FIREBALL

Blackmore reckons this album was a misfire, then he would because this was a return to the more progressive style that was evident on Deep Purple. Only the title track is an all out rocker (and what a rocker!). Anyones daughter is a complete revelation, with Gillan's lyrics truely inspriing. They never did anything that off the wall again. The Mule has some of Paice's most propulsive drumming and Fools features some light and dark passages. Blackmore's solo in particular has a very haunting feel. Right from the bass intro of No One Came you know that this track is special. Great lyrics again from Gillan.

The 25th anniversay remaster is the version to own, in addition to the original album there are a couple of album out takes in Freedom and Slow Train and two singles, Strange Kind of Woman and I'm Alone. These four songs are very strong also.

Set the stage for their next effort, 4.5 stars again.