wymer Publishing

The Ronnie James Dio era of Rainbow came to an end in 1979. The accessible sound of the band's Down To Earth album signified Ritchie Blackmore's explicit intention to go in a more commercial direction. By 1982, with a more secure and cohesive line-up, Rainbow was not only in a good position commercially, but at a strong peak musically. And that's where Straight Between The Eyes comes in.

In this book, author Laura Shenton MA LLCM DipRSL offers an in-depth perspective on Rainbow's sixth studio album from a range of angles, including how it came to be, how it was presented and received at the time (live as well as on record), and what it means in terms of Rainbow's legacy today.

The album was recorded during a challenging period for the band, with Blackmore facing personal struggles and the departure of keyboardist Geoffrey Downes. However, the album's recording process was marked by a sense of creativity and collaboration, with the band working with producer Roy Thomas Baker and a new lineup of musicians.

The album's sound is characterized by a mix of hard rock and progressive rock, with a heavy emphasis on guitar riffs and keyboard melodies. The album's title track, "Straight Between The Eyes," is a classic example of this sound, with its driving guitar riff and soaring keyboard solo.

The album's packaging was also notable, with a striking cover art by renowned artist Rodney Matthews and a booklet that included detailed liner notes and photos. The album's release was met with critical acclaim, with many critics praising the band's musical prowess and the album's production quality.

In terms of its legacy, Straight Between The Eyes is considered one of Rainbow's most important albums. It marked a turning point in the band's career, as they moved away from their more experimental and progressive past and towards a more commercial sound. The album's success also helped to establish Rainbow as a major force in the hard rock and heavy metal scene.

Today, Straight Between The Eyes is still widely regarded as a classic of the hard rock and heavy metal genre. It remains a favorite among fans of the band and has been celebrated for its musical excellence and its impact on the genre.

In conclusion, Straight Between The Eyes is a landmark album in the career of Rainbow. It marked a turning point in the band's career, as they moved away from their more experimental and progressive past and towards a more commercial sound. The album's success also helped to establish Rainbow as a major force in the hard rock and heavy metal scene. Today, Straight Between The Eyes is still widely regarded as a classic of the hard rock and heavy metal genre.

Weight: 205g
Dimension: 216 x 138 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912782963