Is Purpendicular a good place to start with Deep Purple?

Yes, Purpendicular is recommended as a starting point for new Deep Purple listeners. A vibrant blend of hard rock riffs and intricate melodies, showcasing Deep Purple's seasoned musicianship and renewed energy. Released in 1996, Purpendicular marked Deep Purple's first studio album featuring guitarist Steve Morse, signaling a new phase in their lineup. This album followed the band's reunion with original members and a series of successful tours in the early '90s, positioning it as a pivotal moment for the band as they sought to rejuvenate their sound while maintaining their classic rock roots.

Who is Purpendicular for?

Purpendicular works well if you're into steady pacing with thoughtful builds, climactic moments that capture attention and reflective themes for introspective listening.

How many songs are on Purpendicular?

Purpendicular has 14 tracks, running approximately 67 minutes.

Released 30 years ago

Purpendicular

Deep Purple · 1996

67 min · 14 tracks · hard rock

A vibrant blend of hard rock riffs and intricate melodies, showcasing Deep Purple's seasoned musicianship and renewed energy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Vavoom: Ted the Mechanic Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming — This track stands out for its emotional depth and dynamic shifts, capturing both vulnerability and power through its intricate guitar work and poignant lyrics.
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Loosen My Strings — A standout moment on the album, this song combines catchy hooks with rich harmonies, highlighting the band's ability to craft memorable melodies within a hard rock framework.
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The Aviator — This track showcases Steve Morse's virtuosic guitar skills while intertwining whimsical storytelling with progressive elements, illustrating the band's evolving musical landscape.
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Rosa’s Cantina — Infused with a bluesy essence, this song reflects the band's diverse influences and serves as a testament to their adaptability across genres.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends energetic rock with progressive elements, reflecting a reinvention but lacks strong cohesion.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady pacing with thoughtful builds
climactic moments that capture attention
reflective themes for introspective listening
engaging narratives across tracks

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek standalone singles experience

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Revitalizes Deep Purple's legacy with new guitarist, showcasing adaptability in sound.
Themes: inner turmoil· mechanic's humor· soaring freedom· poetic storytelling
Moods: Introspective· Chill
Career context: Released in 1996, Purpendicular marked Deep Purple's first studio album featuring guitarist Steve Morse, signaling a new phase in their lineup. This album followed the band's reunion with original members and a series of successful tours in the early '90s, positioning it as a pivotal moment for the band as they sought to rejuvenate their sound while maintaining their classic rock roots.
Stylistic neighbors: Led Zeppelin· Black Sabbath· Rainbow