Deep Purple – The House of Blue Light (1987): A Hard Rock Comeback
After the massive success of their 1984 reunion album Perfect Strangers, Deep Purple returned in 1987 with The House of Blue Light, an album that sought to capture the energy of the 1980s rock scene while staying true to the band’s hard rock roots. Featuring the classic Mark II lineup—Ian Gillan (vocals), Ritchie Blackmore (guitar), Jon Lord (keyboards), Roger Glover (bass), and Ian Paice (drums)—the album offered fans new material that combined technical prowess with contemporary production.
Album Overview
Album: The House of Blue Light
Artist: Deep Purple
Release Date: April 1987
Label: Polydor / Mercury
Genre: Hard rock, classic rock
Length: 42:10
Producer: Roger Glover
Recorded in Munich, Germany, the album showcases Deep Purple at a time when the rock landscape was changing, incorporating more polished production while retaining their signature heavy riffs and virtuosic instrumental work.
The House of Blue Light represents a bridge between the raw energy of the early 1970s Mark II era and the more modern, radio-friendly rock of the late 1980s. It reflects the band’s effort to remain relevant while staying true to their musical identity.
Mini Review
The House of Blue Light is a solid, if somewhat uneven, release from Deep Purple. Tracks like “Bad Attitude” and “Call of the Wild” deliver classic Deep Purple riffs and tight arrangements, showcasing the band’s technical skill and energy. The title track, “House of Blue Light”, combines catchy hooks with Gillan’s distinctive vocals, while “The Unwritten Law” demonstrates the band’s blues-rock roots.
Although some critics felt the album leaned too heavily on polished 1980s production, the performances remain top-notch, with Blackmore’s guitar, Lord’s keyboards, and Paice’s drums standing out. It may not have the monumental impact of Perfect Strangers, but it solidifies Deep Purple’s presence in the rock scene during the late 1980s.
Tracklist
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Bad Attitude
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Call of the Wild
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Mad Dog
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The Unwritten Law
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House of Blue Light
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The Spanish Archer
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Stranger in Us All
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Son of Alerik
Notable Tracks
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Bad Attitude: Hard-hitting opener with driving riffs and a punchy rhythm section.
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House of Blue Light: The title track combines melodic hooks with classic Deep Purple energy.
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Call of the Wild: A powerful rock anthem with prominent guitar and keyboard interplay.
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The Unwritten Law: Blues-infused track showcasing the band’s versatility and dynamics.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Mark II Era Reunion: This was the second studio album after the 1984 reunion of the classic lineup.
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Modern Production: The album features a slick 1980s production style, including gated drums and synthesizer layers.
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Live Legacy: Songs like “Bad Attitude” became part of Deep Purple’s live setlists during their late-1980s tours.
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Studio Challenges: Internal tensions during recording reportedly made sessions challenging, particularly with Blackmore and Gillan.
Goofs & Missteps
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Critics noted that some tracks feel overproduced, losing the raw edge of earlier albums.
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Certain songs are shorter or edited compared to the band’s typical extended arrangements.
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The album did not reach the commercial or critical heights of Perfect Strangers, leading to mixed reviews upon release.
Commercial Performance & Legacy
The House of Blue Light performed moderately well commercially, charting in several countries, including the UK and the US. While it did not achieve the same iconic status as Perfect Strangers, it reinforced the band’s ongoing relevance in the rock world and demonstrated that the Mark II lineup could still produce energetic, well-crafted hard rock.
Over time, the album has gained appreciation from fans for its strong performances and standout tracks, making it an interesting part of Deep Purple’s discography, especially for collectors and completists.
Conclusion
The House of Blue Light may not be Deep Purple’s most celebrated album, but it represents a solid effort from the reunited Mark II lineup, balancing hard rock intensity with 1980s polish. Tracks like “Bad Attitude”, “House of Blue Light”, and “Call of the Wild” highlight the band’s enduring musicianship and energy, while blues-infused numbers like “The Unwritten Law” showcase their versatility.
For fans of Deep Purple and classic hard rock, The House of Blue Light is a must-listen to experience the band navigating the mid-1980s rock scene while staying true to their roots.
