Rainbow

hard rock, neo-classical metal, power metal, traditional heavy metal

United Kingdom Est. 1975

"Dense guitar harmonies intertwine with rhythmic precision to create a driving momentum that pulls listeners through layers of intensity and release."

Quick Start

A good place to start with Rainbow is…

The Best of Rainbow

2000

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Career Arc

Rainbow's discography from 1975 to 2017

1975 1996 2017

Ritchie Blackmore's Rainb... (1975) Rising (1976) Starstruck (1976) On Stage (1977) Kill the King (1977) Long Live Rock 'n' Roll (1978) Down to Earth (1979) Since You Been Gone (1979) All Night Long (1979) The Best of Rainbow (1981) Difficult to Cure (1981) Jealous Lover (1981) I Surrender (1981) Straight Between the Eyes (1982) Stone Cold (1982) Bent Out of Shape (1983) Finyl Vinyl (1986) Live in Germany 1976 (1990) Stranger in Us All (1995) The Very Best of Rainbow (1997)

Rainbow matters as a cornerstone in the evolution of hard rock, particularly by fusing virtuosic musicianship with theatricality.

Rainbow matters as a cornerstone in the evolution of hard rock, particularly by fusing virtuosic musicianship with theatricality. They carved out a distinct space in the music landscape where epic storytelling met powerful instrumentation, influencing generations of bands that sought to mix grandeur with grit. Their ability to shift seamlessly between driving anthems and introspective ballads redefined what audiences could expect from live performances, often setting a benchmark for stage presence and spectacle. Employing a meticulous approach to songwriting, Rainbow's members excelled at layering complex guitar riffs with soaring melodies, creating soundscapes that were both rich and dynamic. Their innovative arrangements often featured classically-influenced progressions that elevated standard rock structures into anthemic territory, pushing the limits of what hard rock could convey emotionally and musically. This craftsmanship facilitated a narrative depth that drew listeners into their ambitious themes. Lyrically, Rainbow frequently explores themes of fantasy, love, and personal struggle, enveloping them within a dramatic framework that balances sincerity with an almost mythological tone. Their storytelling approach leans heavily on vivid imagery and emotive language, allowing for both personal connection and grand escapism. The result is a body of work that feels cinematic in scope while remaining deeply resonant.

Full discography

Rainbow's albums in order, from earliest releases to latest.

36 releases • 29 albums • 1 EP • 1975–2017

Type:

Albums ()

Memories in Rock - Live in Germany

2017

A Light in the Black 1975–1984

2015

The Singles Box Set 1975–1986

2013

Anthology 1975–1984

2009

Live In Nürnberg 1976 – Nürnberg Messezentrum Halle 28.9.1976

2007

Live in Düsseldorf 1976 – Düsseldorf Philipshalle 27.9.1976

2007

Colour Collection

2006

Live in Köln 1976 – Kölner Sporthalle 25.9.1976

2006

Live in Munich 1977

2006

Deutschland Tournee 1976

2006

The Collection

2006

Catch the Rainbow: The Anthology

2003

Pot of Gold

2002

All Night Long: An Introduction

2002

Classic Rainbow

2001

The Best of Rainbow

2000

The Very Best of Rainbow

1997

Stranger in Us All

1995

Live in Germany 1976

1990

Finyl Vinyl

1986

Bent Out of Shape

1983

Straight Between the Eyes

1982

The Best of Rainbow

1981

Difficult to Cure

1981

Down to Earth

1979

Long Live Rock 'n' Roll

1978

On Stage

1977

Rising

1976

Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow

1975

EPs ()

Jealous Lover

1981

Singles ()

Stone Cold

1982

I Surrender

1981

Since You Been Gone

1979

All Night Long

1979

Kill the King

1977

Starstruck

1976

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Timeline

How their sound evolved over time

Ritchie Blackmore's... (1975)

Rising (1976)

On Stage (1977)

Long Live Rock 'n' R... (1978)

Down to Earth (1979)

Jealous Lover (1981)

The Best of Rainbow (1981)

Difficult to Cure (1981)

Straight Between the... (1982)

Bent Out of Shape (1983)

Finyl Vinyl (1986)

Live in Germany 1976 (1990)

Stranger in Us All (1995)

The Very Best of Rai... (1997)

The Best of Rainbow (2000)

Classic Rainbow (2001)

Pot of Gold (2002)

All Night Long: An I... (2002)

Catch the Rainbow: T... (2003)

Live in Munich 1977 (2006)

Deutschland Tournee... (2006)

Colour Collection (2006)

The Collection (2006)

Live in Köln 1976 – Kölner Sporthalle 25.9.1976

Live in Köln 1976 –... (2006)

Live in Düsseldorf 1976 – Düsseldorf Philipshalle 27.9.1976

Live in Düsseldorf 1... (2007)

Live In Nürnberg 1976 – Nürnberg Messezentrum Halle 28.9.1976

Live In Nürnberg 197... (2007)

Anthology 1975–1984 (2009)

The Singles Box Set... (2013)

A Light in the Black... (2015)

Memories in Rock - L... (2017)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Rainbow sound like?

Dense guitar harmonies intertwine with rhythmic precision to create a driving momentum that pulls listeners through layers of intensity and release. Rooted in hard rock and power metal. Start with Rising.

What is the best Rainbow album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Rising" (1976). It's the most representative of what makes Rainbow worth hearing.

Who is Rainbow for?

If you're into hard rock and power metal, Rainbow is worth your time. Dense guitar harmonies intertwine with rhythmic precision to create a driving momentum that pulls listeners through layers of intensity and release.

How many albums does Rainbow have?

Rainbow has 36 releases in their discography, including 29 albums and 1 EP.

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