1978 was one of the most sacred years heavy metal has ever had.
From the spawn of Van Halen to the debut of Judas Priest’s leather-studded apparel, everything was ramping up to the dawn of the 1980’s. But it wasn’t complete until one of the greatest bands (supergroup might I add) from the UK launched their magnum opus: Long Live Rock ‘N‘ Roll.
After melting faces with their previous masterpiece, Rising, it didn’t seem musically possible to surpass the group’s brilliant execution of cutting-edge heavy metal and proto-power metal. However, Rainbow defied all odds with their groundbreaking third release.
While it ended up being the last collaboration between the legendary duo of Ronnie James Dio and Ritchie Blackmore, they couldn’t have ended it on a higher note.
The towering egos of these two megastars was bound to cave in at any moment, but luckily it brought the best out of each of them. During a time when 70’s rock was at an all-time high for mediocrity with American radio flooded with Steely Dan and The Eagles, there was a dire need for something fresh. After the Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple magic started to wear off, it was up to a former member of the latter to keep his genre alive. Blackmore was the one to kickstart the music he had basically founded back to its roots with Rainbow’s dynamic sound. Complete with RJD front and center, it was a recipe for some of the best songwriting in living memory.
Opening with a straight-forward uptempo tune, the title track panders to the commercial audience with a more formulaic approach yet still comes out as an absolute classic.
The material that isn’t held up to god-like status stands as some of the most definitive hard rock ever recorded. Fan favorites include Lady Of The Lake and L.A. Connection which tested the capacity of heavy metal at the time and made the band hard to categorize. Even when the album dials back to its blues rock roots on Sensitive To Light, it sticks the landing much better than their first attempt at it on Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow.
About 12 minutes into the album, nothing can prepare listeners for the EPIC that closes side one. As journalists and critics come together in unity over the worship of Stairway To Heaven and Child In Time, there isn’t enough emphasis in the world to praise Gates Of Babylon as one of the greatest songs ever written.
This beast is less than 7 minutes long and still comes off as a progressive monument. Carried by the endless range of Dio, the vocals serve as the sole reason why he’s among the top singers in the genre and it’s arguably the performance he never surpassed.
It’s also worth noting that Gates Of Babylon features Blackmore’s most admirable playing yet with an iconic solo that easily holds up among the all-time greats. The perfect blend of technicality and melody with an avalanche of feel, a trait that often gets lost in many speed demon guitarists.
Sorry Stargazer… this is the true gem of Rainbow’s career.
Followed by yet another standout as the beginning to side two, Kill The King embodies everything that is power metal. An uptempo, crowd chanter filled with heavy rhythms and fantasy-oriented lyrics, this track marked the musical legacy of Rainbow as well as the capacity of RJD’s songwriting. Ending with a fierce wave of proto-speed metal, there isn’t one trace of weakness in this song.
The Shed serves as the most badass midnight strolling music of all-time, smooth leads by Blackmore in sync with the sinister delivery of RJD. Starting with an onslaught of shredding guitar, the tone quickly becomes darker than any of the tracks on the album. Full of atmosphere and amazing musical chemistry, it’s a track that continues to go down as an unsung classic of the 1970’s.
Finally, the album reaches its end where Rainbow Eyes surprises listeners with another drastic tempo shift. Dialing down to a somber theme that highlights Dio’s voice by a new standard. A slower, depressing delivery which adds depth and distinction to the last impression of the record as a whole.
Overall, Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll is the peak of the 70’s. Thanks to the two best individuals to ever step out on a stage, it stands as the ultimate heavy metal landmark.
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