Perfect Strangers Songs Ranked

Perfect Strangers is the eleventh studio album by the British rock band Deep Purple, released in 29 October 1984. It was the most successful album recorded by the reformed ‘Mark II’ line-up. The CD and cassette versions of the album contained the extra track “Not Responsible” (which contains the lyric “I’ve got no ticket, but I’m gonna take a fucking ride”, making it a rare example of profanity in a Deep Purple song). The album was remastered and reissued on 22 June 1999 with the bonus instrumental track “Son of Alerik”. The latter had previously been available as a B-side on the single “Perfect Strangers” in 1984. The album was a commercial success, reaching #5 in the UK charts and #17 on the Billboard 200 in the US. Perfect Strangers was only the second Deep Purple studio album to be certified platinum in the United States, following 1972’s Machine Head.^[5] The tour was so successful that the band had to book many additional dates to the U.S. arena tour, as tickets sold out very quickly. Their U.S. tour in 1985 out-grossed every artist that year except Bruce Springsteen. Here are all of Perfect Strangers’ songs ranked.

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8. Wasted Sunsets

“A slow tune with little evidence of rhythm guitar, that becomes a showcase for Blackmore’s winding and emotional solo guitar work. Gillan’s tight emotional vocal performance helps propel the song that shows the band’s sensitive side.”

7. A Gypsy’s Kiss

“Speedy and energetic, A Gypsy’s Kiss is one of the album’s highlights. Lord’s organ is predominate leading into the classically influenced solo break, which is a masterful fusion of Blackmore’s guitar and Lord’s Hammond. This is the magical interplay that had been missing for so long.”

6. Nobody’s Home

“Gillan’s snarling vocals highlight the percussion heavy Nobody’s Home, a bouncy song that features some unusual tempos and rhythms. This is creative stuff, with Blackmore’s teaser leading into Lord’s organ solo, leaving Ritchie with an extended outro solo.”

See more: Deep Purple Albums Ranked

5. Mean Streak

“Mean Streak is also aggressive, and features an extended guitar solo, but still seems to lack a spark. The title track Perfect Strangers is kind of like Purple’s version of Kashmir. The main riff is simple and repetitive, and doesn’t give Gillan much room, but he makes it work. The secondary main theme that finishes off the tune is very solid and rhythmic, giving the tune an atmosphere of mystery and adventure.”

4. Hungry Daze

“Hungry Daze is another aggressive tune with some speed and momentum, where the band keeps things interesting by changing tempos in the middle. A bonus track when the album was first issued on CD, featuring some spicy guitar playing, Not Responsible should have been on the original vinyl record. Son Of Alerik, is a second bonus track added in subsequent editions of the CD. It is a meandering bluesy instrumental reminiscent of the kind of spacey live jams Deep Purple was known for in the 1970’s, with Lord and Blackmore trading leads. It’s cool to have, though it may not quite fit in with tone of the rest of the songs.”

See more: Deep Purple Songs Ranked

3. Under the Gun

“The audio assault continues with Under The Gun, an aggressive track with plenty of Lord’s organ, Glover’s bass, and Paice’s always steady drumming. As in the past, when Blackmore’s enthusiasm for playing rhythm wanes a bit, the others step up to fill the void. Blackmore does delivers more blistering lead work, as his guitar wails and moans on this track.”

2. Knocking at Your Back Door

“Knocking At Your Back Door, opens with Lord’s ominous organ, leading to an unusual “snake charmer” type chord progression. It’s the same Purple sound, but the quality and depth of musicianship has grown. Blackmore is busy playing some chunky rhythm fills and his solo doesn’t come until the 3:40 mark. It’s dark, mean, and nasty, stinging like a whip.”

1. Perfect Strangers

“The title track Perfect Strangers is kind of like Purple’s version of Kashmir. The main riff is simple and repetitive, and doesn’t give Gillan much room, but he makes it work. The secondary main theme that finishes off the tune is very solid and rhythmic, giving the tune an atmosphere of mystery and adventure.”