Rainbow – Difficult to Cure (1981)
Released in 1981, Difficult to Cure is the fifth studio album by Rainbow, led by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. The album marks the debut of vocalist Joe Lynn Turner and showcases a more polished, radio-friendly hard rock sound while retaining Rainbow’s signature virtuosic guitar work and melodic sensibilities.
Difficult to Cure helped Rainbow reach a wider audience, blending accessible hooks with heavy guitar riffs and the band’s hallmark dramatic flair.
Album Credits
Band Members:
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Ritchie Blackmore – Guitar
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Joe Lynn Turner – Lead Vocals
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Roger Glover – Bass
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Cozy Powell – Drums
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David Rosenthal – Keyboards
Producer: Roger Glover
Label: Polydor (UK), Mercury Records (US)
Release Year: 1981
Genre: Hard Rock / Heavy Metal
Cover Art & Design
The cover features a dramatic, stormy scene of a rainbow arcing across a dark sky, symbolizing hope and triumph amid turbulence. Designed by Hipgnosis, the artwork complements the album’s balance of power, melody, and emotional intensity.
The visual reflects Rainbow’s shift toward a more accessible, radio-friendly sound while maintaining their epic, fantastical image.
Musical Style & Sound
Difficult to Cure is characterized by:
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Polished, melodic hard rock with strong hooks
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Virtuosic guitar solos and riff-driven compositions by Ritchie Blackmore
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Powerful, expressive vocals by Joe Lynn Turner
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Tight rhythm section with dynamic drumming and bass lines
Notable tracks like I Surrender and Spotlight Kid demonstrate the band’s ability to create radio-friendly rock anthems without sacrificing musicianship or dramatic flair.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Vocalist Debut: Joe Lynn Turner joined Rainbow for this album, bringing a more melodic and commercially appealing vocal style.
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Hit Single: I Surrender, written by Russ Ballard, became one of Rainbow’s most successful singles and remains a fan favorite.
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Producer Role: Roger Glover, the band’s bassist, produced the album, giving it a polished and cohesive sound.
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Touring: The album’s accessible sound helped Rainbow reach a broader audience on their 1981–1982 tour.
Did You Know?
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Difficult to Cure includes an arrangement of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony on the title track, showcasing Blackmore’s classical influences.
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Joe Lynn Turner’s melodic vocals marked a departure from the fantasy-driven intensity of Ronnie James Dio, making the album more mainstream-friendly.
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The album is considered a bridge between Rainbow’s early heavy metal era and their more commercial 1980s period.
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Ritchie Blackmore’s guitar tone on this album influenced many emerging hard rock and metal guitarists of the 1980s.
