Deep Purple - The Best of Deep Purple (Compilation Album) (1987)
Deep Purple – The Best of Deep Purple (1987): Essential Hard Rock Classics
Deep Purple, one of rock music’s most iconic and influential bands, has a career spanning decades of hard-hitting riffs, virtuosic solos, and unforgettable vocals. In 1987, the band released The Best of Deep Purple, a compilation album that brings together their most memorable tracks and fan favorites, making it an essential collection for newcomers and longtime fans alike.
Album Overview
Album: The Best of Deep Purple
Artist: Deep Purple
Release Date: 1987
Label: Polydor / Mercury
Genre: Hard rock, classic rock
Length: 46:50
Producer: Deep Purple
This compilation primarily focuses on Deep Purple’s classic Mark II era, featuring iconic tracks from the early 1970s alongside selections from later lineups. It combines hard rock anthems with melodic and blues-infused numbers, offering a comprehensive overview of the band’s career up to the late 1980s.
Unlike other greatest hits collections, The Best of Deep Purple emphasizes accessibility and flow, making it a perfect introduction for new listeners while still satisfying longtime fans.
Mini Review
The Best of Deep Purple is a concise yet effective compilation that highlights the band’s strengths. Tracks like “Smoke on the Water” and “Highway Star” showcase the signature riffs, soaring vocals, and instrumental virtuosity that made Deep Purple legendary.
The album also includes fan favorites such as “Black Night” and “Child in Time”, providing a balance between hard rock energy and melodic complexity. Each track demonstrates the band’s ability to combine technical skill with memorable songwriting, making the compilation both entertaining and representative of their musical legacy.
With a smooth sequencing of tracks, the album maintains energy and engagement, alternating between explosive rockers and more introspective compositions.
Notable Tracks
-
Smoke on the Water: Iconic anthem with one of the most famous riffs in rock history.
-
Highway Star: Fast-paced and virtuosic, highlighting the band’s technical skill and live energy.
-
Black Night: Hard-hitting and melodic, a classic single that became a fan favorite.
-
Child in Time: Epic and emotional, showcasing Ian Gillan’s incredible vocal range and the band’s dynamic instrumentation.
-
Woman from Tokyo: Catchy and melodic, illustrating Deep Purple’s commercial appeal.
Fun Facts & Trivia
-
Classic Lineup Focus: Features the celebrated Mark II lineup, widely considered the band’s definitive era.
-
Curated Hits: Combines major singles with standout album tracks, giving a well-rounded perspective of the band’s work.
-
Accessible Introduction: Designed for casual listeners, providing a concise and representative selection of Deep Purple’s most influential songs.
-
Influence on Later Compilations: Set a standard for future Deep Purple compilations by blending hits and fan favorites.
Goofs & Missteps
-
Some tracks are edited single versions rather than full-length album cuts, which may feel slightly truncated.
-
Not all significant tracks from the band’s later lineups are included, so the compilation is not fully exhaustive.
-
Audio mastering varies slightly due to sourcing from different albums and singles.
Commercial Performance & Legacy
The Best of Deep Purple enjoyed moderate commercial success, appealing to both new listeners and collectors seeking a concise overview of the band’s catalog. It reinforced Deep Purple’s reputation as pioneers of hard rock and heavy metal while providing an accessible entry point for a new generation of fans.
Over time, the album has remained a popular introduction to the band’s music and is often recommended as a starting point for exploring Deep Purple’s legendary career. Its legacy continues in how it influenced the curation of later greatest hits collections.
Conclusion
The Best of Deep Purple is an essential compilation that captures the energy, technical skill, and enduring appeal of one of rock history’s greatest bands. From the explosive riffs of “Smoke on the Water” and “Highway Star” to the melodic brilliance of “Woman from Tokyo” and the epic “Child in Time”, this album offers a balanced and comprehensive listening experience.
For newcomers, it serves as a perfect introduction to Deep Purple’s music, and for longtime fans, it provides a concise collection of the band’s most iconic hard rock classics.
