The first post 'Dio' album from 'Rainbow' and those who expected the Medieval inspired Hard Rock / Metal of 'Rising' or 'Long Live Rock & Roll' will be sadly disappointed. 'Blackmore' completely changed things around with 'Down to Earth', not for the good though as he delves deeply into an early Pop Metal sound. Drafted into the vacant slot is 'Graham Bonnet', who in my opinion is a decent Pop / Rock vocalist but whose vocals don't led themselves to heavier material, he's had two spells with 'Impellitteri' and on both occasions couldn't cut the mustard and was replaced. 'Blackmore's' ever revolving door exits 'Bob Daisley' and 'David Stone' while 'Don Airey' and former 'Deep Purple' bassist 'Roger Glover' who also produces are brought in.

First off is the lively mid tempo rocker 'All Night Long', the highlight of which is the chorus which is heavier than the verses and features 'Graham Bonnet' singing with real conviction, this was released as a single in the UK and achieved a very respectable #5. Following strongly is the mystical 'Eyes of the World' about the only cut on the album that reminds me of the 'Dio' years, the opening instrumental work is very strong and overlooking some strained vocals proceeds impressively, especially the splendid guitar work from 'Ritchie Blackmore'. Things start to go down hill with the directionless 'No Time to Lose' a kind of Bluesy 'Deep Purple' number meets Pop, it comes off sounding awkward with lame lyrics and an insipid melody. Even worse is the chart friendly 'Makin' Love', this is definitely a "fast forward" candidate with predictable chorus, sloppy lyrics and dull, lifeless composition. Better is the other single to be released, a cover of 'Russ Ballard's' 'Since You've Been Gone', this one reached #6 in the UK, personally I think it's the weaker of the two though, less Rock and more Power Ballad, complete with a sloppy chorus that 'Dio' wouldn't sing in million year. Next up is 'Love's No Friend' a pretty decent 'Whitesnake' style plodder, 'Graham Bonnet' turns in a fine performance with a slightly more Bluesy approach than usual and is backed up very well by a refined rhythm and subtle yet solid guitaring. The tempo is lifted with 'Danger Zone', which is pretty much a mixed bag with some lyrically strong verses and nice instrumentation, but falls short with a cliché chorus and dated early 80's feel. 'Lost in Hollywood' also has some nice touches but ends up inferior, the grooving rhythm is a plus as is 'Cozy Powell's' solid drumming, unfortunately the quirky, dated keyboards and strained vocals leave me feeling short changed.

I can't see many fans of 'Dio' era 'Rainbow' getting excited about 'Down to Earth', there's some decent material above but very lightweight compared to classics like 'Stargazer', 'Man on Silver Mountain' and 'Gates of Babylon'. In fact I can see why 'Ronnie' left if 'Ritchie Blackmore' tried to stamp his commercial aspirations over the band while he was frontman. 'Graham Bonnet' was soon shown the door too, allegedly due to turning up intoxicated for a live show, his replacement was to be the accomplished journeyman 'Joe Lynn Turner' who in my opinion works the heavier material a lot better than his predecessor.