Review Summary: The last classic record from Mr. Ronnie James Dio
Mr. Ronnie James Dio left us a memorable legacy of great music, from ELF to Rainbow, from Sabbath to Heaven and Hell, his amazing voice helped to shape my favourite music genre.
His solo career had many classic albums like the memorable debut Holy Diver or the metal anthem The Last in Line however my attempt at a short review goes to Dream Evil, probably his most underrated record.
Vivian Campbell had just left the band to joined Whitesnake, so Dream Evil is Dio's first record without Campbell on the guitars, fact which worried many people back in 87, however Craig Goldy (ex Rough Cutt) did a great job replacing Campbell, so great that sometimes we think Vivian still playing.
Dream Evil still has the commercial tendencies of the previous Sacred Heart, like the use of keyboards on some tracks (All the Fools Sailed Away) and the catchy melody lines (I Could Have Been a Dreamer), however Dio's fourth album is definitely more dark and heavy than its predecessor.
The lyrics, as usual, are related to the supernatural and fantasy and the songs still have Dio's very unique signature based upon an extremely solid rhythm section performed by his long time mates Jimmy Bain and Vinny Appice.
Dream Evil is a very consistent effort with memorable songs like the title track, Night People, the power ballad All the Fools Sailed Away, Naked in the Rain or the commercially oriented I Could Have Been a Dreamer, but my favourite moment here is definitely Sunset Superman, specially Craig's epic riff and the unbelievably catchy and powerful pre-chorus.
Holy Diver and The Last in Line are Dio's most essential solo records however Dream Evil still is an absolute classic album in my book.
Pros:
Memorable catchy songs
Sunset Superman main riff and pre-chorus
Ronnie James Dio performance (as usual)
Cons:
Sound engineering
