Deep Purple has significantly remixed and expanded their album Rapture of the Deep, two decades after its initial release, bringing new life to this often-overlooked LP. This marks their fourth studio album since Steve Morse took over from Ritchie Blackmore, and the second since Don Airey stepped in for Jon Lord. Fans of the band will appreciate this fresh take on a record that carries substantial weight in their discography.
The highly anticipated reissue is set to launch on August 29 in various formats, including CD Digipak, digital</b download, and both 3LP black 180-gram vinyl and a limited-edition 3LP transparent sky-blue vinyl. For an exclusive preview, check out the complete track listing and listen to the newly remixed 20th anniversary version of the song “Junkyard Blues” below, which showcases the band’s evolution over the years.
At the time of its original release, Deep Purple had just parted ways with EMI following a two-album stint that included 1998’s Abandon and 2003’s Bananas, both of which failed to chart in the U.S. Eventually, Rapture of the Deep found a home on Germany’s Edel label, managing to reach the Top 20 in several countries, including Austria, Switzerland, and Germany.
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Despite the international success, Deep Purple struggled to break into the Top 75 in their home country, the U.K., and the album once again did not register on the U.S. charts. This lack of recognition was frustrating for the band, especially given the depth of their talent and the quality of their work.
“We were navigating through a challenging period when we began the songwriting and production for Rapture of the Deep,” reflects long-time bassist Roger Glover in the new liner notes package. “Interestingly, we found ourselves without a record company at that time. Honestly, we felt a bit lost in the music industry.” This candid acknowledgment gives fans an intimate look into the band’s struggles during the creative process.
In light of these challenges, Glover dedicated himself to creating a new mix, which was analog-mastered at Chameleon Studios in Hamburg. The reissue now boasts a bonus CD/LP featuring previously unreleased instrumental takes and studio rehearsals, offering fans rare insights into the band’s intricate songwriting process. A standout track is “Closing Note,” a previously unheard song from the album sessions by Morse, which adds to the allure of this comprehensive reissue.
The reissue also features updated artwork that breathes new life into the album’s visual presentation. Today, Glover argues passionately, “It’s a new album now to me,” emphasizing the transformative nature of this remastered release.
Deep Purple’s ‘Rapture of the Deep’ Reissue Track Listing
CD/LP:
“Money Talks”
“Things I Never Said”*
“Rapture of the Deep”
“Clearly Quite Absurd”
“MTV”*
“Back to Back”
“Wrong Man”
“Girls Like That”
“Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye”
“Don’t Let Go”
“Junkyard Blues”
“Before Time Again”
*Not included in the original album
Bonus LP/CD
(2005 studio jams and rehearsals)
“MTV”
“Money Talks”
“Back to Back”
“Before Time Began”
“Closing Note”
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Gallery Credit: Allison Rapp
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