Rainbow Of Love by Rod Prince: A 1961 Pop Gem That Still Shimmers
Alright, let’s talk about Rainbow Of Love, the quirky little slice of pop heaven dropped by Rod Prince way back in ’61. Released under the Comet label (yes, like the celestial object), this album feels like a time capsule from an era when vocal pop was all about charm, simplicity, and heart-on-sleeve lyrics. Written entirely by Stan Vincent—because apparently one guy could do it all back then—this record is short, sweet, and oddly unforgettable.
Now, I gotta say, not every track on here slaps, but two songs stood out enough to make me go, “Huh, okay, maybe they were onto something.” First up, the title track, "Rainbow Of Love." It’s got that classic early ‘60s vibe—a mix of innocence and hopefulness wrapped in a melody so catchy you’ll hum it while brushing your teeth. The vocals are smooth as butter, though occasionally Rod sounds like he might’ve been daydreaming about lunch during recording. But hey, imperfections give it character, right? This tune sticks with you because it’s unapologetically optimistic, which is both refreshing and kind of hilarious given how cynical we’ve become since.
Then there’s "My Star All Alone," a slower number that somehow manages to feel both dreamy and slightly awkward at the same time. Imagine standing under a streetlamp at midnight, serenading someone who isn’t even there—that’s the energy. There’s a raw vulnerability in Rod’s voice here that makes you wonder if he wrote these lyrics himself after a breakup or just really wanted to impress his crush. Either way, it works. You can almost picture teenagers slow-dancing to this at some sock hop, trying desperately not to step on each other’s toes.
What strikes me most about this album is its earnestness. Back in 1961, no one was overthinking things; they just made music that felt good. Sure, the production is bare-bones compared to today’s standards, but that’s part of its charm. Listening to Rainbow Of Love feels like flipping through old black-and-white photos—you’re reminded of simpler times, even if those times weren’t always as golden as they seem.
So yeah, would I recommend this album? Absolutely, especially if you’re into vintage vibes or need background tunes for baking cookies shaped like stars. Just don’t expect anything groundbreaking—it’s more like comfort food for your ears. And honestly, sometimes that’s exactly what you need. Oh, and fun fact: listening to this album makes you realize how far music has come… and how much we lost along the way. Now excuse me while I go find out what happened to Comet Records—they clearly knew how to pick winners!
