BURN

Deep Purple returned in 1974 with a renewed lineup and a reinvigorated sound, as the release of their classic album 'Burn' sees a welcome return to the hard-hitting and anthemic sound of albums like 'Machine Head' and 'Fireball, with the excellent inclusion of vocalist David Coverdale and legendary bass player and singer Glenn Hughes, completing what would become the Mark III lineup of Purple. This album is replete with classic songs, many of which are pretty ubiquitous radio hits or all-time hard rock masterpieces, like the frantic title track, 'Might Just Take Your Life', the funky 'Sail Away' as well as the bluesy 'Mistreated'. This record also features a prog-inspired closing instrumental, which does not necessarily sit perfectly well with the rest of the music but is still an interesting musical exercise for Jon Lord and Co.

The general success of 'Burn' is definitely due to the safe but well-executed return to a more ostensible heavy sound, with catchy riffs and strong melodies, impressive episodes of jamming and experimentation as well as rattling keyboard and organ solos, all topped by the flamboyant vocal duet of Coverdale and Hughes. Both voices are strong and recognizable and without a doubt a fantastic addition to the band, one that introduces another dimension to Deep Purple's hard rock trailblazing sound, and while this album remains in line with the heavy and blues-based style developed on previous albums, there is also an element of funk on 'Burn', which brings an interesting twist to the DP formula, a stylistic gag that would be developed more later on. All in all, this is one of the hard rock classics of the 70s, an album that has proven its worth as time has passed, and a record that has given us a sufficient number of memorable and iconic pieces of pure heavy rock joy.

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