Deep Purple - Smoke on the Water: The Best Of (Compilation Album) (1994)
Deep Purple – Smoke on the Water: The Best Of (1994): A Definitive Compilation
Few bands have defined hard rock like Deep Purple, and few songs are as iconic as Smoke on the Water. In 1994, the band released Smoke on the Water: The Best Of, a compilation album that celebrates the band’s legendary career by bringing together their most memorable tracks. This collection serves as an essential introduction for new fans and a convenient anthology for longtime followers.
Album Overview
Album: Smoke on the Water: The Best Of
Artist: Deep Purple
Release Date: 1994
Label: Polydor / Mercury
Genre: Hard rock, classic rock
Length: 78:40
Producer: Deep Purple
The compilation spans multiple eras of Deep Purple’s career, highlighting the classic Mark II lineup while also including selections from later lineups and reunion albums. It features tracks from iconic studio albums such as Machine Head (1972), Deep Purple in Rock (1970), Perfect Strangers (1984), and The House of Blue Light (1987).
By combining hard rock anthems, bluesy jams, and melodic hits, the compilation provides a well-rounded picture of the band’s evolution across decades.
Mini Review
Smoke on the Water: The Best Of successfully captures the essence of Deep Purple’s career. From the explosive riffs of “Highway Star” to the bluesy grooves of “Lazy”, the album presents both the band’s technical mastery and their memorable songwriting.
The compilation also includes reunion-era hits like “Perfect Strangers” and “Knocking at Your Back Door”, showcasing the band’s ability to remain relevant through the 1980s. Each track is carefully selected to highlight Deep Purple’s signature sound: powerful vocals, intricate guitar riffs, and Jon Lord’s distinctive keyboards.
Fans praise this compilation for its accessibility, making it a perfect starting point for newcomers, while also serving as a concise collection of hits for collectors.
Notable Tracks
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Smoke on the Water: The song that defined Deep Purple, with one of rock’s most famous guitar riffs.
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Highway Star: Fast-paced opener highlighting the band’s technical prowess and live energy.
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Child in Time: Epic and dramatic, featuring Ian Gillan’s incredible vocal range.
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Perfect Strangers: Reunion-era anthem showcasing the band’s continued creativity.
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Knocking at Your Back Door: Catchy 1980s hit blending hard rock riffs with melodic hooks.
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Lazy: Bluesy jam with outstanding organ and guitar interplay.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Iconic Title Track: Smoke on the Water recounts the 1971 Montreux Casino fire and remains one of rock history’s most famous riffs.
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Era-Spanning Compilation: Includes material from both the classic 1970s albums and the 1980s reunion era.
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Fan Favorite: Many tracks on this compilation have become staples in Deep Purple’s live performances.
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Bridge Between Generations: Serves as an introduction for new fans while appealing to longtime collectors.
Goofs & Missteps
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Some tracks are single or edited versions rather than full album versions.
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The compilation focuses mainly on hits, so deeper album tracks are omitted.
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Audio mastering varies slightly due to sourcing from different albums spanning decades.
Commercial Performance & Legacy
Smoke on the Water: The Best Of enjoyed moderate commercial success, appealing to both casual listeners and collectors. It reinforced Deep Purple’s legacy as one of hard rock’s defining bands and offered a comprehensive overview of the band’s most celebrated work.
Over time, the compilation has remained a recommended starting point for exploring Deep Purple’s catalog, providing a career-spanning journey through their most iconic tracks.
Conclusion
Smoke on the Water: The Best Of is an essential compilation that captures the power, skill, and creativity of Deep Purple across multiple decades. From the explosive energy of “Highway Star” and the iconic “Smoke on the Water” to the reunion-era brilliance of “Perfect Strangers”, the album offers a well-rounded and accessible look at one of rock’s most legendary bands.
For anyone discovering Deep Purple for the first time, or fans seeking a concise anthology of hits, Smoke on the Water: The Best Of delivers the ultimate listening experience.
