Scorpions ‘Fly To The Rainbow’

Today’s Cool Album of the Day is (#803 in the Series) is Scorpions, Fly to the Rainbow.

Fly to the Rainbow was the 1974 album from German metal band Scorpions. It was their second album following up, Lonesome Crow.

This was not just a straight ahead metal album. It was far from it. It definitely had a good layer of prog-rock in its sound.  I usually don’t include track times to the listings. I did so here for a reason. Look at the lengths. 7:42, 9:40 etc.  Those lengthy times are a clear point to something different.

Lonesome Crow was the only album that had Michael Schenker as full time lead guitarist.  He did appear here but in a limited role.

Scorpions were the opening act for UFO while on the support tour for Lonesome Crow. It wasn’t long before they snatched up he and his white “Flying – V.”

Schenker would be replaced on lead by Ulrich Roth. Roth would remain with the band for about four years.  Michael Schenker’s brother Rudolph, a founding member, plays rhythm guitar with the band to this day.

Track Listing

Side one

1. “Speedy’s Coming” (Rudolf Schenker, Klaus Meine) – 3:36
2. “They Need a Million” (Rudolf Schenker, Klaus Meine) – 4:50
3. “Drifting Sun” (Ulrich Roth) – 7:42
4. “Fly People Fly” (Rudolf Schenker, Klaus Meine) – 5:03

Side two

1. “This Is My Song” (Rudolf Schenker, Klaus Meine) – 4:18
2. “Far Away” (Rudolf Schenker, Michael Schenker, Klaus Meine) – 5:38
3. “Fly to the Rainbow” (Michael Schenker, Ulrich Roth) – 9:40

Personnel

• Klaus Meine – lead vocals
• Ulrich Roth – lead guitar, backing vocals, lead vocals on “Drifting Sun” and “Fly To The Rainbow”
• Rudolf Schenker – rhythm guitar, backing vocals, lead vocals on “They Need A Million” and “Drifting Sun”
• Francis Buchholz – bass guitar, backing vocals
• Jürgen Rosenthal – drums, percussion

Give it a listen below.

Here’s a live cut