Artist: Deep Purple Album: Machine Head

Year: 1972
Duration: 41:09

A Deep Dive into the Iconic Album Machine Head by Deep Purple

Deep Purple was a powerhouse in the world of rock music during the 1970s. Their influence on hard rock and heavy metal are still felt today, and it all began with their seminal album Machine Head. This album was a critical and commercial success, setting the stage for the band's future successes. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at this iconic album, its history, its genre, the standout tracks, and what makes it such an important part of rock history.

To understand the impact of Machine Head, it's important to understand the history of Deep Purple itself. The band formed in the late 60s and quickly rose to prominence with their unique blend of hard rock, blues, and classical music. By the time they began recording Machine Head in 1971, they were already a well-established band with a loyal fan base. However, they were facing commercial pressure to produce a hit album after the lukewarm reception of their previous effort, Fireball. The result was Machine Head, which exceeded all expectations and solidified their place as rock legends.

The genre of Machine Head is primarily hard rock. However, the album also incorporates elements of blues, funk, and even a touch of folk. This diversity of genres makes the album stand out in the rock canon, as it demonstrates Deep Purple's versatility as musicians and songwriters. The album also features some of the most iconic riffs and solos in rock history, most notably the opening riff of Smoke on the Water. The way the band combines these different elements creates a sound that is uniquely theirs and stands out in a sea of imitators.

The standout tracks on Machine Head are many. Aside from the aforementioned Smoke on the Water, other noteworthy tracks include Highway Star, Space Truckin', and Lazy. These songs demonstrate the band's mastery of hard rock, featuring tight rhythms, blistering guitar solos, and powerful vocals. However, the album is not without its quieter moments, such as the haunting ballad When a Blind Man Cries. These moments provide a welcome contrast to the heavier tracks and further showcase the band's range.

One of the most innovative parts of Machine Head is the way it was recorded. The band famously used the Rolling Stones' mobile recording studio to record the album, which allowed them to record in unconventional locations such as a hotel room and a former dance hall. This approach gave the album a raw, live feel that is often missing in studio recordings. The album also features some interesting studio techniques, such as the way the guitar feedback at the beginning of Smoke on the Water was achieved by recording the sound of Ritchie Blackmore's guitar through a Leslie speaker.

While Machine Head is widely regarded as a classic album, it is not without its flaws. Some critics argue that the album is too focused on guitar pyrotechnics and could have benefited from tighter songwriting. There are also some moments on the album, such as the spoken word section of Space Truckin', that haven't aged particularly well. However, these criticisms are minor in comparison to what the album accomplished as a whole.

In conclusion, Machine Head is an iconic album that deserves a place in every rock fan's collection. Its genre-bending approach, iconic riffs and solos, and raw production make it a unique and important part of rock history. While there are some elements of the album that may not hold up to modern scrutiny, its impact on the world of rock music cannot be denied. Whether you're a seasoned rock fan or a newcomer to the genre, Machine Head is an album that is well worth your attention.

In conclusion, Machine Head is an iconic album that deserves a place in every rock fan's collection. Its genre-bending approach, iconic riffs and solos, and raw production make it a unique and important part of rock history. While there are some elements of the album that may not hold up to modern scrutiny, its impact on the world of rock music cannot be denied. Whether you're a seasoned rock fan or a newcomer to the genre, Machine Head is an album that is well worth your attention.