Deep Purple – Bananas (2003)
Fresh riffs and modern Deep Purple energy in the Steve Morse era
Released on April 28, 2003, Bananas is the 16th studio album by Deep Purple and a defining entry in their Steve Morse era (Mk VII). Coming six years after Purpendicular (1996), this album demonstrates the band’s continued creativity decades into their career, blending hard rock power, melodic sensibilities, and modern experimentation while staying true to their signature sound.
Bananas reflects a band comfortable in its identity, showcasing a lineup that had stabilized for nearly a decade: Ian Gillan (vocals), Steve Morse (guitar), Jon Lord (keyboards), Roger Glover (bass), and Ian Paice (drums). It’s a studio effort that balances veteran musicianship with fresh ideas, appealing to longtime fans while remaining accessible to newer listeners.
🎧 Mini Album Review
Musically, Bananas is a tight, melodic hard rock album. It mixes upbeat rockers, mid-tempo grooves, and occasional experimental touches:
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Steve Morse’s guitar work shines throughout, with intricate riffs and tasteful solos that complement the band rather than dominate.
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Ian Gillan’s vocals remain powerful and expressive, showing his continued mastery of the rock voice.
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Jon Lord’s keyboards provide signature Hammond organ textures, blending classical influences with modern rock tonality.
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The rhythm section of Glover and Paice is precise, propelling tracks with energy and finesse.
Standout tracks like “Love Will Keep Us Alive”, “Key to the Highway”, and “Silver Tongue” highlight the band’s ability to write memorable hooks and deliver concise, punchy songs without overindulgence. While it may not have the iconic anthems of the 1970s, the album succeeds in reasserting Deep Purple as a relevant, creative rock band in the 2000s.
Verdict:
A solid, modern-era Deep Purple album that proves the band can evolve while staying true to its hard rock roots.
🎶 Tracklist – Standard Edition
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Uncommon Man
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Silver Tongue
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King of Dreams
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Walk On
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Sun Goes Down
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Razzle Dazzle
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All the Time in the World
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Don’t Make Me Happy
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Hell to Pay
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Love Will Keep Us Alive
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Key to the Highway
The album combines anthemic rockers with softer, melodic moments, providing a balanced listening experience across its 50+ minute runtime.
📊 Commercial Performance
Bananas was well-received among fans of the modern Deep Purple lineup:
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Charted moderately in Europe, including Germany, Sweden, and the UK
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Strong sales in Japan, where Deep Purple maintains a loyal fanbase
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Not a mainstream commercial breakthrough, but solidly affirmed the band’s relevance in the 2000s
Critics generally praised the musicianship and production, noting that the album avoided nostalgia and embraced contemporary rock energy.
👥 Personnel – Mk VII Lineup
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Ian Gillan – Lead vocals
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Steve Morse – Guitar
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Jon Lord – Hammond organ, keyboards
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Roger Glover – Bass
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Ian Paice – Drums
This lineup is considered one of the longest-lasting Deep Purple lineups, combining veteran skill with tight ensemble performance.
🎸 Fun Facts & Trivia
🎸 Uncommon Man:
The opening track serves as a tribute to drummer Ian Paice, highlighting the band’s respect for its members’ contributions.
🎹 Jon Lord’s organ work:
Even in 2003, Lord’s signature Hammond tone is unmistakable, bridging the band’s classic sound with modern production.
🎵 Morse influence:
Steve Morse’s style adds a cleaner, more precise guitar voice, contrasting with the raw aggression of Ritchie Blackmore while giving the band fresh textures.
📀 Recording:
The album was recorded at Roger Glover’s studio in Switzerland, emphasizing a relaxed, collaborative atmosphere over commercial polish.
🤔 Did You Know?
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Bananas was the first Deep Purple album recorded entirely digitally in the Morse era, reflecting the shift in production standards.
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The album marked a period of stability — the lineup had been together for several years, allowing for a tight, cohesive studio sound.
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Tracks like “Silver Tongue” and “Love Will Keep Us Alive” were performed live immediately after release, becoming staples in the band’s 2003 tour setlist.
🧠 Legacy & Final Thoughts
Bananas stands as a strong statement from a veteran band that refused to rest on past glories. While it may lack the iconic tracks of the 1970s, it showcases Deep Purple’s continued creativity, technical skill, and songwriting prowess in the 21st century.
For longtime fans, it reinforces the value of the Steve Morse era. For newcomers, it’s a digestible, high-quality studio album that demonstrates Deep Purple’s enduring vitality.