Deep Purple are an English rock band formed in Hertford in 1968. The band is considered to be among the pioneers of heavy metal and modern hard rock, although their musical approach changed over the years. Originally formed as a psychedelic rock and progressive rock band, the band shifted to a heavier sound in 1970. Deep Purple, together with Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, have been referred to as the “unholy trinity of British hard rock and heavy metal in the early to mid-seventies”. They were listed in the 1975 Guinness Book of World Records as “the globe’s loudest band” for a 1972 concert at London’s Rainbow Theatre and have sold over 100 million copies of their albums worldwide. Here are all of Deep Purple’s albums ranked.

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21. Bananas (2003)

“I really enjoyed this cd because it’s metal (or hard rock) done by masters of the genre. They don’t try to make speed metal or thrash they make a great hard rockin cd with well sung songs and great playing. The highlight on this one for me is ‘Razzle dazzle” which is fun hard rock at it’s best. Ok some people who enjoy metal burn me out. Metal must all be hard or not commercialized blah blah. I disagree and on this cd you get some incredible stuff that’s not poppy at all too.”

20. The Battle Rages On… (1993)

“Severely underrated album. It showcases the ever-evolving sound of Deep Purple with the magical combination of Lord Blackmore. This is what I’ve always loved about Deep Purple: you can immediately recognize them for their stylistic sound, but they are NEVER stuck in the past and ALWAYS evolving and being ahead of their time. You’ll find this 1993 album sounding more progressive and modern than even the modern progressive bands in the 2000s and 2010s, and it still retains that signature Deep Purple sound. Definitely recommend it to any Deep Purple fan, and will most definitely recommend it to any progressive rock or metal fan!”

19. Slaves and Masters (1990)

“I personally thought this album was a great album that Deep Purple did. Did not bother me that Joe Lynn Turner was the singer on this album instead of Ian Gillan. Turner is a very good singer in his own right. Blackmore and Lord are incredible as always on this album. Great album. You can’t go wrong buying it. Deep Purple – a great band – a great album.”

18. InFinite (2017)

“I am stunned. I’m having my first listen, and this album is simply fantastic. The songs are solid, the grooves are killer, it’s undeniably PURPLE — it’s everything a fan of any incarnation of the band could possibly hope for. Blackmore vs Morse, Mk I vs II vs III vs IV — who cares? This is KILLER classic rock in its own right. “Get Me Outta Here” is just starting — man, Paice is killing the shuffle drum groove. BUY THIS!!”

17. Now What?! (2013)

“Alright there will be people out there wondering where the Blackmore style of Purple has gone (still) but if you can get over that this is a very very good album. With perhaps the exception of the cover version of “It’ll be me” each song is excellent. Yes, there are overtones of ELP and other influences interwoven with true Deep Purple tones and Bob Ezrin has put his unique hallmark on the production. I have recommended this to quite a few people and all of those that have purchased it say the same.”

16. Deep Purple (1969)

First of all, this is a superb album, which I still enjoy after 40 years. It has passed the test of time in my rock collection. It is a great rock album from a great rock band before they became just another successful loud rock band.”

15. Rapture of the Deep (2005)

“Deep Purple have been one of my favorite bands forever! I loved Perpendicular and all the earlier albums. The newer line-up with Steve Morse, and Don Airey is excellent! Different from the Blackmore-Lord days but they still fit into the line-up nicely! The songs are well written and produced. They rock from the start with Money Talks and I love Rapture of the Deep.”

14. Concerto for Group and Orchestra (1970)

“Having been a fan of the Deep Purple Mark One lineup, I bought this LP in 1970 and really liked it. Mr. Jon Lord was a true virtuoso musician, well-versed in playing classical and jazz as well as rock. His composition for orchestra and group is great music. The contrasting components do work well together. Ritchie Blackmore’s aggressive and wild guitar (when he was still playing a Gibson 335) adds dynamite soloing. Highly recommended for Deep Purple fans and anyone who likes intelligent and progressive music.”

13. Shades of Deep Purple (1968)

“This is Deep Purple’s first commercially released record. It didn’t have the charting impact that their later records did but the single ‘Hush’, a cover of a Billy Joe Royal’s tune of the same name, did have a big impact on the AM radio waves and on me sometime in 1968. I ran out and bought the 45 rpm single as soon as I could after hearing it. The rest of the cuts on this record reflect a more traditional, or rhythm and blues orientated rock and roll style, as opposed to the heavier, harder-edged music that Deep Purple created with albums like Machine Head, or Made In Japan. It’s worth a listen and is part of British Invasion history.”

12. Abandon (1998)

“This is the classic Deep purple sound once again! The previous album, “Purpendicular” sounded like a Steve Morse showcase. “Abandon” is again a full band effort well mixed and strong. I would venture to say it is the best Deep Purple album since “Perfect Strangers”. It has the feel of a new and revived band effort much like the “Perfect Strangers” reunion album did.”

11. The House of Blue Light (1987)

“One of my absolute favourites from DP catalogue. Some progressive elements never heard on albums by Mark II before. Surely better than its predeccessor in terms of melody and rocking strength. No fillers! The album’s full of hits. This edition sounds good, close to LP sound, and that’s alright with me. The absence of absolutely useless bonus tracks that feature nearly every modern classic rock reissue is a blessing. You see it – you buy it!”

10. Stormbringer (1974)

“Not Deep Purple’s best, but a good album in its own right. At this point the band was suffering from some drug issues, so with that understanding it ain’t a bad album, but it isn’t the best effort, either. Stormbringer is worth the price. And a few of the songs could be re-written into something much better, so it’s got potential. Good brain food for a band starting out.”

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9. The Book of Taliesyn (1968)

“The hard-core fans might take umbrage with this review (short as it is) but the very early Purple material only hints at the greatness to come. This, their second studio album still shows a band that is trying to decide what path they want to take musically. There is some good material here, but it’s a far cry from future albums like In Rock or Machine Head. Still, if you want to see where that material was birthed from, this is a good place to start.”

8. Who Do We Think We Are (1973)

“For an album that even the band’s members call their worst, “Who Do We Think We Are” holds up surprisingly well. What keeps the album together, ironically, is the tension and exhaustion that runs through it. Deep Purple were at the crest of a wave of meteoric success that had seen now-legendary albums “In Rock,” “Fireball,” “Machine Head” and “Made in Japan.” Deep Purple began to come apart; enmity between singer Ian Gillan and guitarist Ritchie Blackmore culminated in the former’s departure after the album (their feud, and at one time friendship, is captured brilliantly on the manic ‘Smooth Dancer’), exiting along with bassist Roger Glover.”

7. Purpendicular (1996)

“I have been a major Deep Purple fan since the early 70’s when Ian Gillan sang Christ on the Brown Album Jesus Christ Superstar. I have owned every album at one time or another, even when Coverdale sang lead. But there is something about the track Loosen My Strings that mesmerizes me.”

6. Perfect Strangers (1984)

“Deep Purple’s last, great effort. Witty lyrics on the edge of double entendres (Knocking At Your Back Door) to ballsy party anthem (Not Responsible) to the philosophical metal that is classic Deep Purple (Perfect Strangers). If you’re a fan of the 70s rock defined by Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and Bad Company, you probably already have this album. If you are and you don’t, you really should. Treat yourself, you deserve this album.”

5. Come Taste the Band (1975)

“Another Tommy Bolin masterpiece here as he easily steals the show. Without a doubt Deep Purple’s funkiest album but incredible nonetheless. Those trying to compare this to Machine Head are missing the point. We are lucky this incredible album exists. Every single thing Tommy Bolin touched turned to gold. A rediculously fantastic guitarist that is somehow unknown by some. This belongs in everyone’s Deep Purple and Tommy Bolin collection.”

4. Fireball (1971)

“DP had their influences but they took all their skill and taste that made an impact on many Rockers who would expand Several Genres, that they actually pioneered or helped pioneer; such as hard rock, heavy metal and speed metal all becoming classic over time. No matter what label, you try and slap on it, it’s still Rock n Roll at the core.”

3. Burn (1974)

“Just when Gillan left the band and the chips were down, here comes a new singer by the name of David Coverdale to the rescue. All of the songs on this album are great. A necessity for any Purple fan. This album won’t disappoint.

2. Machine Head (1972)

“I bought my first copy of Machine Head on vinyl when it was still on the Billboard charts. The only songs that I knew were on it at the time were “Smoke” and “Highway”. I had enough $ to buy Houses of the Holy and went to a party with both albums thinking I could easily start arguments over Zeppelin vs Purple, and that is exactly what happened. Either way you choose, those are still 2 pinnacle guitar albums from that era – or any era – and the debate goes on. For me, this album is the supreme guitar statement by Blackmore in Mach II Purple, and I’m glad to finally have it on my hi-rez D.A.P. May the debates go on.”

1. Deep Purple In Rock (1970)

“In Rock from 1970 is my favorite Purple album- it’s just so raw, heavy and Blackmore’s leads are ferocious throughout the album. Hard Lovin’ Man- what a freight train of a song. Ian Paice- what a fantastic drummer. This remaster is excellent and it includes the original intro to Speed King that was omitted in the American Warner Brothers version I bought in the 80’s. The extra tracks are pretty cool too. A must have for a true Purple fan.”