You know those songs you hear on the radio that just get you pumped up and make you want to roll down the windows in your car and sing at the top of your lungs? For me, almost every Deep Purple song fits the bill.
Deep Purple is one of the pioneering hard rock bands that shaped the sound of rock and roll. Formed in 1968, Deep Purple has produced over 20 studio albums and sold over 100 million albums worldwide. Their hard-driving, guitar-heavy sound and Ian Gillan’s powerful vocals have stood the test of time. If you’re looking to rock out, here are 10 Deep Purple songs that prove why they reign supreme. Crank up the volume and get ready to rock!
Smoke on the Water
Smoke on the Water is arguably Deep Purple’s most well-known song. And for good reason. That iconic opening riff is instantly recognizable and has inspired countless guitarists to pick up the instrument.
The story behind the song is pretty wild. Deep Purple were in Montreux, Switzerland recording an album when a fan at a Frank Zappa concert started a fire that burned down the casino they were supposed to record in. The “smoke on the water” is literally the smoke from the fire. Out of that experience came one of the greatest rock songs of all time.
Child in Time
Child in Time is arguably Deep Purple’s greatest and most ambitious song. Released in 1970, this prog-rock epic features Ian Gillan’s incredible vocal range and Richie Blackmore’s guitar virtuosity.
The song starts slowly and builds up gradually. Gillan’s vocals begin soft and mellow but ascend to glass-shattering high notes in the chorus. Paired with Blackmore’s emotive guitar solos, it gives you goosebumps. The lyrics are poetic, touching on themes of loss of innocence and the human condition.
Highway Star
Highway Star is one of Deep Purple’s most well-known and beloved songs. Released in 1972, this hard rock classic features Ritchie Blackmore’s instantly recognizable guitar riff and Ian Gillan’s soaring vocals.
The song tells the story of a roadie hooking up with a groupie he meets at a concert. The hard-driving tempo and rebellious lyrics capture the spirit of the 70’s rock era. The organ solo in the middle of the song is one of Jon Lord’s most memorable. Overall, “Highway Star” showcases Deep Purple at their hard rocking best.
Space Truckin’
Space Truckin’ is one of Deep Purple’s most recognizable and popular songs. Released in 1972 on their iconic Machine Head album, this hard rock anthem still rocks today.
The lyrics are delightfully nonsensical, telling a story of space travel and partying. “We had a band and we tried real hard, Jimmy quit…Jenny got married.” You don’t quite know what’s going on but you can’t help sing along.
Burn
Deep Purple’s “Burn” is one of their most well-known and popular rock anthems. Released in 1974, this hard-driving song is all about passion and living life to the fullest.
The instantly recognizable opening riff pulls you in right away. Ritchie Blackmore’s guitar hook is simple but unforgettable. Paired with Jon Lord’s pulsing organ, it creates a sound that screams ’70s hard rock.
Perfect Strangers
Deep Purple’s “Perfect Strangers” is one of their most well-known and beloved songs. Released in 1984, this hard rock ballad brings back ‘80s nostalgia with its synthesizer hooks and guitar-driven sound.
The song starts with a synthesizer riff that instantly transports you back in time. Then Ian Gillan’s vocals kick in, with lyrics pondering a chance encounter with a former lover. The chorus, “We’re perfect strangers now, we’re perfect strangers now, we’re perfect strangers now” is incredibly catchy and melodic. You’ll find yourself singing along after only one listen.
Mistreated
Deep Purple’s “Mistreated” is one of their most iconic rock anthems. Released in 1974 on the album Burn, this bluesy hard rock song showcases Ritchie Blackmore’s guitar skills and David Coverdale’s bluesy vocals.
The slow, emotional intro draws you in with Blackmore’s melodic guitar work. Coverdale’s raw, full-throated vocals then kick in, conveying feelings of anguish and heartbreak. He sings about a lover who mistreated and left him behind. The hard-driving rhythm section builds up the song’s intensity before Blackmore’s guitar solo takes center stage. His solo is widely considered one of his best, incorporating emotive string bends, melodic phrasing and lightning-fast runs.
Stormbringer
Stormbringer is one of Deep Purple’s most well-known and memorable hits. Released in 1974, this hard rock song is instantly recognizable from its iconic opening riff. Ritchie Blackmore’s guitar work on this track is nothing short of legendary.
The lyrics tell a fantastical tale of a magical sword called Stormbringer that brings evil and chaos wherever it goes. When Elric, the albino anti-hero, wields the black blade, it gives him power and strength but also corrupts his soul. The story is based on Michael Moorcock’s fantasy novel series, The Elric Saga. Deep Purple brought this epic story to life through their music.
Lazy
One of Deep Purple’s most well-known songs is “Lazy,” off their 1972 album Machine Head. This hard rock classic features one of Ritchie Blackmore’s most iconic guitar riffs and solos.
The song starts with a memorable keyboard intro from Jon Lord, setting the tone for the jam to come. Then Blackmore comes in with that killer riff, a bluesy hard rock lick that hooks you right away. Ian Gillan’s vocals are raw and powerful as always. His raspy voice was made for hard rock.
Hush
Hush is one of the most iconic rock songs of all time. Released in 1968, this hard rock classic puts Deep Purple on the map as one of the pioneers of heavy metal music.
The instantly recognizable opening organ riff sets the tone for this high-energy track. Ritchie Blackmore’s guitar work is blistering, from the solo to the rhythm parts that lock in tightly with Jon Lord’s organ and Ian Paice’s pounding drums. Ian Gillan’s vocals are powerful without going over the top. Everything comes together to create a sound that’s both melodic and menacing.
There we have it, our list of 10 best songs by Deep Purple. What do you think about our picks? Did we include your favourites? Let us know in the comments below: