Deep Purple – Now What?! (2013)
Proof that legends can still innovate
Released on April 26, 2013, Now What?! is Deep Purple’s twentieth studio album, marking the band’s continued creative vitality more than four decades after their formation. Featuring the Steve Morse era lineup, the album blends classic hard rock riffs, progressive textures, and contemporary songwriting, proving that Deep Purple remained relevant in the 2010s.
Following the momentum of live releases like Live at Montreux 2011, Now What?! shows the band embracing modern production while honoring their signature sound — Hammond-driven organ, melodic guitar solos, and Ian Gillan’s commanding vocals.
🎧 Mini Album Review
Now What?! is mature, energetic, and polished, balancing Deep Purple’s trademark hard rock with subtle experimentation.
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Steve Morse’s guitar work: Adds melodic nuance, jazz-inflected phrasing, and modern textures, differentiating the album from earlier Blackmore-era recordings.
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Don Airey’s keyboards: Blend seamlessly with Gillan and Morse, giving a fresh harmonic depth to both hard rockers and ballads.
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Ian Gillan’s vocals: Powerful and controlled, with expressive phrasing across slower and faster tracks.
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Songwriting: Combines classic Deep Purple elements (Hush-style hooks, extended riffs) with modern lyrical themes.
Verdict:
A surprisingly vibrant studio album that proves Deep Purple can evolve while remaining true to their identity.
🎶 Tracklist
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A Simple Song
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Out of Hand
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Hell to Pay
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Body Line
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All the Time in the World
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Blood from a Stone
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Above and Beyond
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Uncommon Man
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After All
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All I Got Is You
Tracks vary from up-tempo rockers (Hell to Pay, Out of Hand) to orchestral ballads (Uncommon Man) and thoughtful mid-tempo songs (All the Time in the World).
👥 Personnel – Steve Morse Lineup
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Ian Gillan – Vocals
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Steve Morse – Guitar
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Don Airey – Keyboards
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Roger Glover – Bass
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Ian Paice – Drums
This lineup demonstrates remarkable cohesion and experience, combining long-standing chemistry with modern creativity.
🎼 Performance & Song Highlights
🔥 A Simple Song
A concise, hard-hitting opener featuring driving riffs, tight rhythm, and Gillan’s commanding vocals.
🎹 Uncommon Man
A tribute to Jon Lord, featuring orchestral keyboards, reflective lyrics, and Morse’s melodic guitar lines.
⚡ Hell to Pay
Classic Deep Purple energy with a modern production sheen, balancing groove, riffs, and extended instrumental interplay.
🌊 Blood from a Stone
A slower, darker track with intricate arrangements, showcasing Airey’s keyboard textures and Paice’s subtle yet precise drumming.
🎸 Fun Facts & Trivia
🎹 Tribute to Jon Lord
Uncommon Man was written as an homage to the band’s legendary keyboardist, celebrating his influence on Deep Purple’s sound.
🎸 Steve Morse’s signature touch
Morse’s guitar work brings fluidity and jazz-influenced phrasing, distinguishing this album from the earlier Blackmore-driven style.
📀 Modern production
Recorded with contemporary techniques, the album achieves a clean, punchy sound without sacrificing the classic Deep Purple feel.
🎤 Gillan’s longevity
At nearly 70, Ian Gillan delivers performances with both power and nuance, proving his enduring vocal prowess.
🤔 Did You Know?
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Now What?! was Deep Purple’s first studio album in 5 years after Rapture of the Deep (2005).
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The orchestral elements on Uncommon Man were performed by Don Airey using synthesized emulations, in tribute to Jon Lord’s signature style.
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The album title, Now What?!, reflects the band’s self-aware humor about continuing to produce music after decades in the industry.
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Ian Paice remains the only member present on every Deep Purple recording and tour, including this album.
📊 Commercial Performance
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Charted in Europe, Germany, and Switzerland, with strong reception among longtime fans.
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Praised by critics for creative vitality and tight musicianship, especially considering the band’s longevity.
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Reinforced Deep Purple’s relevance in the modern rock landscape, proving the band could still innovate in the 2010s.
🎼 Album Credits
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Recorded: 2012–2013
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Released: April 26, 2013
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Label: earMUSIC / Edel Records
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Producer: Bob Ezrin / Deep Purple
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Format: CD, deluxe CD/DVD edition, digital
🧠 Legacy & Final Thoughts
Now What?! is a testament to Deep Purple’s ability to evolve without losing their identity. It blends:
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Classic hard rock power
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Progressive experimentation
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Modern production techniques
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Emotional and reflective moments (notably the Jon Lord tribute)
For fans, it’s proof that Deep Purple remains a creative force, decades into their career, bridging the past with a forward-looking studio vision.