DEEP PURPLE STUDIO ALBUMS RANKED
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Bananas - Deep Purple
21. 'Bananas' (2003)
Everything about Deep Purpleâs 17th studio album was just wrong. With the recent retirement of founding organist Jon Lord still a raw wound (and despite the venerable Don Airey stepping in as his replacement), the band seemed to be sleepwalking through the motions, almost parodying a parody of themselves. The careless choice of title and album cover art only seemed to reinforce this perception.
Everything about Deep Purpleâs 17th studio album was just wrong. With the recent retirement of founding organist Jon Lord still a raw wound (and despite the venerable Don Airey stepping in as his replacement), the band seemed to be sleepwalking through the motions, almost parodying a parody of themselves. The careless choice of title and album cover art only seemed to reinforce this perception.
The Battle Rages On⌠- Deep Purple
20. 'The Battle Rages OnâŚ' (1993)
The result of a somewhat mandated reconciliation with Ian Gillan after the poorly received âDeep Rainbowâ experiment of 'Slaves and Masters,' 'The Battle Rages On...' holds the distinction of being Deep Purpleâs unhappiest album. Yes, sporadic flashes of inspiration emerged in the unironic title cut and the sweeping âAnya,â but by all accounts, in most every other respect this was a miserable experience for both the band and their fans.
The result of a somewhat mandated reconciliation with Ian Gillan after the poorly received âDeep Rainbowâ experiment of 'Slaves and Masters,' 'The Battle Rages On...' holds the distinction of being Deep Purpleâs unhappiest album. Yes, sporadic flashes of inspiration emerged in the unironic title cut and the sweeping âAnya,â but by all accounts, in most every other respect this was a miserable experience for both the band and their fans.
Slaves and Masters - Deep Purple
19. Slaves and Masters' (1990)
You canât really blame singer Joe Lynn Turner for rising to the bait cast by his former Rainbow boss Ritchie Blackmore and agreeing to join Deep Purple for 1990âs 'Slaves and Masters.' But the almost-universal groans that met this alliance were enough to drown out the solid, if unspectacular and suspiciously AOR-driven songs conjured up for this much-maligned LP. How could it possibly last? Well, it obviously didnât!
You canât really blame singer Joe Lynn Turner for rising to the bait cast by his former Rainbow boss Ritchie Blackmore and agreeing to join Deep Purple for 1990âs 'Slaves and Masters.' But the almost-universal groans that met this alliance were enough to drown out the solid, if unspectacular and suspiciously AOR-driven songs conjured up for this much-maligned LP. How could it possibly last? Well, it obviously didnât!
Infinite - Deep Purple
18. 'InFinite' (2017)
'InFinite' illustrated that the comeback success of 2013's 'Now What?!' was no fluke, reassembling the same team (right down to producer Bob Ezrin) to achieve similar â if not quite as consistent â results. "Time for Bedlam," in particular, recalled their glory years.
'InFinite' illustrated that the comeback success of 2013's 'Now What?!' was no fluke, reassembling the same team (right down to producer Bob Ezrin) to achieve similar â if not quite as consistent â results. "Time for Bedlam," in particular, recalled their glory years.
Now What?! - Deep Purple
17. 'Now What?!' (2013)
Indeed, a fair question since Deep Purple had no way of knowing how their fans would receive the groupâs first studio release in eight years, and first since Lordâs sad death from cancer. And yet, wouldnât you know? That close brush with mortality and the extended time off put some fire back in the old dogsâ bones, and fed their 20th LP with a newfound desire and eclectic song set that rarely amazed, but even more rarely disappointed.
Indeed, a fair question since Deep Purple had no way of knowing how their fans would receive the groupâs first studio release in eight years, and first since Lordâs sad death from cancer. And yet, wouldnât you know? That close brush with mortality and the extended time off put some fire back in the old dogsâ bones, and fed their 20th LP with a newfound desire and eclectic song set that rarely amazed, but even more rarely disappointed.
Deep Purple - Deep Purple
16. 'Deep Purple' (1969)
Deep Purpleâs first lineup (a.k.a. Mk. I) was seriously running out of steam on this eponymous third album. You can hear them grasping for direction amid the Summer of Loveâs denouement, the as-yet unspecified concept of art rock, and the still-unclear rise of heavy metal. Hence the Donovan cover, âLalena,â and only mildly compelling originals like âWhy Didnât Rosemaryâ and âThis Bird Has Flown.â
Deep Purpleâs first lineup (a.k.a. Mk. I) was seriously running out of steam on this eponymous third album. You can hear them grasping for direction amid the Summer of Loveâs denouement, the as-yet unspecified concept of art rock, and the still-unclear rise of heavy metal. Hence the Donovan cover, âLalena,â and only mildly compelling originals like âWhy Didnât Rosemaryâ and âThis Bird Has Flown.â
Rapture of the Deep - Deep Purple
15. 'Rapture of the Deep' (2005)
'Rapture of the Deep' lacked bowl-you-over songwriting depth, but after the perplexing, embarrassing 'Bananas,' it proved that Deep Purple was still a band that took themselves seriously . âMoney Talksâ carried itself with all due gravitas, while the bittersweet âClearly Quite Absurdâ was anything but, and âKiss Tomorrow Goodbyeâ raged against the dying of the light.
'Rapture of the Deep' lacked bowl-you-over songwriting depth, but after the perplexing, embarrassing 'Bananas,' it proved that Deep Purple was still a band that took themselves seriously . âMoney Talksâ carried itself with all due gravitas, while the bittersweet âClearly Quite Absurdâ was anything but, and âKiss Tomorrow Goodbyeâ raged against the dying of the light.
Concerto for Group and Orchestra - Deep Purple
14. 'Concerto for Group and Orchestra' (1970)
This full-fledged musical summit between rock band and symphony orchestra is clearly the wild card in Deep Purpleâs career discography, but that does nothing to diminish its fascinating accomplishments. Clearly, this experiment, led by the classically trained Jon Lord, wasnât entirely successful or it wouldnât have been a one-off. But it was certainly important enough to generate welcome press for the transitioning Purple ahead of their heavy rock rebirth.
This full-fledged musical summit between rock band and symphony orchestra is clearly the wild card in Deep Purpleâs career discography, but that does nothing to diminish its fascinating accomplishments. Clearly, this experiment, led by the classically trained Jon Lord, wasnât entirely successful or it wouldnât have been a one-off. But it was certainly important enough to generate welcome press for the transitioning Purple ahead of their heavy rock rebirth.
Shades of Deep Purple - Deep Purple
13. 'Shades of Deep Purple' (1968)
Its hard to see the overnight success of Deep Purpleâs first LP, 'Shades of...' as anything but a fluke, just like its undeniably catchy but hardly life-changing smash hit cover of Joe Southâs 'Hush.' However, the formidable instrumental prowess and budding songwriting of Ritchie Blackmore, Jon Lord, et al was already evident in standout moments like the grooving âAnd Her Name Wasâ and the aggressive instrumental âMandrake Root.â
Its hard to see the overnight success of Deep Purpleâs first LP, 'Shades of...' as anything but a fluke, just like its undeniably catchy but hardly life-changing smash hit cover of Joe Southâs 'Hush.' However, the formidable instrumental prowess and budding songwriting of Ritchie Blackmore, Jon Lord, et al was already evident in standout moments like the grooving âAnd Her Name Wasâ and the aggressive instrumental âMandrake Root.â
Abandon - Deep Purple
12. 'Abandon' (1998)
Though it lacked the consistent rewards of 1995âs bounce-back 'Purpendicular,' 1998âs 'Abandon' helped prove that Deep Purpleâs second, post-Blackmore incarnation was here to stay. And proof was such standout tunes as the spelling-challenged âAny Fule Kno Dat,â moody âSeventh Heaven,â melancholy âFingers to the Bone,â and very fiery âEvil Louie,â where the bandâs pleasure in each otherâs company was made evident by their tight performance.
Though it lacked the consistent rewards of 1995âs bounce-back 'Purpendicular,' 1998âs 'Abandon' helped prove that Deep Purpleâs second, post-Blackmore incarnation was here to stay. And proof was such standout tunes as the spelling-challenged âAny Fule Kno Dat,â moody âSeventh Heaven,â melancholy âFingers to the Bone,â and very fiery âEvil Louie,â where the bandâs pleasure in each otherâs company was made evident by their tight performance.
The House of Blue Light - Deep Purple
11. 'The House of Blue Light' (1987)
Probably Deep Purpleâs most polarizing album (so it stands to reason that we find it here, halfway up and down the list), 'The House of Blue Light' tried to mask the rot already setting into the reformed classic fivesome as best it could. The result was two vinyl sides with quite different creative agendas: the first aimed at fitting in with '80s mainstream rock expectations (âBad Attitude,â âCall of the Wildâ); the second given to greater freedom (âThe Spanish Archer,â âMitzi Dupreeâ). But neither was entirely satisfying.
Probably Deep Purpleâs most polarizing album (so it stands to reason that we find it here, halfway up and down the list), 'The House of Blue Light' tried to mask the rot already setting into the reformed classic fivesome as best it could. The result was two vinyl sides with quite different creative agendas: the first aimed at fitting in with '80s mainstream rock expectations (âBad Attitude,â âCall of the Wildâ); the second given to greater freedom (âThe Spanish Archer,â âMitzi Dupreeâ). But neither was entirely satisfying.
The Book of Taliesyn - Deep Purple
10. 'The Book of Taliesyn' (1968)
Arguably the Mk. I formationâs finest hour, 'The Book of Taliesyn' saw the young group bending (âListen, Learn, Read On,â âShieldâ) but not exactly breaking (âKentucky Woman,â the fearsome âWring that Neckâ) under the strain of psychedeliaâs cultural onslaught. These days, Rod Evansâ histrionic voice simply doesnât sound big enough for Deep Purple, but it would be shortsighted to ignore the considerable success enjoyed by the original quintet.
Arguably the Mk. I formationâs finest hour, 'The Book of Taliesyn' saw the young group bending (âListen, Learn, Read On,â âShieldâ) but not exactly breaking (âKentucky Woman,â the fearsome âWring that Neckâ) under the strain of psychedeliaâs cultural onslaught. These days, Rod Evansâ histrionic voice simply doesnât sound big enough for Deep Purple, but it would be shortsighted to ignore the considerable success enjoyed by the original quintet.
Stormbringer - Deep Purple
9. 'Stormbringer' (1974)
Even with Blackmore already half-checked out, conspiring to launch his new musical venture Rainbow, the sheer talent of all those involved in 'Stormbringer' guaranteed an often spellbinding, if not always entirely consistent, listening experience. The bombastic title track, the funky âYou Canât Do It Rightâ and the uncharacteristic ballad, âSoldier of Fortuneâ were all top-notch in their own peculiar ways, but the rest of the songs suffered.
Even with Blackmore already half-checked out, conspiring to launch his new musical venture Rainbow, the sheer talent of all those involved in 'Stormbringer' guaranteed an often spellbinding, if not always entirely consistent, listening experience. The bombastic title track, the funky âYou Canât Do It Rightâ and the uncharacteristic ballad, âSoldier of Fortuneâ were all top-notch in their own peculiar ways, but the rest of the songs suffered.
Who Do We Think We Are - Deep Purple
8. 'Who Do We Think We Are' (1973)
'Who Do We Think We Are' is, far and away, the weakest album cut by the vaunted Mk. II lineup, which, by 1973, was fraying under the pain of incessant touring and the fractured relationship between Gillan and Blackmore. Nevertheless, they still conjured up some magic with the perennial fan favorite âWoman From Tokyo,â the hypnotizing âSuper Trouper,â and kinetic blues shuffle âRat Bat Blue,â before taking a nap across much of the remaining tracks.
'Who Do We Think We Are' is, far and away, the weakest album cut by the vaunted Mk. II lineup, which, by 1973, was fraying under the pain of incessant touring and the fractured relationship between Gillan and Blackmore. Nevertheless, they still conjured up some magic with the perennial fan favorite âWoman From Tokyo,â the hypnotizing âSuper Trouper,â and kinetic blues shuffle âRat Bat Blue,â before taking a nap across much of the remaining tracks.
Purpendicular - Deep Purple
7. 'Purpendicular' (1996)
After the unhappy debacle that was 'The Battle Rages On...,' most everyone left Deep Purple for dead, assuming it would take a minor miracle to resurrect the long-in-the-tooth ensemble again, not least without the once-again departed Blackmore. But a small miracle is what they got in the well-traveled Steve Morse, who helped the group deliver an undervalued gem in 'Purpendicular,' especially on stellar offerings like âLoosen My Stringsâ and âSometimes I Feel Like Screaming.â
After the unhappy debacle that was 'The Battle Rages On...,' most everyone left Deep Purple for dead, assuming it would take a minor miracle to resurrect the long-in-the-tooth ensemble again, not least without the once-again departed Blackmore. But a small miracle is what they got in the well-traveled Steve Morse, who helped the group deliver an undervalued gem in 'Purpendicular,' especially on stellar offerings like âLoosen My Stringsâ and âSometimes I Feel Like Screaming.â
Perfect Strangers - Deep Purple
6. 'Perfect Strangers' (1984)
Deep Purpleâs long-anticipated comeback, following a nine-year hiatus, 'Perfect Strangers' was well worth the wait, simultaneously drawing upon the groupâs signature sound while modernizing it for the '80s. And while those then-new production techniques have dated the album somewhat, nothing can dull the lasting power of the suitably emotional title track, the devious âKnocking at Your Back Door,â and lesser favorites like âMean Streakâ and âA Gypsyâs Kiss.â
Deep Purpleâs long-anticipated comeback, following a nine-year hiatus, 'Perfect Strangers' was well worth the wait, simultaneously drawing upon the groupâs signature sound while modernizing it for the '80s. And while those then-new production techniques have dated the album somewhat, nothing can dull the lasting power of the suitably emotional title track, the devious âKnocking at Your Back Door,â and lesser favorites like âMean Streakâ and âA Gypsyâs Kiss.â
Come Taste the Band - Deep Purple
5. 'Come Taste the Band' (1975)
Blackmoreâs absence (he had recently departed to form Rainbow) caused many people, including Jon Lord, to dismiss 'Come Taste the Band' as something other than a "true" Deep Purple album. But that was before Steve Morse racked up more years of service with the band than Ritchie ever did. Still, the short-lived, Tommy Bolin-enhanced Mk. IV lineup snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with this imperfect, but oftentimes brilliant LP, including the exquisite âOwed to a âGâ / This Time Around.â
Blackmoreâs absence (he had recently departed to form Rainbow) caused many people, including Jon Lord, to dismiss 'Come Taste the Band' as something other than a "true" Deep Purple album. But that was before Steve Morse racked up more years of service with the band than Ritchie ever did. Still, the short-lived, Tommy Bolin-enhanced Mk. IV lineup snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with this imperfect, but oftentimes brilliant LP, including the exquisite âOwed to a âGâ / This Time Around.â
Fireball - Deep Purple
4. 'Fireball' (1971)
'Fireball' is, in many respects, the most underrated and eclectic creation of the glorious Mk.II lineup. The opening title track was a bona fide scorcher, âStrange Kind of Womanâ was a perfect single, the country-inflected âAnyone's Daughterâ a career rarity -- and a hoot -- and âNo One Cameâ an incredible ensemble piece, reflecting Deep Purpleâs singular power in a live setting, but captured in the studio.
'Fireball' is, in many respects, the most underrated and eclectic creation of the glorious Mk.II lineup. The opening title track was a bona fide scorcher, âStrange Kind of Womanâ was a perfect single, the country-inflected âAnyone's Daughterâ a career rarity -- and a hoot -- and âNo One Cameâ an incredible ensemble piece, reflecting Deep Purpleâs singular power in a live setting, but captured in the studio.
Burn (Expanded & Remastered) - Deep Purple
3. 'Burn' (1974)
Deep Purpleâs Mk. III lineup saw the band swapping Gillan and Roger Glover for David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes. Their first record, 'Burn' is quite simply a colossal album that gets better with every year that passes. Except for its forgettable instrumental closer, ââAâ 200,â every song is an absolute monster in its own way, with the kinetic title cut, the irresistible âMight Just Take Your Lifeâ and the massive burn-the-house-down blues catharsis of âMistreatedâ as the particular standouts.
Deep Purpleâs Mk. III lineup saw the band swapping Gillan and Roger Glover for David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes. Their first record, 'Burn' is quite simply a colossal album that gets better with every year that passes. Except for its forgettable instrumental closer, ââAâ 200,â every song is an absolute monster in its own way, with the kinetic title cut, the irresistible âMight Just Take Your Lifeâ and the massive burn-the-house-down blues catharsis of âMistreatedâ as the particular standouts.
Machine Head - Deep Purple
2. 'Machine Head' (1972)
'Machine Head' is Deep Purpleâs most essential and influential album, hands down, what with timeless classics like the unbeatable show opener âHighway Star,â maybe the bandâs best ever pure single in âNever Before,â the irrepressible âSpace Truckinâ,â and the mother of all riffs in âSmoke on the Water.â But it falls just short of being their best because remaining cuts âPictures of Homeâ and âLazyâ fall just shy of spectacular and âMaybe Iâm a Leoâ is a flat-out disappointment. But it's still a must-own.
'Machine Head' is Deep Purpleâs most essential and influential album, hands down, what with timeless classics like the unbeatable show opener âHighway Star,â maybe the bandâs best ever pure single in âNever Before,â the irrepressible âSpace Truckinâ,â and the mother of all riffs in âSmoke on the Water.â But it falls just short of being their best because remaining cuts âPictures of Homeâ and âLazyâ fall just shy of spectacular and âMaybe Iâm a Leoâ is a flat-out disappointment. But it's still a must-own.
EarlySparker's rating:

Deep Purple In Rock - Deep Purple
1. 'Deep Purple In Rock' (1970)
Just like Mount Rushmore, only with five, instead of four, legendary faces, 'In Rock' is Deep Purpleâs most important album. Their wholesale reinvention as hard rock doyens and heavy metal godfathers, it saved the groupâs career from its late â60s doldrums with an amazing set of songs, including blistering standards like âSpeed King,â âBloodsucker,â âInto the Fire," the driving âFlight of the Rat,â and the epic peaks and valleys of âChild in Time.â Giving it the nod over any one of Deep Purpleâs four or five greatest albums is obviously subject to debate, but we feel it edges them all!
Just like Mount Rushmore, only with five, instead of four, legendary faces, 'In Rock' is Deep Purpleâs most important album. Their wholesale reinvention as hard rock doyens and heavy metal godfathers, it saved the groupâs career from its late â60s doldrums with an amazing set of songs, including blistering standards like âSpeed King,â âBloodsucker,â âInto the Fire," the driving âFlight of the Rat,â and the epic peaks and valleys of âChild in Time.â Giving it the nod over any one of Deep Purpleâs four or five greatest albums is obviously subject to debate, but we feel it edges them all!