UNSTOPPABLE: In a triumphant return to his hard rock roots, legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore breathed new life into his iconic band, Rainbow, with the release of their eighth studio album, Stranger in Us All, on….
In a triumphant return to his hard rock roots, legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore breathed new life into his iconic band, Rainbow, with the release of their eighth studio album, Stranger in Us All, on August 21, 1995. This marked Rainbow’s first studio album in 12 years, following 1983’s Bent Out of Shape. Originally intended as a solo project, the album was released under the moniker “Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow” due to label pressures, featuring a fresh lineup of talented musicians. (en.wikipedia.org)
A New Era for Rainbow
After departing from Deep Purple in 1993, Blackmore sought to explore new musical avenues. He assembled a revitalized Rainbow lineup, introducing Scottish vocalist Doogie White, bassist Greg Smith, keyboardist Paul Morris, and drummer John O’Reilly. Additionally, Candice Night, Blackmore’s partner and future collaborator in Blackmore’s Night, contributed backing vocals and lyrical input. (cleorecs.com, en.wikipedia.org)
The album’s title, Stranger in Us All, is derived from a line in the track “Black Masquerade,” reflecting themes of introspection and identity. The record showcases a blend of hard rock and classical influences, a hallmark of Blackmore’s style. Notable tracks include “Wolf to the Moon,” “Ariel,” and a rendition of The Yardbirds’ “Still I’m Sad,” which Rainbow had previously covered in instrumental form. (en.wikipedia.org, cleorecs.com)
Reception and Legacy
Released during the grunge-dominated mid-1990s, Stranger in Us All faced challenges in gaining widespread attention. However, it achieved modest success, particularly in Europe and Japan, and has since been appreciated by fans for its return to Rainbow’s classic sound. The album’s fusion of hard rock energy and melodic complexity resonated with listeners seeking a departure from contemporary trends. (en.wikipedia.org)
To promote the album, Rainbow embarked on a tour featuring performances across Europe and the United States. Drummer John O’Reilly was replaced for the tour by Chuck Burgi, and later by John Miceli for U.S. shows. A notable performance from the tour, recorded at Philipshalle Düsseldorf for the German TV show Rockpalast on October 9, 1995, was later released on the DVD Black Masquerade in 2013. (en.wikipedia.org)
Transition to New Musical Ventures
Following the release of Stranger in Us All, Blackmore shifted his focus to exploring Renaissance and folk music, forming the duo Blackmore’s Night with Candice Night. This transition marked a significant departure from his hard rock roots, allowing him to delve into acoustic and medieval-inspired compositions. Despite this shift, Stranger in Us All remains a testament to Blackmore’s enduring impact on the rock genre. (en.wikipedia.org)
Enduring Influence
Over the years, tracks from Stranger in Us All have been revisited by various artists and bands. Doogie White has performed songs like “Ariel” and “Black Masquerade” in his solo endeavors, while other musicians have covered tracks from the album, highlighting its lasting influence. (en.wikipedia.org)
In 2016, Blackmore briefly returned to rock music, performing select shows under the Rainbow banner with a new lineup. These performances reignited interest in Rainbow’s catalog, including Stranger in Us All, reaffirming the album’s significance in the band’s discography.
Conclusion
Stranger in Us All stands as a pivotal chapter in Rainbow’s history, encapsulating Ritchie Blackmore’s return to hard rock after a significant hiatus. The album’s fusion of classic Rainbow elements with fresh influences showcases Blackmore’s versatility and commitment to musical exploration. As fans continue to celebrate Rainbow’s legacy, Stranger in Us All remains a testament to the band’s enduring appeal and Blackmore’s indelible mark on rock music.
