Review by MartinDavey87 for Deep Purple - Fireball (1971)

Released in 1971, ‘Fireball’ is the fifth studio album by British hard rock legends Deep Purple. After dabbling in psychedelic, orchestras, and heavy metal, the band are back to their hard rock, blues-inspired jamming. This is by no means a bad album, but fans seem a bit divided on this one, which is probably no surprise, as its position in Purple’s discography sits between two of their most iconic albums, ‘In Rock’ and ‘Machine Head’.

This is the third album to feature the classic Purple line-up, commonly referred to as “Mark 2”, and at this point there is an incredible chemistry between everyone. Each member displays remarkable prowess on their respective instrument, and it’s this dazzling musicianship and song-writing that really puts them at the top of the hard rock and heavy metal world.

Particular praise goes to guitarist Ritchie Blackmore and vocalist Ian Gillan. Both members put on incredible and highly versatile performances. Both men are leaps and bounds above other guitarists and vocalists of the day.

Still, while this may not be anyone’s favourite Purple record, it does have a fair share of fantastic tunes! In particular, we have rockers like ‘Fireball’, ‘No One Came’ and ‘Demon’s Eye’, catchy andhumorous tracks like ‘Anyone’s Daugher’, and the big rock epic ‘Fools’. Later reissues of the album would feature great outtakes such as ‘Freedom’, and one of my favourite Deep Purple songs, ‘Strange Kind of Woman’.

‘Fireball’ may not have the same legacy and reputation as albums like ‘Machine Head’ and ‘In Rock’, but some great songs and musicianship warrants its place in anyone’s hard rock or heavy metal collection.