Deep Purple - 30: Very Best of Deep Purple (Compilation Album) (1998)
Deep Purple – 30: Very Best of Deep Purple (1998): Celebrating Three Decades of Rock
Few bands have had the enduring influence of Deep Purple, and in 1998, the release of 30: Very Best of Deep Purple celebrated three decades of their legendary career. This compilation offers a comprehensive overview of the band’s most iconic tracks, spanning from the early 1970s classics to reunion-era hits, making it an essential collection for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Album Overview
Album: 30: Very Best of Deep Purple
Artist: Deep Purple
Release Date: 1998
Label: EMI / Harvest
Genre: Hard rock, classic rock
Length: 78:40
Producer: Deep Purple & Various
The compilation draws from multiple lineups across Deep Purple’s history, including the legendary Mark II lineup, later reunion tracks, and selections from the Steve Morse era. By highlighting the band’s evolution over thirty years, the album serves both as a nostalgic journey and a primer for new listeners.
Featuring both radio hits and fan favorites, 30: Very Best of Deep Purple emphasizes the band’s versatility, blending heavy rock anthems, blues-infused jams, and melodic tracks that have defined their legacy.
Mini Review
30: Very Best of Deep Purple succeeds in presenting a well-rounded portrait of the band’s career. Classic tracks like “Smoke on the Water”, “Highway Star”, and “Child in Time” showcase the raw energy, technical mastery, and iconic sound of the early 1970s lineup.
The compilation also includes reunion-era tracks such as “Perfect Strangers” and “Knocking at Your Back Door”, demonstrating the band’s ability to adapt and remain relevant while maintaining their signature sound.
Fans praise the album for its balance between classic and modern material, its chronological flow, and the opportunity to experience the band’s evolution in one cohesive collection.
Notable Tracks
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Smoke on the Water: Legendary anthem with one of rock’s most iconic guitar riffs.
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Highway Star: Fast-paced hard rock classic with virtuosic guitar and keyboard work.
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Child in Time: Epic and dramatic, showcasing Ian Gillan’s soaring vocals.
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Perfect Strangers: Reunion-era highlight with memorable riffs and melodic depth.
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Knocking at Your Back Door: 1980s hit blending hard rock energy with catchy hooks.
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Lazy: Blues-infused jam featuring standout organ and guitar interplay.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Three Decades Celebrated: The compilation spans the band’s career from 1968 to the 1990s.
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Multiple Lineups: Includes tracks from Mark I through the Morse era, highlighting the band’s evolution.
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Collector-Friendly: Offers both casual listeners and longtime fans a concise anthology of essential tracks.
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Live Favorites: Many of these songs remain staples in Deep Purple’s live performances worldwide.
Goofs & Missteps
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Some tracks are edited or single versions, which may differ from the original album recordings.
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Deep Purple’s extensive catalog means some fan favorites were inevitably left out.
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Audio mastering varies slightly across decades of recordings.
Commercial Performance & Legacy
30: Very Best of Deep Purple enjoyed commercial success as a definitive career-spanning collection. It reinforced the band’s legacy as pioneers of hard rock and classic rock, providing both newcomers and longtime fans with a comprehensive overview of Deep Purple’s essential work.
The compilation has endured as a recommended starting point for those discovering the band and remains a convenient anthology for collectors, celebrating three decades of innovative rock music.
Conclusion
30: Very Best of Deep Purple is a must-have compilation for anyone seeking to explore the band’s influential career. From the explosive energy of “Highway Star” and the iconic “Smoke on the Water” to reunion-era hits like “Perfect Strangers”, the album captures the essence of Deep Purple across thirty years.
For new fans and longtime followers alike, 30: Very Best of Deep Purple delivers a definitive, thrilling, and timeless rock experience that honors one of the greatest bands in music history.