In the smoldering wreckage of 1973, Deep Purple, the undisputed kings of bombastic hard rock, released their seventh studio album, "Who Do We Think We Are." It was an album birthed in turmoil, a sonic document of a band teetering on the precipice of implosion.
The historical context is crucial. Deep Purple had conquered the world with their relentless touring and a string of hit albums, including the monolithic "Machine Head." They were the titans of heavy music, their riffs echoing across stadiums, their solos scorching the earth. But behind the scenes, tensions were brewing. Egos clashed, creative differences festered, and the once-unbreakable bond between the band members began to fray.
"Who Do We Think We Are" is a reflection of this internal strife. The music is a far cry from the focused fury of their earlier work. It's a sprawling, uneven album, lurching from hard rock to funk to prog, with occasional detours into blues and even reggae. The songwriting is often disjointed, the lyrics cryptic and occasionally nonsensical. It's as if the band were trying to outrun their demons by throwing everything at the wall and seeing what stuck.
Despite the chaos, there are moments of brilliance scattered throughout the album. The opening track, "Woman From Tokyo," is a classic Deep Purple rocker, driven by Ritchie Blackmore's iconic riff and Ian Gillan's soaring vocals. "Mary Long" is a sleazy blues-rock stomper, while "Place In Line" showcases the band's proggy tendencies. But these moments are fleeting, overshadowed by the album's overall sense of disarray.
The production, helmed by the legendary Martin Birch, is typically polished, but it can't mask the cracks in the band's foundation. The recording sessions, which took place in Rome and Frankfurt, were reportedly fraught with tension. The band members were barely speaking to each other, and the creative process was more akin to a wrestling match than a collaboration.
A Polarizing Reception:
Upon its release, "Who Do We Think We Are" divided critics and fans alike. Some praised its adventurous spirit and eclecticism, while others lamented the lack of focus and cohesion. The album's commercial performance was also underwhelming compared to Deep Purple's previous successes. It peaked at number 15 in the UK and number 4 in the US, a far cry from the chart-topping dominance of "Machine Head."
The End of an Era:
"Who Do We Think We Are" marked the end of an era for Deep Purple. Shortly after its release, Ian Gillan and Roger Glover left the band, citing exhaustion and creative differences. The remaining members soldiered on with new recruits, but the classic lineup was never to be reunited.
A Cult Classic:
Despite its mixed reception and commercial shortcomings, "Who Do We Think We Are" has since garnered a cult following. Some fans appreciate its experimental nature and willingness to push boundaries, while others simply enjoy the raw energy and undeniable musicianship on display.
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