Deep Purple – Come Taste the Band (1975): A Complete Guide
Deep Purple, one of rock’s most legendary bands, has left an indelible mark on the world of hard rock and heavy metal. While many fans often focus on the Mark II lineup with classics like Machine Head and Smoke on the Water, there’s a lesser-discussed gem in their discography: Come Taste the Band, released in 1975. This album is notable for being the only Deep Purple record featuring guitarist Tommy Bolin and is a fascinating mix of rock, funk, and experimental sounds.
In this article, we’ll break down Come Taste the Band, including a mini-review, fun facts, goofs, tracklist, notable tracks, grossing, and some “did you know” trivia.
Album Overview
Album: Come Taste the Band
Artist: Deep Purple
Release Date: October 3, 1975
Label: Purple Records / Warner Bros.
Genre: Hard rock, blues rock, funk rock
Length: 42:06
Producer: Deep Purple
Come Taste the Band was Deep Purple’s ninth studio album and represented a turning point. It marked the debut of guitarist Tommy Bolin, who replaced Ritchie Blackmore. The album is often seen as a controversial entry among fans due to its distinct shift in style. While previous records leaned heavily on hard rock and proto-metal riffs, Bolin’s influence introduced funkier, jazz-tinged elements that polarized listeners.
Tracklist
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Comin’ Home – 3:35
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Lady Luck – 5:10
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Gettin’ Tighter – 4:42
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Dealer – 5:01
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I’ve Got Your Number – 3:21
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Drifter – 4:04
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Love Child – 3:15
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This Time Around / Owed to ‘G’ – 8:27
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You Keep on Moving – 4:31
Mini Review of Come Taste the Band
Come Taste the Band is often described as an experimental detour in Deep Purple’s catalog. The album balances hard rock riffs with groovy funk rhythms and soulful ballads. Tommy Bolin’s guitar work stands out—sometimes melodic, sometimes unpredictable, and always dynamic.
The opening track, “Comin’ Home”, immediately showcases Bolin’s fluid guitar style combined with Ian Paice’s precise drumming. “Lady Luck” offers a catchy, almost funky vibe, while “Gettin’ Tighter” blends jazz-influenced guitar licks with Ian Gillan’s signature vocal grit.
The album peaks with the epic “This Time Around / Owed to ‘G’”, an ambitious track that seamlessly fuses hard rock with progressive elements, including a guitar instrumental tribute to Jeff Beck in “Owed to ‘G’.” Closing with “You Keep on Moving”, a soulful, emotional ballad co-written by David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes, the album leaves a lasting impression of versatility.
While Come Taste the Band received mixed reviews upon release, many modern listeners have come to appreciate it as an underrated gem with unique experimentation. Bolin’s presence brought fresh energy to the band, and his untimely death in 1976 makes this record a bittersweet milestone in Deep Purple history.
Notable Tracks
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Comin’ Home: A dynamic, riff-driven opener highlighting Bolin’s expressive guitar solos.
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Gettin’ Tighter: Funk-infused with groovy bass lines by Glenn Hughes.
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This Time Around / Owed to ‘G’: Progressive masterpiece blending soulful vocals with guitar virtuosity.
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You Keep on Moving: Emotional ballad featuring heartfelt vocals and melodic depth.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Only Tommy Bolin Album: This is the only Deep Purple studio album featuring Tommy Bolin on guitar. His contribution gave the band a different sound that was both experimental and funky.
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Mark III Lineup: The album features the Mark III lineup: David Coverdale (vocals), Glenn Hughes (bass/vocals), Jon Lord (keyboards), Ian Paice (drums), and Tommy Bolin (guitar).
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Chart Performance: The album reached No. 19 in the UK Albums Chart and No. 43 in the US Billboard 200. While not a blockbuster, it cemented the band’s ability to innovate.
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Cover Art: The striking cover features a surreal, almost psychedelic image that visually represents the experimental nature of the album.
Did You Know?
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Tommy Bolin’s Influence: Bolin had previously played with jazz-rock fusion band Energy and contributed to Billy Cobham’s “Spectrum”, which is why the album has jazz-fusion elements.
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Songwriting Credit: Glenn Hughes and David Coverdale co-wrote several tracks, signaling their growing influence on the band’s musical direction.
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Last Album Before Hiatus: After this release, Deep Purple disbanded in 1976, and the Mark II lineup wouldn’t reunite until 1984.
Goofs & Missteps
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Some critics and fans consider the album uneven due to the mixture of styles—from hard rock to funk and ballads.
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Early pressings had minor printing errors on the album sleeve, including incorrect songwriting credits for a couple of tracks.
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Ian Gillan, who had left the band before this album, was often compared to Coverdale, leading to divided opinions among fans about the vocals.
Grossing & Commercial Performance
While Come Taste the Band was not a commercial juggernaut, it sold respectably for its experimental nature. In the UK, it peaked at No. 19, while in the US, it reached No. 43. Sales were modest compared to the multi-platinum success of Machine Head (1972), but the album has gained a cult following over the years. Vinyl copies, especially first pressings with the original cover art, are considered collectible items today.
Conclusion
Come Taste the Band is a fascinating and unique entry in Deep Purple’s discography. While it might not have the iconic status of Machine Head or In Rock, its experimental spirit, funky grooves, and Tommy Bolin’s guitar wizardry make it a standout record for fans and collectors. From the rock anthem “Comin’ Home” to the soulful finale “You Keep on Moving”, the album captures a transitional moment in the band’s evolution.
For those exploring Deep Purple beyond their hits, Come Taste the Band offers a rich, underrated experience filled with innovation, emotion, and classic ’70s rock energy. Whether you’re a hardcore fan or a casual listener, this album deserves a spot on your playlist.