Following the departure of long-time singer Ian Gillan in 1989 due to creative tensions within the band, Deep Purple turned to Turner, who had previously worked with guitarist Ritchie Blackmore in Rainbow. This collaboration had the potential to rekindle some of the energy of their Rainbow years, but it also led to a sonic shift that some fans found jarring. Nevertheless, Slaves and Masters still contains many hallmarks of the Deep Purple soundโBlackmoreโs fiery guitar solos, Jon Lordโs majestic keyboard work, and Ian Paiceโs tight, energetic drumming.
The album opens with the track โKing of Dreams,โ a smooth, radio-friendly single that showcases Turnerโs powerful vocals and Blackmoreโs slick guitar work. The song was released as a single and received moderate airplay, although it failed to become a major hit. Other standout tracks include โThe Cut Runs Deep,โ which carries a darker tone and features extended instrumental passages, and โLove Conquers All,โ a power ballad that leans into Turnerโs more emotive style.
Commercially, Slaves and Masters had a mixed reception. In the United States, it reached #87 on the Billboard 200 and was generally better received in parts of Europe and Japan. Critics were divided; while some praised the polished production and musicianship, others criticized the album for lacking the raw energy and distinctive identity of Deep Purpleโs earlier work. Many die-hard fans also felt disconnected due to the absence of Gillanโs iconic vocals.
Despite its lukewarm reception, the album represents an important experiment in the bandโs evolution. It also reflects the complex interpersonal dynamics within Deep Purple during this period, particularly the tension between artistic direction and commercial pressures. After the subsequent tour, the band opted to bring Ian Gillan back into the lineup, effectively ending Turnerโs brief tenure.
In retrospect, Slaves and Masters is often viewed as a curious outlier in the Deep Purple catalogโpolished and professional, yet not quite representative of the bandโs quintessential style. For listeners open to a more melodic, late-โ80s rock flavor, the album offers moments of intrigue and standout performances, particularly from Blackmore and Lord.
Today, Slaves and Masters remains a divisive yet fascinating entry in Deep Purpleโs discography, notable both for its lineup and its attempt to navigate changing musical landscapes at the dawn of the 1990s.
