On January 12, 1987 "Deep Purple" released their twelfth studio album "The House of Blue Light".
Following the success of their 1984 reunion album "Perfect Strangers", "Deep Purple's" classic Mk II lineup—Ritchie Blackmore (guitar), Ian Gillan (vocals), Jon Lord (keyboards), Roger Glover (bass), and Ian Paice (drums)—returned in 1987 with "The House of Blue Light". While "Perfect Strangers" was hailed as a triumphant comeback, "The House of Blue Light" aimed to modernize their sound for the late '80s. The result was a polarizing album that showed the band experimenting with new production techniques, but one that still retained their signature style.
"Deep Purple" entered the studio in mid-1986 with high expectations after the commercial success of "Perfect Strangers". However, the sessions were tense, with creative differences between Blackmore and Gillan resurfacing. Ian Gillan even compared it to the recording of "Who Do We Think We Are". Ritchie Blackmore has said "I think I played like shit on it" and that much of the album was re-recorded.
Compared to "Perfect Strangers", "The House of Blue Light" is more polished and leans toward a slick, radio-friendly production. The album features a blend of hard rock, blues, and synth-driven rock, with Lord's keyboards playing a more prominent role.
The album opener "Bad Attitude" is a driving rocker with a memorable riff and a strong vocal performance by Gillan. Lord’s keyboard work starting with the dramatic intro is superb, adding a unique flair to the track.
The second track "The Unwritten Law" stands out for its unusual rhythm and dark atmosphere. The african kind drumbeat and haunting keyboard layers give it a distinct, experimental feel, showcasing the band's willingness to evolve. "Call of the Wild" is one of the more accessible tracks, it features a catchy chorus and a lighter, melodic approach. It’s one of the album's more radio-friendly songs, so no wonder it was picked as the album lead single.
The forth song - "Mad Dog" is a fast-paced, energetic rocker with Blackmore's fiery guitar solos taking center stage. This track recalls the band's classic hard rock sound of their more aggressive material. "Black & White" follows with a mid-tempo and a great groove that showcases Gillan's bluesy vocals and harmonica playing. "Hard Lovin’ Woman" is a straight-ahead rocker that feels like a nod to the band’s "Machine Head" era. It’s a solid track but doesn't stand out as much as others on the album. "The Spanish Archer" is definitely one of the album’s hidden gems. This song features a more intricate arrangement and a passionate vocal performance by Gillan. Blackmore’s guitar work here is particularly expressive. The slower, atmospheric track "Strangeways" is the only "Deep Purple" song we know that starts with an A-Capella. The song beat and vibe reminded us of "Hungry Daze" from "Perfect Strangers". The bluesy, tongue-in-cheek song "Mitzi Dupree" inspired by a real-life encounter Gillan had with a woman named Mitzi Dupree. The lyrics are playful, and the song has a laid-back feel. The closing track "Dead or Alive" is one of the heaviest on the album, with a driving rhythm and aggressive vocals, with a vibe and a guitar riff reminiscent of Ritchie Blackmore's in "Rainbow". It’s a powerful way to end the album, leaving a lasting impression.
Upon its release, "The House of Blue Light" received mixed reviews. Critics praised the musicianship and the band’s willingness to experiment but criticized the slick production and lack of memorable hooks compared to previous album.
The album also marked the beginning of renewed tensions between Ritchie Blackmore and Ian Gillan, The tensions escalated after the album release and the subsequent tour. By 1989, these conflicts led to Gillan’s departure from the band. For their next album, "Slaves and Masters" (1990), "Deep Purple" recruited former "Rainbow" vocalist Joe Lynn Turner, creating a more melodic, AOR-oriented sound that divided fans and critics alike, leading to Gillan's return in 1992 for the "The Battle Rages On..." album.
For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music
Comments