AMG Review of Stand Up and Shout: The Dio Anthology

Rob Theakston
All Music Guide

Break out the ouija board and extra-hold hair spray -- because Stand Up and Shout puts you front row center to Ronnie James Dio's illustrious career. A mighty two-and-a-half-hour surge of molten metal, Stand Up and Shout begins with the classic rock/Stones-y blues-rock of Elf and makes a headlong voyage into his now infamous stints as lead vocalist of Black Sabbath and Rainbow before making a right-hand turn into one of metal's most successful solo careers. With theatrical live performances and tales of lasers, dragons, and holy divers, Dio captivated the mythical minds of a generation and in turn made him one of metal's most beloved singers. With generous photography and track-by-track liner notes from the man himself, Stand Up and Shout is easily the most comprehensive anthology of his resumé, and quite simply a long overdue tribute to one of the most distinctive voices in heavy metal.