Shades 1968–1998 cover

Shades 1968–1998

Deep Purple · 1999

313 min · 62 tracks · hard rock · progressive rock · psychedelic rock

A sprawling anthology showcasing Deep Purple's evolution from psychedelic rock to heavy metal anthems across three decades.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with peaks
  • wave-like pacing throughout
  • nostalgic reflections on evolution
  • engaging live performance captures
  • deep exploration of themes

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer short standalone tracks
  • seek instant gratification energy

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Starting Point — A comprehensive anthology showcasing the band's evolution and key tracks for new listeners.
Themes
psychedelic beginnings· war's impact· heavy metal evolution
Career context
By the time 'Shades 1968–1998' was released in 1999, Deep Purple had experienced multiple lineup changes and genres shifts since their formation in 1968. This collection arrived shortly after the band’s reunion with classic members and serves as a retrospective of their influential career leading up to their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.
Stylistic neighbors
Led Zeppelin· Black Sabbath· Rainbow
If this clicks, go next to
In Concert with the London Symphony Orchestra — This album features orchestral arrangements, expanding on the diverse sounds in 'Shades'.
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Paranoid by Black Sabbath — Explores heavy metal's roots with thematic depth and a blend of psychedelic elements.
Physical Graffiti by Led Zeppelin — Shares a sprawling, genre-blending approach with both hard rock anthems and progressive experimentation.
Strangers in the Night by UFO — Captures live energy and the evolution of hard rock with a focus on melodic hooks and guitar-driven sound.

Tracklist

New here? Start with "Hush".

Disc 1

  • 1 Hush Start here 4:27
  • 2 Help 6:03
  • 3 Shadows (demo, 1968) 3:30
  • 4 Love Help Me (instrumental demo, 1968) 3:25
  • 5 Kentucky Woman (single version) 4:14
  • 6 Anthem 6:32
  • 7 River Deep, Mountain High (single version) 2:37
  • 8 Emmaretta 3:00
  • 9 The Bird Has Flown (single version) 2:53
  • 10 Hallelujah (I am the Preacher) 3:47
  • 11 Speed King (full length U.K. version) 5:53
  • 12 Child in Time 10:21
  • 13 Cry Free (Roger Glover remix) 3:23
  • 14 Black Night (full‐length U.K. version) 3:27
  • 15 Jam Stew 2:33
  • 16 Into the Fire (live, 1970) 4:20
  • 17 No No No (live, 1971) 7:16

Disc 2

  • 1 Strange Kind of Woman 4:03
  • 2 I’m Alone 3:04
  • 3 Fireball 3:24
  • 4 Demon’s Eye 5:21
  • 5 Anyone’s Daughter 4:45
  • 6 Fools 8:19
  • 7 No One Came 6:27
  • 8 Freedom 3:36
  • 9 Slow Train 5:35
  • 10 Never Before 4:02
  • 11 When a Blind Man Cries 3:34
  • 12 Highway Star 6:09
  • 13 Smoke on the Water 5:42
  • 14 Pictures of Home 5:07
  • 15 Space Truckin’ 4:35
  • 16 Painted Horse 5:15

Disc 3

  • 1 Smoke on the Water (live, 1972) 7:13
  • 2 Lazy (live, 1972) 10:34
  • 3 Woman From Tokyo 5:50
  • 4 Mary Long 4:26
  • 5 Super Trouper 2:56
  • 6 Smooth Dancer 4:11
  • 7 Burn 6:02
  • 8 Might Just Take Your Life 4:39
  • 9 Sail Away 5:51
  • 10 Coronarias Redig 4:55
  • 11 Stormbringer 4:08
  • 12 Hold On 5:09
  • 13 Lady Double Dealer (live, 1975) 4:17
  • 14 Gettin’ Tighter 3:37
  • 15 Comin’ Home 3:53

Disc 4

  • 1 Knocking at Your Back Door 7:07
  • 2 Perfect Strangers 5:28
  • 3 Son of Alerik (7″ single version) 5:28
  • 4 Call of the Wild 4:53
  • 5 Bad Attitude (single version) 4:03
  • 6 Hard Lovin’ Woman (live, 1987) 4:05
  • 7 Hush ’88 (live, 1988) 3:32
  • 8 King of Dreams (single version) 4:50
  • 9 Fire in the Basement 4:43
  • 10 Slow Down Sister 5:58
  • 11 The Battle Rages On 5:57
  • 12 Anya (live, 1993) 12:11
  • 13 A Castle Full of Rascals 5:11
  • 14 Seventh Heaven 5:23

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata