Deep Purple – Greatest Purple (1985): A Definitive Collection of Hard Rock Classics
Deep Purple, one of the most influential bands in rock history, has left an indelible mark on hard rock and heavy metal with their powerful riffs, virtuosic solos, and legendary live performances. In 1985, the band released Greatest Purple, a compilation album that brings together their most iconic hits and fan favorites, providing a perfect overview of the band’s career for new listeners and longtime fans alike.
Album Overview
Album: Greatest Purple
Artist: Deep Purple
Release Date: 1985
Label: Warner Bros. / Purple Records
Genre: Hard rock, classic rock
Length: 42:15
Producer: Deep Purple
Greatest Purple spans material primarily from the band’s classic Mark II era but also includes selections from later lineups. The album focuses on Deep Purple’s most commercially successful tracks, combining hard rock anthems with melodic and blues-influenced numbers.
Unlike standard “best-of” compilations, Greatest Purple emphasizes tracks that define the band’s legacy while remaining accessible to casual listeners. It serves as a snapshot of Deep Purple’s evolution from the early 1970s through the mid-1980s.
Mini Review
Greatest Purple is a concise and effective compilation that captures the essence of Deep Purple’s sound. Iconic tracks such as “Smoke on the Water” and “Black Night” are included, alongside lesser-known but significant songs like “Woman from Tokyo”, giving listeners a balanced overview of the band’s versatility.
The album flows smoothly, alternating between explosive rockers and melodic highlights. Ritchie Blackmore’s guitar riffs, Ian Gillan’s commanding vocals, Jon Lord’s signature organ, Roger Glover’s solid bass, and Ian Paice’s energetic drumming shine throughout the collection.
This compilation is ideal for fans who want a concentrated introduction to Deep Purple without exploring the entire discography.
Notable Tracks
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Smoke on the Water: The band’s signature anthem with one of the most famous riffs in rock history.
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Black Night: Hard-hitting single that demonstrates Deep Purple’s melodic and rhythmic strengths.
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Woman from Tokyo: Catchy and melodic, showing the band’s more commercial side.
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Highway Star: Virtuosic and energetic, featuring blazing guitar riffs and memorable keyboard lines.
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Child in Time: Epic and emotional, showcasing Gillan’s incredible vocal range and the band’s dynamic instrumentation.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Focus on Mark II Era: Although it includes later lineup material, the album emphasizes the classic Mark II lineup.
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Collector’s Appeal: The compilation includes tracks that were popular singles and album highlights, making it a convenient reference for fans.
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Accessible Overview: Designed for new listeners, it provides a curated snapshot of Deep Purple’s most recognizable and influential songs.
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Influential Compilation: Served as a template for future Deep Purple compilations that blended hits with key album tracks.
Goofs & Missteps
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Some tracks are edited or shortened single versions, not the full-length album cuts.
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A few notable tracks from later lineups are missing, making the compilation less comprehensive than some other collections.
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Audio quality varies slightly due to different sources and recording eras.
Commercial Performance & Legacy
Greatest Purple achieved moderate commercial success, appealing primarily to casual fans and collectors seeking a concise collection of Deep Purple’s highlights. The compilation reinforced the band’s enduring popularity and provided an accessible entry point for new listeners discovering classic hard rock.
The album remains a notable Deep Purple compilation for its focus on hits and fan favorites, and its influence is seen in later “best-of” releases that emphasize both accessibility and depth.
Conclusion
Greatest Purple is an essential Deep Purple compilation, offering a well-curated selection of the band’s most iconic songs. From the legendary “Smoke on the Water” and “Highway Star” to the melodic “Woman from Tokyo” and epic “Child in Time”, the album captures the power, versatility, and enduring legacy of Deep Purple.
For newcomers, it serves as a perfect introduction to the band’s music, and for longtime fans, it provides a concise collection of timeless hard rock classics that define one of rock history’s greatest bands.
