On November 1, 1974 "Scorpions" released their second album "Fly to the Rainbow".
The album represents a major turning point for the band, due to lineup changes and a change in musical direction. "Fly to the Rainbow" followed the debut "Lonesome Crow", which leaned heavily into "Krautrock" genre. After touring as the opening act for British rock band "UFO" to support "Lonesome Crow", "Scorpions" lead guitarist Michael Schenker was invited to join "UFO" as their guitarist and accepted the offer, leaving the "Scorpions" at a crossroads. It was during this transitional period that Uli Jon Roth entered the scene. Roth, along with his bandmates from "Dawn Road"—drummer Jürgen Rosenthal and bassist Francis Buchholz—would join forces with "Scorpions'" Klaus Meine and Rudolf Schenker effectively merging the two groups under the "Scorpions" name and thus changing it style and sound.
Roth’s addition added a distinct edge, blending his Hendrix-inspired virtuosity with a more progressive and experimental approach. The result is a rich fusion of heavy rock, blues, psychedelia, and hints of prog rock, laying a new foundation for what would become the band’s signature sound. "Fly to the Rainbow" is an album of exploration, setting a fresh direction for "Scorpions" that balances powerful hooks with ambitious guitar work.
The album opens with “Speedy’s Coming,” a high-energy track marked by its infectious riff and Klaus Meine’s commanding vocals, establishing the band’s knack for catchy rock hooks that would later characterize their most popular songs. Here, Uli Jon Roth's frenetic solos showcase a raw talent that would soon evolve, while Rudolf Schenker’s rhythm guitar provides a solid anchor, emphasizing the band's new dynamic.
The second track “They Need a Million” already brings a drastic change with its classical guitar intro and Rudolf Schenker's lead vocals. But then, in 1:14 min. when you are sure this is going to be a beautiful ballad, everything change and the infectious heavy guitar riff pirecing through through the speakers. The song combines hard rock with progressive elements and tackles themes of desire and ambition in a complex. Uli Jon Roth's guitar lines sound a bit oriental while Klaus Meine operatic background vocals reminds us of his work in "Lonesome Crow".
Tracks like “Drifting Sun” written sang by Uli Jon Roth (with Meine on backing vocals) push the band's versatility further, blending styles with complex arrangements that lean into jazz and prog rock influences. Rosenthal’s dynamic drumming adds texture, while Buchholz's bass lines provide rhythmic depth.
"Fly People Fly" is a a bluesy ballad, one of 3 tracks co-written with departing guitarist Michael Schenker as part of his agreement on leaving the band. "This Is My Song" captures the raw energy that defined the "Scorpions’" early years, making it a memorable and uplifting piece of the album, while "Far Away", also co-written by Michael Schenker, brings progressive vibes and softens the pace, with Meine delivering one of his most delicate vocal performances to date, framed by Roth's gentle, shimmering guitar work
The epic title track “Fly to the Rainbow” written by Michael Schenker and Uli Jon Roth close the album is an atmospheric journey that highlights Roth’s influence on the band. His expansive, progressive guitar lines, paired with Meine’s soaring vocals, create an emotional and introspective piece that builds layers of sound across its nine-minute runtime. Roth’s playing on this track draws from his background, adding a cosmic, almost ethereal quality that sets it apart from the rest of the album.
Though "Fly to the Rainbow" may lack the cohesion of later "Scorpions" releases, its willingness to take risks is central to its appeal. The fusion of Roth's ambitious guitar work and the band's developing rock sensibilities creates an album that’s as raw as it is innovative. "Fly to the Rainbow" is a critical piece of the "Scorpions’" early catalog, capturing the band at a moment of transformation. This album is a fascinating glimpse into the early days of a group that was still discovering its unique voice.
For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music
Comments