How does it compare to the artist's other releases
Outstanding
Value for Money
Good
Advantages:
Quality, Power
Disadvantages:
Some weak tracks
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
Whilst Deep Purple produced some absolute classics with both Ian Gillan and David Coverdale, at times the imaginative songwriting spark just didn't appear, especially in the later years.
Long Live Rock and Roll is RAINBOW at the peak of their creativity - just as maybe MACHINE HEAD was for Deep Purple.
Whilst the 1970's seemed to get bogged down with overly long progressive rock epics, and before the NWOBHM took a real hold - a bridge between the two was needed, and this album was it.
Taking the 70's guitar feel of classic Purple, adding a touch a classic/progressive rock influence, and bundled into one neat package by legendary producer Martin Birch (who later produced the Dio/Black Sabbath classic HEAVEN AND HELL, as well as the best of the IRON MAIDEN albums)
The title track is classic Blackmore/Purple - catchy riffs, and a hooking chorus - albeit with the mega powerful vocal style of Ronnie James Dio.
The progressive influence shows through a little with LADY OF THE LAKE, and then completely, with the awesome GATES OF BABYLON.
Some intense riffing and wonderful vocal ability give these tracks awesome power, but remain punchy, and never over the top, or self-indulgent in any way.
The highlight of the album for me, is the track (and subsequent single) "KILL THE KING". Fast, highly melodic, and very original sounding - this song wouldn't sound out of place on an Iron Maiden album.
Dio's vocals throughout this album surely make him a contender for the world's best rock vocalist!
Whilst Blackmore and Dio are the major contributors to this album, in both prescence, and songwriting, credit must be given to the other band members - including the legendary Cozy Powell - for pulling this all together.
There are a couple of weak tracks however (as fans of Purple will no doubt expect!) - though I'll leave it to you to decide which ones they are, as the album features many different styles - some of which may appeal to you, if they don't to me.
More details
How does it rate alongside the competition
Good
Cover / Inlay Design and Content
Outstanding
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