Top 10 Deep Purple Songs

Photo: By EMI Records (item photo front photo back) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Formed in 1968 Deep Purple is considered one of the pioneers of heavy metal. Alongside Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, this English group makes up one third of the “unholy trinity of British hard rock and heavy metal” and in 1975 they were listed in the Guinness Book as the world’s loudest band.

Ultimately, the duel between Ritchie Blackmore’s sinister guitar work, Roger Glover’s thundering bass, Ian Paice’s kicking drums, Gillian’s screaming vocals, and Jon Lord’s neo-classical approach to keyboards gave the band its distinct sound. There have been several lineup changes over the years, but this grouping is generally thought of as the original and most popular. It was this team of musicians who made Deep Purple a household name.

# 10 – Smoke on the Water

We need to get this one out of the way right at the top. While it is arguably their number-one hit and arguably their most recognized recording, three decades of overplay have sometimes made it a little tough to listen to. It’s right up there with Led Zeppelin’s Stairway To Heaven. Both songs blew our minds when they first came out, but we have been blown out by hearing them millions of times each in our lifetimes.

Let’s face it: you can’t listen to 30 minutes of any classic rock station anywhere in the country at any time of day without hearing those trudging, opening chords through your speakers. If you’re honest you’ll even admit that you change stations before it gets to the second measure don’t you? Don’t you? It’s okay. We all do. It’s a great song but virtually not listenable at this stage of our lives. Thus, it’s number ten. And let me ask you this: have you ever walked into a guitar store and not heard at least one person playing those chords while purchasing a guitar?

# 9 – Knocking at Your Back Door

Deep Purple had been away for a long time before they released the Perfect Stranger album. Perfect Strangers, released on October 29, 1984, is the eleventh studio album by the English rock group Deep Purple. This album stands out as the most successful endeavor by the reassembled ‘Mark II’ lineup. Following a nine-year hiatus since their last studio album, Come Taste the Band (1975), and an eleven-year break from recording with the Mk II lineup, last seen on Who Do We Think We Are (1973), Perfect Strangers brought an end to the longest period between two studio albums in the band’s history.

Members Ritchie Blackmore, Roger Glover, Ian Gillan, Jon Lord, and Ian Paice reunited, each returning from notable projects including Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Whitesnake, and Gary Moore’s backing band, respectively. The album features a collaborative effort on the “Nobody’s Home” track credited to all five members. Although Gillan and Glover pushed for a return to the communal composition credits reminiscent of their early ’70s work, Blackmore’s stance prevented this until his departure in 1993. “Knocking at Your Back Door” became a new Deep Purple classic. We won’t get into the meaning behind the title, but we think most people will get it.

# 8 – Fireball

The opening and title track from their 5th album, “Fireball’s,” title pretty much captures it. Perhaps the title of this track should have been “Ian Paice is the Greatest Rock Drummer of All Time Ever!” because he kills it from beginning to end. Listen to it once through and try to ignore everything but the kick drum. What is he doing? Melting your face, that’s what. The other members are on this recording somewhere, too, but between Paice’s snare and kick, it’s easy to lose track of any other instruments.

Read More: Top 10 Deep Purple Albums

# 7 – Space Truckin’

Space Truckin’ is the final track of 1972’s Machine Head, but it will not be the last song from that record you’ll see on this list. Machine Head hit number 1 in the UK within a week of its release. Songs like “Space Truckin’” are why. The album cover features a blurry, warped image of the band, which is appropriate because that’s what happens to your brain when you listen to this chunky song. Pack your bags.

The iconic British heavy metal band Iron Maiden celebrated the 40th anniversary of Deep Purple’s influential 1972 album Machine Head by covering “Space Truckin'” on the tribute album Re-Machined: A Tribute to Deep Purple’s Machine Head. Similarly, American thrash metal group Overkill delivered their version of the song on their 1999 album, Coverkill. Further adding to the track’s legacy, Ex-Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley included his rendition of “Space Truckin'” on his 2020 album, Origins Vol. 2. Each of these covers brings a unique flavor to the classic, showcasing the enduring appeal and influence of Deep Purple’s work.

# 6 – Woman From Tokyo

This single, off the album Who Do We Think We Are, shows the band’s pop sensibilities. It couldn’t be more hooky and driving. Machine Head was released the year before which meant the band was at the top of their game when this little gem hit the airwaves. Straight-up rock and roll people.

# 5 – Perfect Strangers

When the album Perfect Strangers was recorded in 1984 it was a revival of what is often referred to as the “Mark II” line-up. What that meant, in reality, is that musicians who had been all over the world with other acts somehow found the time and inclination to record together again. Ritchie Blackmore and Glover from Rainbow, Ian Gillian from Black Sabbath, John Lord from Whitesnake, and Ian Paice from Gary Moore’s band. This, the title track, failed to chart in the US but received tons of airplay and that chugging guitar break in the middle is classic Ritchie Blackmore.

# 4 – Black Night

The band’s highest charting single in the UK, “Black Night” was initially released as a non-album single. I guess the band thought it was just so awesome they had to get it out there fast. I think they were right. If you listen to this song loudly, it starts to sound like Paice’s drums have been inserted deep inside your ear hole. They’re way up front in this recording and thank goodness because it’s fantastic. Then Ritchie Blackmore comes in and rips out a solo and manages to make it sound so sinister you get a little nervous listening to it.

# 3 – Lazy

Here’s an idea. Make a song that features the two most distinct sounds from the band: Ritchie Blackmore’s guitar and Lord’s organ. Let them throw down for about 4 and ½ minutes before the vocals enter over a simple groove. They should have made 30 versions of that because it completely works. Lazy is a 7-minute Deep Purple showcase.

# 2 – Hush

The track that started it all, but I bet you didn’t know it was a cover. Originally written by Joe South for recording artist Billy Joe Royal, Hush, was covered a number of times before being covered by Deep Purple for their first album, Shades of Deep Purple. The song hit number 4 on the US charts with its pop sensibilities, but listen closely, and you can hear the beginnings of the crunching, mind-bending metal sound that would become the band’s signature.

# 1 – Highway Star

This song defines the sound of Deep Purple. The interplay between Blackmore’s guitar and Lord’s organ are legendary. Blackmore’s solo was named the 19th best guitar solo of all time by Guitar World magazine. It’s the fastest tempo on Machine Head and it drives you right up til the end. Supposedly written during an interview on a tour bus, Highway Star may be the ultimate song to play while speeding down the Interstate. Just be careful that you don’t black out behind the wheel when this song bashes you over the head.