The House of Blue Light cover

The House of Blue Light

Deep Purple

Album 1987

About this album

Sound: "A vibrant blend of hard rock and melodic elements showcasing Deep Purple's classic style with a modern touch."

Where they were

Released on January 12, 1987, 'The House of Blue Light' came after Deep Purple's reformation in the mid-1980s and served as their follow-up to 'Perfect Strangers'. At this point, the band was navigating a resurgence in popularity while striving to redefine their sound amidst a changing rock landscape.

Why it matters

'The House of Blue Light' marked a significant return for Deep Purple, debuting at No. 16 on the UK Albums Chart and receiving positive reviews for its energetic tracks. It also played a role in revitalizing interest in classic rock during the late 80s, showcasing the band's enduring appeal.

Essential tracks

  • "Bad Attitude" — Opening the album with a punchy riff, 'Bad Attitude' captures the band's raw energy and sets the tone for the whole record.
  • "The Unwritten Law" — 'The Unwritten Law' features an intriguing blend of lyrical storytelling and dynamic instrumentation, highlighting Deep Purple's progressive roots.
  • "Strangeways" — At over seven minutes long, 'Strangeways' showcases the band's ability to weave complex musical themes, making it a standout epic on the album.
  • "Dead or Alive" — With its catchy chorus and engaging melodies, 'Dead or Alive' exemplifies Deep Purple's knack for creating radio-friendly yet impactful rock anthems.

Release Date

January 12, 1987

Artist Origin

United Kingdom

Tracklist

  1. 1 Bad Attitude 5:03
  2. 2 The Unwritten Law 4:54
  3. 3 Call of the Wild 4:48
  4. 4 Mad Dog 4:35
  5. 5 Black & White 4:39
  6. 6 Hard Lovin' Woman 3:24
  7. 7 The Spanish Archer 5:31
  8. 8 Strangeways 7:35
  9. 9 Mitzi Dupree 5:05
  10. 10 Dead or Alive 4:59