Deep Purple Mark 2. The Secret of the Outstanding Success
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Mark 2 Symmetrical Charm: Seven Songs Per Album
This article is about Deep Purple’s Mark 2.
Well, I’m kidding about the secret.
But you have to admit: no matter how good other albums are: “Burn”, “Stormbringer” or “Perfect Strangers” to name a few.
Here is what I have found:
Deep Purple’s Mark 2 lineup, consisting of:
Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Jon Lord, and Ian Paice,
is often hailed as the powerhouse that propelled the band to new heights.
This article is about Deep Purple’s Mark 2.
Well, I’m kidding about the secret.
But you have to admit: no matter how good other albums are: “Burn”, “Stormbringer” or “Perfect Strangers” to name a few.
Here is what I have found:
Deep Purple’s Mark 2 lineup, consisting of:
Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Jon Lord, and Ian Paice,
is often hailed as the powerhouse that propelled the band to new heights.
Seven Songs, One Symphony: Album Structure
The first noteworthy commonality is the album structure itself. Each of these iconic albums comprises exactly seven songs. A seemingly simple detail, yet it adds a symmetrical beauty to their discography. This deliberate choice might have been a subtle nod to balance, a conscious decision to craft a cohesive musical journey through precisely seven chapters.
Opening Statements: High-Energy Kickoffs
Moving to the opening tracks, it’s hard to ignore the adrenaline-pumping energy of the chosen hits:
- “Speed King” (“In Rock”)
- “Fireball” (“Fireball”)
- “Highway Star” (“Machine Head”)
- “Woman From Tokyo” (“Who Do We Think We Are”).
Each album kicks off with a statement. This consistency in selecting powerhouse openers not only sets the tone but also showcases the band’s ability to grab the listener’s attention from the first note.
I don’t want to say here that any of the consequent albums are not starting with similar hits (“Burn”, “Stormbringer”, “Comin’ Home”). But this post is about “Great Four” of Mark 2 commonalities (OK, “Great 3½” for those who don’t recognize “Who Do We Think We Are” as an outstanding album.).
Magnum Opus Moments: Epic Centerpieces
- “Child In Time” (“In Rock”) 10:17
- “Fools” (“Fireball”) 8:21
- “Lazy” (“Machine Head”) 7:19
- “Place In Line” (“Who Do We Think We Are”) 6:29.
These tracks are not just songs; they are journeys, taking the listener on a ride through the intricate minds of the musicians.
A Delicate Thread: Patterns in Mark 2 Artistry
While one might dismiss these commonalities as mere quirks, it’s hard to deny the intriguing pattern that emerges. The choice of seven songs, the consistently high-energy openers, and the presence of a magnum opus in each album paint a picture of intentionality. Deep Purple’s Mark 2 era appears to be a carefully crafted sonic experience, a testament to the artistic synergy of its members.
Subtle Nuances: The 'Great Four' Commonalities
Now, I won’t delve into conspiracy theories or superstitions, but there’s an undeniable allure in recognizing these patterns. It’s almost as if the band, consciously or not, wove a thread of consistency through their work, creating a unique identity for the Mark 2 era. Whether it was a stroke of serendipity or a deliberate artistic choice, these commonalities undoubtedly contribute to the enduring legacy of Deep Purple.
Simply Deep Purple Mark 2: A Great Band's History
In conclusion, the Mark 2 albums stand as a cornerstone in Deep Purple’s history, solidifying their status as a great band. Beyond the technical prowess and musical innovation, it’s the subtle nuances, the “Great Four” commonalities I’ve highlighted, that add an extra layer of magic to their discography. The rest is the great history of an even greater band.
