About this album
Where they were
Released in 1980, 'Deepest Purple: The Very Best of Deep Purple' came at a time when Deep Purple was transitioning through lineup changes and a shifting musical landscape. This compilation served as a retrospective, highlighting their most significant tracks from the earlier part of their career, especially after their initial breakup in 1976 and subsequent reunion.
Why it matters
This compilation album not only achieved commercial success by reaching high positions on various charts but also solidified Deep Purple's legacy as pioneers of hard rock and heavy metal. It has been influential for later generations of musicians and remains a staple in classic rock retrospectives.
Essential tracks
- "Smoke on the Water" — This track features one of the most recognizable guitar riffs in rock history and encapsulates the band's signature sound blending heavy metal with storytelling.
- "Child in Time" — A powerful ballad showcasing Ian Gillan's soaring vocals, it captures the band's ability to combine emotional depth with musical complexity.
- "Highway Star" — An exhilarating display of musicianship, this song is often seen as a benchmark for progressive rock and showcases the band's virtuosic instrumentation.
- "Black Night" — As one of their early hits, this track highlights Deep Purple's hard rock roots and helped define the genre during its formative years.
Release Date
January 1, 1980
Artist Origin
United Kingdom
Tracklist
- 1 Black Night 3:28
- 2 Speed King 5:04
- 3 Fireball 3:24
- 4 Strange Kind of Woman 3:52
- 5 Child in Time 10:19
- 6 Woman From Tokyo 5:51
- 7 Highway Star 6:07
- 8 Space Truckin’ 4:32
- 9 Burn 6:02
- 10 Stormbringer 4:06
- 11 Demon’s Eye 5:22
- 12 Smoke on the Water 5:40