Deep Purple is a legendary British rock band that formed in Hertford, Hertfordshire, England, in 1968. They are considered one of the pioneers of hard rock and heavy metal music, with a career spanning over five decades.
The band’s lineup has undergone numerous changes throughout the years, but some of the most notable members include Ian Gillan (vocals), Ritchie Blackmore (guitar), Jon Lord (keyboards), Roger Glover (bass), and Ian Paice (drums).
Deep Purple rose to fame in the early 1970s with albums like “Deep Purple in Rock” (1970), “Fireball” (1971), and “Machine Head” (1972), which featured the iconic song “Smoke on the Water.” This song, with its instantly recognizable guitar riff, remains one of the most famous rock anthems of all time.
Throughout the 1970s, Deep Purple continued to release successful albums and tour extensively, solidifying their reputation as one of the biggest rock bands in the world. However, internal conflicts and creative differences led to several lineup changes over the years.
In the 1980s, Deep Purple experienced a resurgence in popularity with the albums “Perfect Strangers” (1984) and “The House of Blue Light” (1987), which reunited the classic “Mark II” lineup of the band.
Deep Purple has continued to release albums and tour regularly, with their most recent studio album, “Whoosh!” released in 2020. They are celebrated for their electrifying live performances and their contributions to the development of hard rock and heavy metal music. Deep Purple has left an indelible mark on the rock music landscape and remains influential to this day.
1. Woman From Tokyo
“Woman from Tokyo” is a classic rock song by Deep Purple, featured on their 1973 album “Who Do We Think We Are.” The song is known for its catchy guitar riff, energetic rhythm, and memorable chorus.
“Woman from Tokyo” was inspired by the band’s tour experiences in Japan, particularly their encounters with Japanese women. The lyrics describe the narrator’s fascination and admiration for a woman from Tokyo, capturing the excitement and allure of being in a foreign land.
Musically, “Woman from Tokyo” features a driving rhythm section, with Ian Paice’s powerful drumming providing a solid foundation for Ritchie Blackmore’s iconic guitar work. Jon Lord’s keyboard fills add depth and texture to the song, while Ian Gillan’s vocals soar over the instrumentation, delivering the catchy melody and infectious chorus.
“Woman from Tokyo” became one of Deep Purple’s most popular songs, receiving extensive radio airplay and becoming a staple of their live performances. Its upbeat tempo and memorable hooks have ensured its enduring popularity among fans of classic rock music.
2. Black Night
“Black Night” is a song by the British rock band Deep Purple, released as a single in 1970. It was originally recorded as a non-album single, but it later appeared on the band’s compilation album, “Deepest Purple: The Very Best of Deep Purple.”
“Black Night” is characterized by its driving rhythm, catchy guitar riff, and energetic vocals by Ian Gillan. The song has a bluesy rock feel with elements of hard rock, and it features a memorable guitar solo by Ritchie Blackmore.
Lyrically, “Black Night” is about the frustration of a sleepless night and the longing for the morning to come. The lyrics convey a sense of restlessness and anticipation, with the narrator yearning for relief from their troubles.
“Black Night” was a commercial success for Deep Purple, reaching the top ten in the UK singles chart. It remains one of the band’s most popular and enduring songs, often performed live and included in their greatest hits compilations. The song’s catchy riff and memorable melody have made it a classic rock staple that continues to resonate with audiences.
3. Hush
“Hush” is a song originally written by Joe South in 1967. It became widely known through its cover version by the band Deep Purple, released in 1968 as their debut single. Deep Purple’s rendition of “Hush” helped to establish their early sound and gained them significant attention.
The song features a distinctive guitar riff and catchy melody, accompanied by Ian Gillan’s soulful vocals. It blends elements of rock, pop, and blues, showcasing Deep Purple’s versatility as a band.
“Hush” was a commercial success for Deep Purple, reaching the top five on the charts in several countries. It remains one of their most recognizable songs and a classic in the rock music canon.
Over the years, “Hush” has been covered by numerous artists, further cementing its status as a rock standard. It continues to be a favorite among fans of classic rock music, beloved for its infectious energy and memorable hooks.
4. Highway Star
“Highway Star” is a song by the British rock band Deep Purple, appearing on their 1972 album “Machine Head.” It’s one of Deep Purple’s most iconic and enduring songs, often cited as one of the greatest hard rock tracks of all time.
“Highway Star” is characterized by its fast-paced tempo, driving rhythm, and virtuosic instrumental performances. The song features a powerful Hammond organ intro by Jon Lord, followed by a blistering guitar solo by Ritchie Blackmore. Ian Gillan’s vocals are energetic and dynamic, perfectly complementing the song’s intense instrumentation.
Lyrically, “Highway Star” is an ode to the exhilaration of driving fast and living life on the edge. The lyrics describe the thrill of speeding down the highway, with references to the freedom and adrenaline rush of the open road.
“Highway Star” is also known for its extended instrumental sections, allowing each member of the band to showcase their musical prowess. The song’s dynamic structure and electrifying performance have made it a fan favorite and a staple of Deep Purple’s live shows.
Overall, “Highway Star” remains a classic rock anthem that epitomizes the energy and spirit of the genre. Its powerful riff, memorable chorus, and virtuosic musicianship continue to captivate audiences decades after its release.
5. Lazy
“Lazy” is a song by Deep Purple, featured on their 1972 album “Machine Head.” It’s a standout track known for its extended instrumental section, showcasing the band’s virtuosity and improvisational skills.
The song begins with a bluesy guitar riff before launching into a heavy groove driven by Jon Lord’s Hammond organ and Ian Paice’s dynamic drumming. Ian Gillan’s vocals add to the song’s laid-back vibe, with lyrics that reflect on the pleasures of taking it easy and enjoying life.
The centerpiece of “Lazy” is its instrumental interlude, featuring an extended organ and guitar solo section. Jon Lord’s keyboard work is particularly noteworthy, demonstrating his mastery of the Hammond organ and his ability to create rich and dynamic textures.
“Lazy” became a fan favorite and a staple of Deep Purple’s live performances. Its combination of bluesy rock riffs, intricate instrumentation, and energetic improvisation has made it a classic in the band’s discography and a standout track on the “Machine Head” album.
6. Perfect Strangers
“Perfect Strangers” is a song by Deep Purple, released in 1984 as the title track of their eleventh studio album. The song marked the reunion of the classic Deep Purple lineup known as “Mark II,” consisting of Ian Gillan (vocals), Ritchie Blackmore (guitar), Jon Lord (keyboards), Roger Glover (bass), and Ian Paice (drums).
“Perfect Strangers” is characterized by its powerful guitar riff, driving rhythm, and memorable chorus. The lyrics touch on themes of reunion, nostalgia, and the passage of time, reflecting the band members’ feelings as they came back together after an extended hiatus.
The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the charts in several countries and becoming one of Deep Purple’s most enduring hits. Its energetic performance and anthemic quality have made it a favorite among fans and a staple of Deep Purple’s live shows.
“Perfect Strangers” is often cited as one of Deep Purple’s standout tracks from the 1980s, showcasing the band’s continued relevance and musical prowess. It remains a beloved classic in the hard rock genre and a testament to the enduring appeal of Deep Purple’s music.
7. Space Truckin’
“Space Truckin'” is a song by Deep Purple, featured on their 1972 album “Machine Head.” It’s known for its energetic and driving rhythm, as well as its space-themed lyrics. The song captures the spirit of the early 1970s hard rock era, with its catchy guitar riff, pounding drums, and Hammond organ fills.
Lyrically, “Space Truckin'” paints a vivid picture of a futuristic space journey, with references to intergalactic travel, aliens, and cosmic adventures. The song’s lyrics evoke a sense of escapism and exploration, reflecting the fascination with space exploration that was prevalent during the time of its release.
“Space Truckin'” became a fan favorite and a staple of Deep Purple’s live performances. Its infectious groove and energetic vibe have made it one of the band’s most enduring songs, often cited as a classic example of their hard rock sound.
The song’s upbeat tempo and memorable chorus make it a favorite among fans of classic rock, and its influence can be heard in subsequent generations of hard rock and heavy metal music. Overall, “Space Truckin'” remains a timeless rock anthem that continues to captivate listeners with its high-energy performance and imaginative lyrics.
8. Rat Bat Blue
“Rat Bat Blue” is a song by Deep Purple, featured on their 1971 album “Fireball.” The song is known for its bluesy riff and energetic rhythm, characteristic of Deep Purple’s early hard rock sound.
“Rat Bat Blue” features a catchy guitar riff by Ritchie Blackmore and soulful vocals by Ian Gillan. The song’s lyrics are somewhat abstract, with Gillan’s vocals soaring over the instrumentation as he sings about mysterious and surreal imagery.
Musically, “Rat Bat Blue” showcases Deep Purple’s tight musicianship and dynamic interplay. Jon Lord’s Hammond organ fills add depth and texture to the song, while Roger Glover’s bass and Ian Paice’s drums provide a solid foundation for the band’s sound.
While not as well-known as some of Deep Purple’s other hits, “Rat Bat Blue” remains a favorite among fans of the band’s early catalog. Its infectious groove and memorable riff make it a standout track on the “Fireball” album and a testament to Deep Purple’s prowess as a hard rock band.
9. Smoke on the Water
“Smoke on the Water” is a legendary rock song by Deep Purple, released in 1972 as the opening track of their album “Machine Head.” It’s one of the most iconic and recognizable songs in rock music history, known for its distinctive guitar riff and catchy melody.
The song was inspired by a true event: a fire that broke out at the Montreux Casino in Switzerland during a Frank Zappa concert. Deep Purple was set to record at the casino’s recording studio the next day but had to find another location due to the fire. The lyrics of “Smoke on the Water” describe the events of that day and the band’s experience witnessing the fire and its aftermath.
The guitar riff in “Smoke on the Water” is one of the most famous in rock music, instantly recognizable and often learned by beginner guitarists. Ritchie Blackmore’s playing on the song solidified his reputation as one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time.
“Smoke on the Water” became a massive commercial success for Deep Purple, reaching the top five on the charts in multiple countries. It remains a staple of classic rock radio and is often performed at concerts and covered by other artists.
Overall, “Smoke on the Water” is a timeless classic that has left an indelible mark on rock music and continues to be celebrated by fans around the world.
10. Fireball
“Fireball” is a song by Deep Purple, released as the title track of their fifth studio album in 1971. It’s also the opening track of the album.
“Fireball” is known for its energetic and fast-paced tempo, featuring driving guitar riffs by Ritchie Blackmore, Jon Lord’s virtuosic keyboard solos, and Ian Paice’s dynamic drumming. Ian Gillan’s powerful vocals add to the intensity of the song.
Lyrically, “Fireball” doesn’t have a specific narrative but rather focuses on capturing the fiery energy and excitement of a live performance or a fast-paced lifestyle. The song’s lyrics evoke images of speed, movement, and exhilaration.
“Fireball” was a commercial success upon its release and has remained a fan favorite over the years. Its electrifying energy and instrumental prowess make it a standout track in Deep Purple’s discography and a testament to their influence on the hard rock genre.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
