Is Who Do We Think We Are a good place to start with Deep Purple?

Yes, Who Do We Think We Are is recommended as a starting point for new Deep Purple listeners. A dynamic fusion of hard rock and progressive elements, defined by intricate musicianship and powerful vocal performances. Released in January 1973, Who Do We Think We Are is Deep Purple's seventh studio album and the last with their classic lineup before a significant lineup change. Following the success of Machine Head, this album aimed to build on their established sound while showcasing new directions.

Who is Who Do We Think We Are for?

Who Do We Think We Are works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, dynamic emotional journeys and wave-like pacing throughout.

How many songs are on Who Do We Think We Are?

Who Do We Think We Are has 14 tracks, running approximately 72 minutes.

Who Do We Think We Are

Deep Purple · 1973

72 min · 14 tracks · hard rock

A dynamic fusion of hard rock and progressive elements, defined by intricate musicianship and powerful vocal performances.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Woman From Tokyo Start here — This track stands out as one of Deep Purple's most commercially successful songs, balancing catchy melodies with heavy riffs that exemplify the band's signature style.
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Mary Long — With its driving rhythm and sharp lyrics critiquing the music industry, this song reflects the band's frustrations and showcases their lyrical depth.
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Rat Bat Blue — This track features complex time signatures and an improvisational feel, highlighting the band's prowess in blending hard rock with progressive elements.

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 hard rock with progressive elements, showcasing strong musicianship but lacks overall cohesion.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature a consistent hard rock tempo, while the fourth track introduces a slower groove that contrasts with the opening.

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

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

long, immersive listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
wave-like pacing throughout
layered, dense sonic textures

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — It solidified Deep Purple's status after the success of 'Machine Head'.
Themes: music industry critique· Tokyo nights· fame's pressures
Moods: Nostalgic· Introspective
Career context: Released in January 1973, Who Do We Think We Are is Deep Purple's seventh studio album and the last with their classic lineup before a significant lineup change. Following the success of Machine Head, this album aimed to build on their established sound while showcasing new directions.
Stylistic neighbors: Led Zeppelin· Black Sabbath· Rainbow