Since You Been Gone: The Essential Rainbow

Back in the day I had every Rainbow album and this CD brought back all the songs I remembered and some I didn't. With Since You Been Gone I got most of Rainbow's 1st album, half of the 2nd (there was only six songs begin with), most of the 3rd, 4th and 5th albums, plus around half of the 6th (my personal favorite) and 7th albums. I'm counting songs from when these albums were originally released of course.As a big Dio fan getting these CD's was a must have for me. Man On The Silver Mountain, Stargazer and Gates Of Babylon are only some of the classic Rainbow songs featuring Dio as lead vocalist. In my opinion many of these songs rival anything Dio did later as a lead vocalist.After Dio left the group came Rainbow's 4th album and I don't recall it being one of my favorites. Maybe my taste in music has changed but after listening to these CD's I've reconsidered and now feel that the 4th album is one of Rainbows best. I think the songs All Night Long, Eyes Of The World and Since You've Been Gone are just three of the excellent tracks representing Rainbow's 4th outing that're included here.As for the final three albums I think there's a nice selection. As noted above the 6th album, Straight Between The Eyes, is my favorite. I'd recommend picking this album up on it's own, but that's just my opinion. Either way you get four songs from this album including Stone Cold and Death Alley Driver.Considering I've been a Ritchie Blackmore fan since the 70's getting this collection of Rainbow songs was a no-brainer for me and I wasn't disappointed. I would have liked the song Can't Happen Here to be included, but since Still I'm Sad (no vocals) is I won't quibble about it. I think Since You Been Gone contains some of Blackmore's best work.

Wow what a great set of CDs with all their greatest hits you must buy this if you’re a fan!

This is a fine collection of Rainbow tracks. Most of the best tracks from the band's first two vocalists (Dio and Bonnet) are included. One glaring omission from the Joe Lynn Turner period is the song "Can't Happen Here." Also, I do think some of the tracks selected from the last two Turner albums aren't necessarily the best. Straight Between The Eyes is my favorite of the Turner-era albums, but there are only four songs represented here. Also, I think the first half of Bent Out Of Shape is better than the second half, but that last half is what's on this compilation... not to mention they picked the wrong instrumental from that album. Anyway, other than song selection, the sound quality could be have been better also. It's okay, but it is not as good as the remastered individual albums. So, I'm deducting one star from my rating from what could have otherwise been a full five stars. However, this compilation is budget-priced. I suppose it's not going to be perfect when the three-disc collection doesn't even cost $12.

Was thinking about some funtimes long gone and associated timewise music. Saw Rainbow on youtube and listened to some songs. Had to buy this to have some Rainbow to listen to when so mooded. Ronnie James Dio voice is clear as a bell and has a commanding presence. RIP RJ DIO!!!!! Excellent music, outstanding musicians = gotta have.

This album has all the hits from all their singers. Great CD for a Rainbow fan.

Rock like it was meant to be

This is nice collection of Rainbow 🌈 songs I am listening to it as I write this review This collection is worth more than what the cost is.

CD has all of their hits but I wish it had live versions of the good songs. Fast shipping.Sound quality is kinda weak. Almost no bass. Not sure if this is just how they recorded it or it's not remastered or what but it's too weak to play in my car. Sad because they made some great tunes.