Deep Purple – Slaves and Masters (1990): A Transitional Era for the Legends of Hard Rock
By 1990, Deep Purple was entering a transitional period. Following the departures of Ian Gillan and Roger Glover, the band released Slaves and Masters, their fifteenth studio album, featuring new vocalist Joe Lynn Turner (formerly of Rainbow) and the return of the classic Mark II instrumental lineup: Ritchie Blackmore (guitar), Jon Lord (keyboards), and Ian Paice (drums). This album represents a unique moment in Deep Purple’s history, blending the band’s hard rock roots with a more commercial, melodic sound.
Album Overview
Album: Slaves and Masters
Artist: Deep Purple
Release Date: October 1990
Label: RCA Records / Connoisseur Collection
Genre: Hard rock, melodic rock
Length: 44:45
Producer: Roger Glover
Recorded in Germany, Slaves and Masters features a mix of classic hard rock elements and AOR-influenced melodies. The album’s sound is more polished and radio-friendly than the band’s earlier work, reflecting the early 1990s rock landscape while retaining technical proficiency, especially from Blackmore and Lord.
The album marked a departure from the heavier, riff-driven style of the 1970s and 1980s, leaning instead toward melodic hooks, layered keyboards, and smoother vocals, showcasing Joe Lynn Turner’s vocal style.
Mini Review
Slaves and Masters is an interesting experiment in Deep Purple’s discography. Tracks like “King of Dreams” and “Fire in the Basement” highlight the band’s ability to craft catchy, melodic hard rock songs while still delivering tight instrumentation and guitar virtuosity.
While some longtime fans found the album’s lighter sound a departure from classic Deep Purple, others appreciated the fresh approach and Turner’s melodic vocals. Blackmore’s guitar work and Lord’s keyboards remain central to the album, providing the technical foundation fans expect from the band.
Overall, Slaves and Masters demonstrates Deep Purple’s willingness to adapt and experiment with new sounds while staying true to their musicianship, even if it divides opinion among purists.
Tracklist
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King of Dreams
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Love Conquers All
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Fire in the Basement
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Too Much Is Not Enough
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Fortune Teller
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Slave
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In the Name of Rock
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Wherever Love Drops
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Trouble
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One Man’s Meat
Notable Tracks
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King of Dreams: Opening track with strong melodic hooks and Turner’s commanding vocals.
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Too Much Is Not Enough: Hard rock anthem that highlights Blackmore’s signature guitar riffs.
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Fire in the Basement: Upbeat track combining melodic sensibilities with hard rock energy.
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Slave: Slower, dramatic piece with bluesy elements and layered keyboards.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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New Vocalist: Joe Lynn Turner replaced Ian Gillan, bringing a Rainbow-style melodic approach.
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Commercial Intent: The album was aimed at radio-friendly rock audiences while maintaining the band’s instrumental skill.
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Collaborative Writing: Roger Glover co-wrote much of the material despite not performing bass on the recordings.
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Bridge Album: Serves as a bridge between classic Deep Purple and the band’s later 1990s reunion with Gillan.
Goofs & Missteps
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Some fans criticize the album for sounding too polished and lacking the raw energy of classic Deep Purple.
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Turner’s style was divisive, with some listeners preferring the bluesy grit of Gillan’s vocals.
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The album did not achieve the commercial or critical impact of previous Mark II-era releases.
Commercial Performance & Legacy
Slaves and Masters had moderate commercial success, charting in Europe and North America, but it was not a blockbuster hit. The album remains notable for its unique position in Deep Purple’s discography, showcasing the band’s adaptability and willingness to explore a more melodic, AOR-friendly style.
Over time, the album has gained appreciation among fans for strong performances by Blackmore, Lord, and Paice, and for being an overlooked but interesting chapter in the band’s history. Tracks like “King of Dreams” and “Too Much Is Not Enough” are recognized as underrated gems in the Deep Purple catalog.
Conclusion
Slaves and Masters may not be a traditional Deep Purple classic, but it represents a fascinating transitional period for the band. With Joe Lynn Turner’s melodic vocals, Blackmore’s guitar mastery, and Lord’s keyboard textures, the album blends commercial sensibilities with the technical skill that defines Deep Purple.
For fans curious about the band’s evolution and willingness to experiment, Slaves and Masters offers a unique perspective on Deep Purple’s enduring ability to adapt while delivering memorable rock performances.
