Artist: Deep Purple Album: Stormbringer

Year: 1974
Duration: 36:26

Deep Purple’s Stormbringer: A Critical Review

Deep Purple is one of the most important and influential rock bands of all time. Formed in Hertfordshire, England in 1968, they were one of the pioneers of the heavy metal genre. The band has undergone several lineup changes over the years, but the core members have always remained the same. Stormbringer, released in 1974, was the tenth album by the band. It marked a departure from their earlier hard rock sound towards a more funk and soul-inspired style. In this blog post, I’ll be reviewing the album, discussing the best songs and most innovative parts of it, and offering my criticism.

Stormbringer is an interesting album that showcases the band’s willingness to experiment with different sounds and styles. The opening track, “Stormbringer,” sets the tone for the album with its funky guitar riffs and catchy chorus. The title track is followed by “Love Don’t Mean a Thing” and “Holy Man,” both of which are classic examples of the band’s fusion of rock and soul music. The fourth track, “Hold On,” is a standout song on the album, with its infectious chorus and melodic guitar solo.

One of the most innovative parts of the album is the use of synthesizers and keyboards, which were still relatively new instruments in the mid-70s. On tracks like “High Ball Shooter” and “The Gypsy,” the synth adds a layer of depth and texture that elevates the songs to another level. The band’s use of female backing vocals on several tracks, like “Soldier of Fortune,” is also a nice touch that adds to the overall sound of the album.

Despite its many bright spots, there are a few criticisms to be made of Stormbringer. One of the weaknesses of the album is the lack of cohesion between the songs. While each individual track is strong in its own right, they don’t necessarily flow seamlessly into each other. Additionally, the album is more of a stylistic departure than a creative breakthrough for the band. While it’s admirable that Deep Purple was willing to take risks and branch out into different musical territory, Stormbringer doesn’t quite reach the same heights of innovation as some of their earlier work.

That being said, there are some truly great songs on the album that have stood the test of time. “You Can’t Do it Right (With the One You Love)” is an underrated gem that features some amazing guitar work from Ritchie Blackmore, while “Lady Double Dealer” is a hard-hitting rocker that boasts an unforgettable riff. “Soldier of Fortune” is a beautiful ballad that showcases the band’s softer side and demonstrates their versatility as musicians.

Overall, Stormbringer is a strong album that showcases a different side of Deep Purple. While it’s not without its flaws, the album features some great songs that have held up well over time. It’s also an important chapter in the band’s history, as it marked a turning point in their sound and paved the way for future experimentation. If you’re a fan of Deep Purple or classic rock in general, it’s definitely worth giving Stormbringer a listen.