Scorpions
Fly To The Rainbow


4.5
superb

Review

by DLT USER (1 Reviews)
February 8th, 2011 | 128 replies


Release Date: 1974 | Tracklist

Review Summary: "Fly To The Rainbow" is a terrific CD by Scorpions. This is a record that is more tie-dye than leather, yet still provides enough heaviness. This is a perfect CD to put on if you want to relax and explore your mind.

For the average listener, the mention of the band Scorpions will conjure up memories of the songs "Rock You Like A Hurricane" or "Wind Of Change", but you might be surprised to find out the German band was at its creative peak in the 70's. Their sophomore album "Fly To The Rainbow" from 1974 bears witness to this fact.

After recording their first record "Lonesome Crow" in 1973, axe slinger Michael Schenker left to join UFO and was replaced by Uli Jon Roth. This change brought the talents of Roth to light, and his playing shines on the 5 albums he recorded with Scorpions in the 70's. Uli is a guitarist who channels incredible emotion through his guitar, combining the fluidity and bends of Hendrix with a complex neo-classical technique. And although on this first record you will hear more Hendrix than Vivaldi, he nevertheless adds alot to the already outstanding foundation of rythym guitarist Rudolf Schenker and singer Klaus Meine.

Now on to the album itself. This CD has a bizarre cover. It looks something like an ape riding two helicopter blades while wearing a welding mask. (Crazy Right?) But don't worry. After listening you will see that this absurd cover only adds to the mystique and psychedelic coolness of the music inside.

The first track is "Speedy's Coming". This one is a fast tempo song written by Meine and Schenker that includes some interesting lyrics about an up and coming rocker. This is overall an enjoyable track but not my favorite. "They Need A Million" is next. This song has an awesome spanish guitar opening which evolves into a heavier song with a cool rythym.

The record really hits it's stride with the next song. "Drifting Sun" is an epic, Hendrixy guitar orgy written by Roth. This song kicks ass. It features a cool rythym, badass psychedelic effects and great lyrics. By now you will see that this CD has more in common with Pink Floyd than the at-times banal metal they were known for in the 80's.

The next three tracks are all phenomenal, with great songwriting by Schenker and Meine and splendid soloing by Uli. "Far Away" is a beautiful song that will leave you feeling peaceful and ready for another journey. And that journey is the album closer, "Fly To The Rainbow."

Prepare to go to another dimension. Uli begins this masterpiece with classical guitar, then Klaus Meine joins in with a sweet and melodic vocal section. From there on you will be treated to delicious harmonized guitar, pulsing drums and bass and the soulful singing of Klaus. The song ends with a poem read by Uli,followed by a stunning, feedback-drenched outro solo. This song is an epic 9 and a half minutes of glory.

In conclusion, "Fly To The Rainbow" is a terrific CD by Scorpions. This is a record that is more tie-dye than leather, yet still provides enough heaviness. This is a perfect CD to put on if you want to relax and explore your mind.


user ratings (236)
3.8
excellent
other reviews of this album
rockandmetaljunkie (4.5)
Progressive, ethereal and mystical, Fly To The Rainbow is a superb album and the first collaboration...



Comments:Add a Comment 
scissorlocked
February 9th 2011


3538 Comments


the album is sick

Uli at his best

JamieTwort
February 9th 2011


26988 Comments


Good review

Scorpions rule

Detritivore
February 14th 2011


322 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Good review - short and informative. This with "In Trance", "Virgin Killer" and "Taken by force" are real gems of heavy rock...ahhh and Uli Jon roth ....he is simply the best (Say by Steve Vai, Malsmteen and many others)

rockandmetaljunkie
April 16th 2011


9658 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

The first Scorpions album with the best german guitarist of all time Uli Roth.

JamieTwort
April 18th 2011


26988 Comments


Yeah Uli Roth is awesome

AngelofDeath
Emeritus
October 4th 2011


16306 Comments


Title track on here as awesome.

RunOfTheMill
November 13th 2011


4591 Comments


Jurgen Rosenthal is an incredible drummer. It's just insane how he always keeps up those rythms at that speed. IMO, the best drummer the Scorpions ever had. Too bad he had to leave after this album.

Great album, though Rudy is a terrible vocalist :P

JamieTwort
November 13th 2011


26988 Comments


Good stuff.

rockandmetaljunkie
November 13th 2011


9658 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Rate it Jamie.

JamieTwort
November 15th 2011


26988 Comments


Done.

TheNotrap
Staff Reviewer
November 15th 2011


19009 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Some cool songs here like Speedy's Coming, however their best work is yet to come IMO.

RunOfTheMill
November 15th 2011


4591 Comments


Speedy's Coming, Drifting Sun and Fly to the Rainbow are freaking awesome!!

rockandmetaljunkie
February 4th 2012


9658 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

The album seems like a magic journey. The title track is fenomenal.

mandan
February 12th 2012


13925 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5 | Sound Off



"In conclusion, "Fly To The Rainbow" is a terrific CD by Scorpions. This is a record that is more tie-dye than leather, yet still provides enough heaviness. This is a perfect CD to put on if you want to relax and explore your mind."



I think it's kinda odd that you put this both on the conclusion and the summary. Dunno if others think the same.



BTW, I like Scorpions very much, but haven't really gotten into their 70's stuff.



rockandmetaljunkie
February 12th 2012


9658 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Like most of the fans who think that the Scorps mean the 80's mainstream band with hits like hurricane etc.

You should explore their 70's material. It's really good.

TheNotrap
Staff Reviewer
February 12th 2012


19009 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

^

Their 70's material is good but their golden era remains the 80's.



Being more successful or mainstream isn't easy man.

Their best albums are easily Lovedrive, Blackout and Love at First Sting.

rockandmetaljunkie
February 12th 2012


9658 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Being mainstream, and write well known songs, or hits, which will eventually make you famous, doesn't neccessarily mean that this material is actually better than your previous unknown one only because it was more appealing. The 70's Scorps had this mystical aura, a unique style, and songs that gave them something in which they lacked in their mainstream area. When i listen to the 80's Scorps i have the impression of listening to a great band which unfortunately sounds like most of the 80's bands. Uli Roth's presence gave to the band a characteristic sound that made them unique, special, and different. If there is something that the 70's Scorps lacked was consistency. Their albums were great but had fillers.

The albums you posted are all great, and consistent but if you take the best tracks and compare them with their best 70's material the winner will be obvious. After Roth's departure the Scoprs didn't wrote anymore songs like: Fly to the Rainbow, Drifting Sun, Life's Like a River, Top of the Bill, Living and Dying, Evening Wind, Longing for Fire, Night Lights, Catch Your Train, In Your Park, Polar Nights, Yellow Raven, We'll Burn the Sky, The Sails of Charon, and many more.

TheNotrap
Staff Reviewer
February 12th 2012


19009 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

"Being mainstream, and write well known songs, or hits, which will eventually make you famous, doesn't neccessarily mean that this material is actually better than your previous unknown one"

That's obvious man.



You're in love with Roth..Cool..is an amazing guitar player (and an awful singer) but don't lose your usual objectivity.



Like you've said:

"If there is something that the 70's Scorps lacked was consistency. Their albums were great but had fillers."

Agreed.

stabbler
February 12th 2012


1511 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

70s Scorpions any day for mine. I actually think Lonesome Crow is one of the best albums I've ever heard. Their 80s stuff was comparatively generic IMO



This also rules.

rockandmetaljunkie
February 13th 2012


9658 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

"You're in love with Roth..Cool..is an amazing guitar player"



Yeah i guess i am... he was one of the 5 guitarists who inspired me to pick up the sixth string.





"don't lose your usual objectivity"



I'll try not to...



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