Deep Purple discography

For my first discography ratings, I have to list my favorite band, Deep Purple. But as you'll see, I'm definitely critical of some of their releases.

Deep Purple In Rock (1970) - 98.14

The first studio album to feature Ian Gillan and Roger Glover, recorded after Jon Lord's project Concerto with Group and Orchestra. Ritchie Blackmore pushed for a change in direction, reminding everyone throughout the recording that "if it's not dramatic or exciting, it has no place on this album." The result was a hard rock masterpiece that remained on the charts for over a year. Recommendation: Buy immediately!

Favorite tracks: Speed King, Child In Time, Flight of the Rat, Hard Lovin' Man

Machine Head (1972) - 95.70

Although In Rock was a masterpiece, Machine Head received all the attention and accolades. The songs are more accessible and radio friendly, but not any less dramatic or exciting as those on In Rock. Smoke On the Water will always be the band's signature song, which is both a blessing and a curse. While its simple riff is impossible to ignore and has spawned generations of would-be guitar heroes, it has also overshadowed some of the better songs on the album. Recommendation: Buy immediately!

Favorite tracks: Highway Star, Smoke On the Water, Pictures of Home, Space Truckin'

Fireball (1971) - 90.71 (US version); 88.70 (UK version)
A minor disappointment following In Rock. Constant touring conflicted with studio and writing time, but overall it's a very good album with some excellent songs. The difference in ratings is reflected in my thoughts on Strange Kind of Woman (on the US version) versus Demon's Eye (on the UK version). Note: the 25th anniversary release includes tracks that should have made it onto the original album. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite tracks: Fireball, No One Came

Perfect Strangers (1984) - 88.51

After 11 years, Deep Purple Mark II (Blackmore, Gillan, Glover, Lord, Paice) had reunited. I remember holding the new album in my hands, anxious to hear the new songs. From the opening notes of Knocking at Your Back Door, it was clear that this album would enhance their legacy. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite tracks: Knocking at Your Back Door, Perfect Strangers

Who Do We Think We Are (1973) - 86.88

Internal conflicts were tearing the band apart. There are some quality tracks, but the strain of working together was evident (especially in the song Smooth Dancer -- check out the lyrics). Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite tracks: Woman from Tokyo, Rat Bat Blue

Burn (1974) - 84.57

Exit Ian Gillan and Roger Glover. Enter David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes. The two new members changed the dynamic of the band, but opening track Burn proved to even the most skeptical fan that the band wasn't done rocking yet. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite tracks: Burn, Sail Away, You Fool No One

Slaves and Masters (1990) - 82.23

This surprised me, being rated so high. With Joe Lynn Turner on vocals it sometimes sounds like Rainbow, but it does contain some excellent tracks. It would be rated even higher if not for its one crap song. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite tracks: King of Dreams, The Cut Runs Deep

Crap track: Love Conquers All

The House of Blue Light (1987) - 80.39

The internal struggles between Blackmore and Gillan begin to resurface, but the album is still pretty good overall. If you buy the album, make sure you buy the original as the remastered version edited some tracks. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite tracks: The Spanish Archer, Strangeways

Purpendicular (1996) - 79.58

Talk about a new dynamic. Steve Morse replaces Ritchie Blackmore on guitar, completely changing the signature guitar sound of the band. But this initial effort is actually very good, mixing new sounds with some nods to early 70s Purple. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite track: Soon Forgotten

The Battle Rages On (1993) - 75.66

The title could easily refer to Blackmore vs. Gillan. The conflict was at an all-time high, and while most of the songs are mediocre, a few really stand out. Recommendation: Worth buying.

Favorite tracks: The Battle Rages On, Anya

Shades of Deep Purple (1968) - 74.72

The first album. Pre-Gillan and Glover, it was more pop/psychedelic oriented, which overshadowed the standout tracks. Recommendation: Listen before you buy.

Favorite tracks: And the Address, Hush, Mandrake Root

Crap track: Help (a Beatles cover... it's not the song that's bad, but the interpretation)

The Book Of Taliesyn (1968) - 73.80

The second album, with a bit less pop and a bit more psychedelia. Pretty good, if you're into 60s psychedelic music. Recommendation: Listen before you buy.

Favorite track: Kentucky Woman

Deep Purple (1969) - 73.79

Some experimentation into hard rock possibly foreshadowed what was to come on the next LP, In Rock. It contains some excellent songs, but also a crap track and a rather lengthy, mostly boring number that really bring down the rating. Recommendation: Listen before you buy.

Favorite tracks: Chasing Shadows, Fault Line/The Painter, Bird has Flown

Crap track: Lalena

Bananas (2003) - 73.09

The third album featuring Steve Morse contained some decent songs with one standout track. Recommendation: Listen before you buy.

Favorite track: Sun Goes Down

Come Taste the Band (1975) - 68.21

The only album to feature Tommy Bolin (RIP) on guitar. The sound is not what you would expect from Deep Purple, but it does contain a few very good hard rock songs. Recommendation: Listen before you buy.

Favorite track: This Time Around - Owed to G

Rapture of the Deep (2006) - 61.98

A Morse era album. There's nothing terrible about it, but there's nothing really good either. Yawn. Recommendation: For completists only.

Favorite tracks: none

Abandon (1998) - 60.93

Do you hear that sound? It's the fans, abandoning ship. Recommendation: For completists only.

Favorite tracks: none

Stormbringer (1974) - 53.44

Blackmore's influence over the band was greatly diminished due to personal issues, allowing Glenn Hughes' soul influences to surface. That's great if you like rock with soul, but terrible if you like Deep Purple (although the title track did kick some serious ass). Recommendation: For completists only.

Favorite track: Stormbringer