STORMBRINGER

Funky Purple! 'Stormbringer' is the second studio album released by Deep Purple in 1974, following the acclaimed 'Burn'; this is also the last album recorded by the Mark III lineup with Blackmore, Lord, Paice, Coverdale and Hughes, and is the first seventies album by the band to exhibit a strong funk sound (and even if Blackmore was not keen on such a musical direction, his playing on here is pretty much superb, as is the playing of all other members of the band). From this point of view, this becomes a unique album that expands the possibilities of Purple's sound, and even if 'Stormbringer' has remained an underrated entry in their catalogue, it is undoubtedly one of the important albums that attempted to do something new and exciting.

The iconic and rather ominous title track has to be one of the best-written rock singles of the 70s, pure power and great playing, heading straight to the core, it is an excellent song. Some might be keen on the groovy blues-funk of 'Love Don't Mean a Thing' or the more elegiac but memorable 'Holy Man', with fine lead vocals from Hughes. This album also features the upbeat rocker 'Lady Double Dealer', the dazzling funk anthem 'You Can't Do It Right' as well as all-time Coverdale classics 'The Gypsy' and the melancholic 'Solider of Fortune'. The entire album is packed with great material from front to back as it captures an excellent-form variation of Deep Purple, with lovely playing from all members, masterful songwriting and an unmistakable energy. At the same time, songs like 'High Ball Shooter' and 'Hold On' eventually fail to hit the spot, but we can consider them as "expendable" given the overall quality, influence and significance of this 1974 Purple release.

Social review comments

Review related links

• Send comments to A Crimson Mellotron
• Report this review (#3177388)
• Buy DEEP PURPLE music online with PA partners
• Show all DEEP PURPLE MP3/Stream
• Go to DEEP PURPLE page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Stormbringer page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for DEEP PURPLE related discussions