Rainbow-Bent Out Of Shape (1983)

This was Rainbow's last album released in the 1980s, and also their most commercially successful. Despite this, it still boasts excellent musicianship, a well-chosen collection of songs that perfectly complement Joe Lynn Turner's powerful voice, which delivers an exceptional vocal performance. Meanwhile, the impetuous guitar work of Rainbow's leader and undisputed mastermind, Ritchie Blackmore, continues to inspire awe with its sublime riffs, intricate solos, and immeasurable melodies on the six strings. Catchy AOR-oriented tracks like "Can't Let You Go", "Street of Dreams", and "Fool for the Night" stand in stark contrast to hard rock anthems such as the solid "Fire Dance", the emotive instrumental "Anybody There", the ambient "Snowman", and the rocking "Drinking with the Devil". "Bent Out Of Shape" is definitely a great epilogue to Rainbow's golden age, an elegantly arranged album with a magnificent repertoire that highlights the great talent of Joe Lynn Turner and the genius of Ritchie Blackmore.