The Very Best of Rainbow cover

The Very Best of Rainbow

Rainbow · 1997

77 min · 16 tracks · hard rock

Epic guitar riffs and soaring vocals blend with symphonic arrangements, creating a timeless rock sound infused with fantasy themes.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Man on the Silver Mountain Start here — This track serves as an iconic representation of Rainbow's signature sound, showcasing Ritchie Blackmore’s dynamic guitar work and Ronnie James Dio's powerful vocals.
  • →
    Since You Been Gone — A quintessential anthem of the late '70s rock scene, its catchy chorus and energetic performance helped bridge the gap between hard rock and mainstream pop appeal.
  • →
    Stargazer — With its epic structure and orchestral elements, this track exemplifies Rainbow's ambitious approach to songwriting, blending heavy metal with classical influences seamlessly.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • epic anthems for sing-alongs
  • dynamic progression with peaks
  • wave-like pacing for engagement
  • soaring vocals for cathartic release
  • for nostalgic road trips

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • dislike longer, immersive experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Starting Point — This compilation provides a comprehensive overview of Rainbow's sound, ideal for new listeners.
Themes
fantasy landscapes· 1970s rock anthems
Career context
By the time 'The Very Best of Rainbow' was released in 1997, the band had undergone significant lineup changes and had seen varying degrees of success since their formation in 1975. This compilation captures not only their peak moments but also highlights the evolution of their sound leading up to this retrospective release, which came after their last studio album 'Stranger in Us All' in 1995.
Stylistic neighbors
Deep Purple· Black Sabbath· Judas Priest

Tracklist

  • 1 Man on the Silver Mountain Start here 4:40
  • 2 Catch the Rainbow 6:40
  • 3 Starstruck 4:08
  • 4 Stargazer 8:27
  • 5 Kill the King 4:31
  • 6 Long Live Rock ’n’ Roll 4:25
  • 7 Gates of Babylon 6:50
  • 8 Since You Been Gone 3:18
  • 9 All Night Long 3:51
  • 10 I Surrender 4:03
  • 11 Can’t Happen Here 4:59
  • 12 Jealous Lover 3:14
  • 13 Stone Cold 5:19
  • 14 Power 4:29
  • 15 Can’t Let You Go 4:22
  • 16 Street of Dreams 4:25

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata