Deep Purple

Deep Purple had kicked off the '70s with a new lineup and a string of brilliant albums that quickly established them (along with fellow British giants Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath) as a major force in the popularization of hard rock and heavy metal. All the while, their reputation as one of the decade's fiercest live units complemented this body of work and earned them almost instant legendary status. In 1973, the band released Who Do We Think We Are, the fourth and final studio outing by the original run of Deep Purple's classic Mark II lineup. The opener, "Woman From Tokyo," hinted at glories past with its signature Ritchie Blackmore riff. The start-stop rhythm and Ian Gillan's fine scat singing on the energetic "Rat Bat Blue" is also memorable. [The 2000 reissue adds new liner notes by bassist Roger Glover and seven new bonus tracks: two different takes of "Woman From Tokyo," two different takes of "Rat Bat Blue," the instrumental "First Day Jam," the outtake "Painted Horse," and a remake of "Our Lady."] ~ Ed Rivadavia, All Music Guide