About this album
Where they were
Released on June 21, 1969, 'Deep Purple' was the band's third studio album, marking their transition from a progressive rock sound to a heavier style. This album followed their previous release, 'The Book of Taliesyn', and showcased their evolving musical identity as they began to gain significant traction in the UK music scene.
Why it matters
This self-titled album is notable for its fusion of hard rock and progressive elements, which helped lay the groundwork for heavy metal. It featured tracks like 'Chasing Shadows' that received extensive airplay, contributing to Deep Purple's growing popularity and influence in the late 1960s rock landscape.
Essential tracks
- "Chasing Shadows" — This opening track effectively sets the tone for the album with its haunting vocals and compelling guitar work, embodying the band's emerging hard rock sound.
- "Lalena" — 'Lalena' showcases Deep Purple's softer side, blending poignant lyrics with a melodic arrangement that highlights their versatility within the rock genre.
- "April" — At over twelve minutes long, 'April' is an ambitious piece that demonstrates the band's progressive influences, offering a rich tapestry of musical exploration.
Release Date
June 21, 1969
Artist Origin
United Kingdom
Tracklist
- 1 Chasing Shadows 5:34
- 2 Blind 5:26
- 3 Lalena 5:05
- 4 Fault Line 1:46
- 5 The Painter 3:51
- 6 Why Didn’t Rosemary? 5:04
- 7 Bird Has Flown 5:36
- 8 April 12:10
- 9 The Bird Has Flown (alternate a‐side version) 2:54
- 10 Emmaretta (studio b‐side) 3:00
- 11 Emmaretta (BBC Top Gear session) 3:09
- 12 Lalena (BBC radio session) 3:33
- 13 The Painter (BBC radio session) 2:17
