Deep Purple is a British rock band formed in 1968, known for their influential role in the development of hard rock and heavy metal. Their classic lineup featured Ritchie Blackmore (guitar), Ian Gillan (vocals), Roger Glover (bass), Jon Lord (keyboards), and Ian Paice (drums). The band is celebrated for their powerful performances and iconic songs such as “Smoke on the Water,” “Highway Star,” and “Child in Time.” Deep Purple’s innovative blend of heavy guitar riffs and classical keyboard arrangements helped shape the sound of 1970s rock. They have undergone numerous lineup changes but remain active and influential in rock music.
1. Woman From Tokyo
“Woman from Tokyo” is a 1973 single by Deep Purple from their album *Who Do We Think We Are*. Written by Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Gillan, and Roger Glover, the song features a blend of hard rock with a touch of eastern influence, reflecting the band’s experiences and admiration for Tokyo, Japan. The track is known for its catchy guitar riff and Gillan’s powerful vocals. It was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in the UK and charting well internationally. “Woman from Tokyo” remains a staple in Deep Purple’s live performances and a classic example of their early 1970s sound.
2. Black Night
“Black Night” is a 1970 single by Deep Purple, known for its hard rock and heavy metal influence. Written by Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, and Ian Paice, the song features a driving guitar riff, energetic vocals, and a powerful rhythm section. It was a non-album single initially, but it gained significant popularity and became one of the band’s most enduring hits. “Black Night” reached number two on the UK Singles Chart and is often celebrated for its memorable riff and dynamic performance. It remains a fan favorite and a staple of Deep Purple’s live shows.
3. Hush
“Hush” is a 1968 single by Deep Purple, originally recorded by Joe South in 1967. Deep Purple’s version is a hard rock adaptation of the song, showcasing their signature sound with a powerful guitar riff and energetic performance. The track was included on their self-titled debut album, *Deep Purple*, and became one of the band’s early hits. “Hush” reached number 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 2 on the UK Singles Chart. The song is notable for its catchy chorus and the band’s ability to blend rock and blues elements, establishing their reputation in the late 1960s rock scene.
4. Highway Star
“Highway Star” is a 1972 single by Deep Purple from their album *Machine Head*. Written by Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, and Ian Paice, the song is a high-energy rock anthem known for its fast tempo, powerful guitar riffs, and dynamic keyboard solos. It showcases the band’s virtuosic musicianship, particularly with Blackmore’s fiery guitar work and Jon Lord’s influential keyboard solos. “Highway Star” was a staple of Deep Purple’s live performances and is considered one of the band’s classic tracks. It epitomizes their signature hard rock sound and has been a lasting influence on the genre.
5. Lazy
“Lazy” is a track from Deep Purple’s 1972 album *Machine Head*. Written by Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Jon Lord, and Ian Paice, the song is known for its blues-rock vibe and extended instrumental sections. It features a prominent organ riff by Jon Lord and showcases the band’s ability to blend hard rock with blues influences. “Lazy” is notable for its improvisational feel and intricate solos, reflecting Deep Purple’s musical versatility. The track is a fan favorite and is often celebrated for its energetic live performances and intricate musicianship.
6. Perfect Strangers
“Perfect Strangers” is a 1984 single by Deep Purple, from their album *Perfect Strangers*. Written by Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Jon Lord, and Ian Paice, the song marks a significant return of the classic Mark II lineup of the band after a decade of separation. It features a blend of hard rock and melodic elements, highlighted by Blackmore’s distinctive guitar work and Gillan’s powerful vocals. The track was well-received, reaching the top 10 in the UK and charting in various other countries. “Perfect Strangers” is noted for its catchy chorus and remains one of Deep Purple’s signature songs from the 1980s.
7. Space Truckin’
“Space Truckin’” is a 1972 song by Deep Purple, featured on their iconic album *Machine Head*. Written by Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Jon Lord, and Ian Paice, the song is a high-energy track with a driving rhythm and futuristic lyrics. It combines elements of hard rock and heavy metal with a space-themed narrative, capturing the adventurous spirit of the early 1970s rock scene. The song is known for its powerful guitar riffs, energetic keyboard solos, and Gillan’s dynamic vocal delivery. “Space Truckin’” is a staple in Deep Purple’s live performances and remains a classic example of their influential sound.
8. Rat Bat Blue
“Rat Bat Blue” is a 1972 track by Deep Purple from their album *Machine Head*. Written by Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Jon Lord, and Ian Paice, the song features a bluesy rock vibe with complex rhythms and energetic solos. It showcases the band’s technical prowess, including Jon Lord’s distinctive keyboard work and Blackmore’s intricate guitar riffs. The title, though seemingly nonsensical, reflects the band’s playful and experimental approach to music. “Rat Bat Blue” is often praised for its dynamic structure and remains a notable track from Deep Purple’s classic lineup and era.
9. Smoke on the Water
“Smoke on the Water” is a 1972 single by Deep Purple, featured on their album *Machine Head*. Written by Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Jon Lord, and Ian Paice, the song is famous for its iconic guitar riff, which is considered one of the most recognizable in rock history. The lyrics recount a real event—the burning of the Montreux Casino during a Frank Zappa concert in 1971, which Deep Purple witnessed while recording their album in a nearby hotel. The song became a major hit, reaching number 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and topping charts worldwide. “Smoke on the Water” is often celebrated for its powerful riff and storytelling, making it a quintessential rock anthem.
10. Fireball
“Fireball” is a 1971 single by Deep Purple, from their fourth studio album, *Fireball*. Written by Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Jon Lord, and Ian Paice, the song is characterized by its energetic tempo and dynamic guitar riffs. It features a blend of hard rock and blues influences, with a prominent organ riff played by Jon Lord and a driving rhythm section. The track was well-received and became a staple of Deep Purple’s live performances. “Fireball” showcases the band’s signature sound and their ability to create powerful, memorable rock music.
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.
