PERFECT STRANGERS

Man I wished I owned this back in the eighties, it would have fit perfectly with my eighties Metal albums.This was a comeback album for DEEP PURPLE as the classic lineup was back together after 8 years or so. For fans of the band there seems to be mixed feelings for this one mainly because this sounds nothing like those seventies albums.There is a definite eighties Metal flavour to this album which I really like because I was raised on this shit and I love it. Lord isn't as dominant as on the seventies albums but as Raff says he sort of underpins the music in a powerful way. At times I would descibe the organ as floating in the background. Everyone is in fine form here especially Gillan.

"Knocking At Your Back Door" is a top three track for sure. I like how it builds to start then it settles into the main groove with vocals. Organ in the background here. A guitar solo from Blackmore before 4 minutes.The bass is prominant late with guitar and organ. "Under The Gun" is another top three tune for me.This has a powerful sound to it with organ. A guitar solo before 2 minutes shakes things up.The vocals are great ! A catchy rocker. "Nobody's Home" sounds like it has cow bell in it, and the vocals remind me of Brian Johnson's at times. Cool section 2 minutes in as we get a guitar solo followed by an organ solo.

"Mean Streak" has humerous lyrics and a strong 80's Metal flavour. I like the guitar before 4 minutes. "Perfect Strangers" is the other top three. Amazing tune that opens with some nasty organ then it kicks in heavily with vocals which are almost Dio-like at times. Love the organ or synths in the final minute too. "A Gypsey's Kiss" is a fan favourite. It picks up quickly as it turns uptempo with vocals. A heavy beat with organ leads the way. It's Blackmore's turn after 2 1/2 minutes. "Wasted Sunsets" is mid-paced with passionate vocals and some emotional guitar.The organ floats throughout. "Hungry Daze" is where Gillan sounds like Johnson again at times. A catchy beat to this one. "Not Responsible" reminds me of early AEROSMITH everytime they slow it down. Blackmore is lighting it up late.

A great comeback album that easily blows their first 3 albums out of the water.