Deep Purple - When We Rock, We Rock, and When We Roll, We Roll (Compilation Album) (1978)
Deep Purple – When We Rock, We Rock, and When We Roll, We Roll (1978): A Hard Rock Retrospective
Deep Purple, one of rock’s most influential and legendary bands, has a rich catalog filled with groundbreaking albums, unforgettable riffs, and high-energy performances. In 1978, the band released the compilation When We Rock, We Rock, and When We Roll, We Roll, a curated collection designed to celebrate the band’s greatest rock moments. This album showcases Deep Purple’s power, versatility, and their mastery of both hard rock and classic rock melodies.
Album Overview
Album: When We Rock, We Rock, and When We Roll, We Roll
Artist: Deep Purple
Release Date: 1978
Label: Warner Bros. / Purple Records
Genre: Hard rock, classic rock
Length: 40:55
Producer: Deep Purple
This compilation spans material from Deep Purple’s most iconic lineups, including the classic Mark II lineup featuring Ian Gillan, Ritchie Blackmore, Jon Lord, Roger Glover, and Ian Paice, as well as selections from the Mark III period with David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes. It was released to highlight the band’s rock prowess and to provide a high-energy listening experience for both longtime fans and newcomers.
Unlike standard “greatest hits” compilations, the album emphasizes the heavier, more guitar-driven side of Deep Purple’s catalog, giving listeners an intense dose of the band’s signature hard rock sound.
Mini Review
When We Rock, We Rock, and When We Roll, We Roll is a dynamic and energetic compilation that captures Deep Purple’s essence. The tracks are sequenced to maintain momentum, alternating between blistering rockers and melodic highlights, which mirrors the experience of attending a live concert.
The compilation includes high-impact tracks such as “Highway Star” and “Space Truckin’”, which feature blazing riffs, intricate solos, and relentless rhythm. Blues-infused tracks like “Lazy” showcase the band’s versatility and ability to incorporate improvisation into structured songs.
For fans and casual listeners alike, the album offers a condensed experience of Deep Purple’s most powerful musical moments, demonstrating why the band became a defining force in hard rock during the 1970s.
Notable Tracks
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Highway Star: A signature track of Deep Purple, featuring high-speed riffs and Ian Gillan’s commanding vocals.
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Space Truckin’: A high-energy anthem with improvisational guitar and keyboard solos.
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Lazy: Bluesy and dynamic, highlighting Jon Lord’s organ work and Blackmore’s expressive guitar.
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Fireball: Up-tempo rock showcasing the band’s technical skill and infectious energy.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Emphasis on Hard Rock: Unlike other compilations that mix hits with ballads, this album focuses on Deep Purple’s heaviest, most guitar-driven tracks.
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Covers Multiple Lineups: Features material from both Mark II and Mark III lineups, illustrating the evolution of the band’s sound.
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Collector’s Item: The compilation is now considered a collectible, particularly for fans interested in the band’s rock-oriented tracks.
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Live Energy Influence: Many tracks were selected to reflect the intensity of Deep Purple’s live performances, emphasizing the band’s reputation as a live powerhouse.
Goofs & Missteps
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Some tracks are single edits or shortened versions, which may not fully capture the original album arrangements.
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The compilation omits certain major hits in favor of harder rock tracks, which might surprise fans expecting a more comprehensive “greatest hits” selection.
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Audio quality varies slightly across tracks due to the different recording periods and lineups.
Commercial Performance & Legacy
When We Rock, We Rock, and When We Roll, We Roll achieved moderate commercial success but became highly valued among fans for its focus on the band’s hardest-hitting material. While not as widely recognized as other greatest hits compilations, it is considered an essential collection for those interested in the heavier side of Deep Purple’s catalog.
The album has influenced later compilations by highlighting the importance of sequencing and thematic curation, emphasizing energy and power rather than chronological order. It remains a snapshot of Deep Purple’s legacy as one of rock’s most intense and technically skilled bands.
Conclusion
When We Rock, We Rock, and When We Roll, We Roll is a high-energy, hard rock-focused compilation that captures the essence of Deep Purple’s most powerful moments. From the blistering riffs of “Highway Star” to the improvisational brilliance of “Lazy” and the relentless energy of “Space Truckin’”, the album demonstrates why Deep Purple remains a cornerstone of classic rock and hard rock history.
For fans seeking a concentrated dose of Deep Purple’s rock power, this compilation is a must-listen—a celebration of the band at their most electrifying and intense.
