Who Do We Think We Are

The final album to feature the classic ‘70s lineup of Deep Purple until 1984’s comeback album *Perfect Strangers*, *Who Do You Think We Are* shows what a band in conflict can still accomplish, even with egos clashing. Granted—considering the high level the band had been operating on since 1970’s *Deep Purple in Rock*—only “Woman From Tokyo” (with its killer Ritchie Blackmore riff guiding its way) ranks at the top of their game. Ian Gillan’s lyrics here appear to be trivializing the great musical performances. “Mary Long,” for example, reads like a hilarious parody of ‘70s hard rock, while the playing is tight and superb. “Super Trouper” throws Blackmore and organist Jon Lord into a syncopated groove that continues through the jamming “Rat Bat Blue.” “Our Lady” ensures they end things not on a generic note but with a suitable send-off for the band’s best lineup. Reissues of this album come with recent remixes that alter the sound of the album considerably. Loyalists will be shocked, while newcomers may find it more engaging.

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.