Deep Purple - 24 Carat Purple (Compilation) (1975)
Deep Purple – 24 Carat Purple (Compilation) (1975): The Ultimate Guide
Deep Purple, one of rock’s most legendary bands, has left behind a rich discography full of classic albums. In 1975, while the band was at the peak of its creative powers, they released 24 Carat Purple, a compilation that gathers the best tracks from their early years. This album is a must-have for anyone looking to explore the “golden era” of Deep Purple before the more experimental Mark III and Mark IV lineups.
Album Overview
Album: 24 Carat Purple
Artist: Deep Purple
Release Date: 1975
Label: Purple Records
Genre: Hard rock, classic rock
Length: 42:25 (LP version)
Producer: Deep Purple
The compilation features selected tracks from Deep Purple in Rock (1970), Fireball (1971), Machine Head (1972), and Who Do We Think We Are (1973). Although it contains no new material, 24 Carat Purple provides a complete snapshot of the band during the Mark II lineup era: Ian Gillan, Ritchie Blackmore, Jon Lord, Roger Glover, and Ian Paice.
The track selection emphasizes the band’s biggest hits, including “Smoke on the Water”, “Child in Time”, and “Black Night”, and showcases their evolution from psychedelic rock influences to pure hard rock anthems. It’s perfect for new listeners who want a quick yet thorough introduction to classic Deep Purple.
Mini Review
24 Carat Purple works like a “golden guide” to the band’s prime years. The compilation highlights Ritchie Blackmore’s powerful riffs, Ian Gillan’s iconic vocal range, and Jon Lord’s expressive keyboard work.
Standout moments include the epic “Child in Time”, with its dramatic build-ups and emotional intensity, as well as punchy hard rock tracks like “Black Night”, demonstrating the band’s talent for writing instantly recognizable hits.
The production retains the live, dynamic feel of the era, and the flow of the compilation keeps listeners engaged from start to finish. Despite being a compilation, the album feels like a carefully curated listening experience with historical significance.
Fun Facts & Trivia
-
First Official Compilation: 24 Carat Purple was Deep Purple’s first official greatest hits collection, aimed at introducing the band to new audiences and international markets.
-
Classic Mark II Lineup: All tracks come from the Mark II lineup, widely regarded as the definitive Deep Purple lineup.
-
Iconic Cover Art: The album cover uses bold gold lettering on a black background, representing the “golden” quality of the tracks inside.
-
International Release: Initially released in the UK, the compilation was soon distributed worldwide, boosting the band’s popularity ahead of their 1975 tour.
Notable Tracks
The compilation includes some of Deep Purple’s most beloved songs:
-
Smoke on the Water: Perhaps the band’s most famous riff, a defining hard rock anthem.
-
Child in Time: Epic and emotional, showcasing Gillan’s legendary vocal range.
-
Black Night: A punchy, hard-hitting single that became a fan favorite.
-
Highway Star: Fast, technically impressive, and a staple of live performances.
Goofs & Missteps
While the compilation is highly regarded, a few minor issues exist:
-
Track order is not chronological, which may confuse new listeners who want to follow the band’s evolution.
-
Some songs appear in shortened single edits instead of full album versions.
-
The album cover, though iconic, is simpler than some of Deep Purple’s elaborate studio album art, which drew mild criticism from some fans.
Commercial Performance & Legacy
24 Carat Purple was not a blockbuster in the way Deep Purple’s studio albums were, but it sold respectably and helped maintain the band’s visibility during the mid-1970s. It remains one of the band’s most recognized greatest hits collections and is a sought-after item for vinyl collectors.
The compilation also played a role in keeping fans engaged ahead of the release of Come Taste the Band and the lineup changes that followed in 1975–76. Today, it is essential listening for anyone wanting to experience the skill, power, and energy of Deep Purple’s Mark II era.
Conclusion
24 Carat Purple is more than just a collection of hits—it’s a historical snapshot of Deep Purple at their finest. Featuring tracks like “Smoke on the Water”, “Child in Time”, and “Black Night”, the compilation delivers a complete experience for new listeners and a nostalgic trip for longtime fans.
Whether you’re a casual listener or a collector, 24 Carat Purple deserves a place in your music library. It’s the perfect way to explore classic Deep Purple before diving into the band’s more experimental and funk-influenced periods.
