On October 29, 1984 "Deep Purple" released their eleventh studio album "Perfect Strangers".
The album marked one of rock's most exhilarating reunions—the return of "Deep Purple’s" iconic MK II lineup after an 11-year hiatus. This classic lineup, featuring Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Jon Lord, and Ian Paice, hadn’t recorded together since "Who Do We Think We Are" in 1973. Not only that, it was "Deep Purple's" first studio album in nine years. The album saw each band member bringing fresh fire from major projects: Blackmore and Glover had made waves with "Rainbow", Gillan who had formed "Ian Gillan Band" and later a separate group named “Gillan” had just wrapped up a stint with "Black Sabbath", Lord and Paice had been with "Whitesnake", and Paice had been performing with Gary Moore’s band. With "Perfect Strangers", they didn’t just pick up where they left off—they created a modern rock masterpiece that embraced their past and pushed it forward.
The album title may have hinted on the writing process, since when the five members of the classic MK II lineup met on Rural Stowe, Vermont, USA, they probably felt like "Perfect Strangers". The band had written and recorded 10 tracks, with eight of them making it to the original record, and two more, “Not Responsible” and the extended instrumental “Son of Alerik”, appearing on later versions of the album.
The album kicks off with “Knocking at Your Back Door,” an electrifying seven minute opener that demonstrates the band's enduring chemistry. Jon Lord’s dramatic keyboard intro build the tension while Roger Glover bass joining in to add to the atmosphere as if taken from a horror movie. Ian Paice's snare drum come as an off-beat blast. Ritchie Blackmore's plays his powerful riffs and signature guitar solos. Jon Lord's signature keyboards set an unstoppable pace, with Ian Gillan’s vocals—full of grit and flair—adding a fresh intensity. The song written by Gillan about anal sex, carries a refined, slicker production style that reflects the ’80s without sacrificing the raw style and energy of this classic lineup.
Right after comes “Under the Gun” with it's thundering rhythm by Glover and Paice and an excellent catchy keyboard riff by Lord. The song pick up the tempo with a more aggressive, punchy sound that channels the energetic, rebellious spirit of classic "Deep Purple". The short instrumental bridge on 2:25 min. will surely remind you of "Rainbow", with Blackmore taking the lead in two mind blowing guitar solos.
The hard-hitting “Nobody’s Home,” is the only song credited to all five members, perfectly balances technical skill with a sense of joy and spontaneity, making it one of the album’s standout moments. Here, the band strove to restore the collaborative spirit of the MK II era, and the track’s energy shows it.
The first side of the vinyl ends up with “Mean Streak” - maybe the weaker song on the first side, but still a great one which will remind you the classic "Purple" of the earlt 70's.
The Second side of the vinyl opens up with the title track, "Perfect Strangers". It's haunting and mesmerizing, driven by Blackmore’s dark, resonant riffs and Lord’s atmospheric keyboard touches, which create a sweeping, almost cinematic soundscape. Gillan's reflective lyrics are inspired by the Elric books by Michael Moorcock, delve into themes of identity, change, and reunion, offering listeners a glimpse into the band’s own journey. The track encapsulates everything that made "Deep Purple" legendary, combining bluesy roots with hard-rock grandeur in a way that felt both timeless and modern. It's one of the few "Deep Purple" songs without a guitar solo, yet founding guitarist Ritchie Blackmore has named it his favorite.
The next track "A Gypsy’s Kiss" is a "Rainbow" style song which is one of the catchiest in the album, with a masterful keyboard playing by Jon Lord. Although, the song come close to the classic "Deep Purples" style during the multi-part instrumental, with Blackmore and Lord changing leads and harmonize with each other.
The album is nearing the end with the beutiful ballad "Wasted Sunsets" showcasing "Deep Purple's" softer, more introspective side. It’s one of the few tracks that highlights Ritchie Blackmore's guitar work in a restrained, emotive manner rather than through a blazing solo, adding a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere with it's blusy guitar notes.
"Hungry Daze," the album closes on a nostalgic note, reflecting on the band’s early days with a touch of humor and introspection. Gillan’s lyrics take listeners on a walk down memory lane, while the music, powerful and polished, is a celebration of the band's roots.
In conclusion, after almost a decade apart and with each member arriving from diverse musical experiences, "Deep Purple" emerged more refined, versatile, and driven. This wasn’t a mere nostalgia act but rather a recharged lineup that could still surprise and innovate. Fans and newcomers alike could see that the MK II lineup still had magic left, and "Perfect Strangers" was a thunderous return to form, solidifying "Deep Purple's" status as rock legends.
For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music
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