What Came Next...Deep Purple ”Who Do We Think We Are”

Machine Head was the culmination of everything Deep Purple had worked for since reinventing themselves on Deep Purple in Rock. The 1972 album spawned a hit single in "Smoke on the Water" and became a heavy metal classic. At the time the band were on par with Led Zeppelin in terms of popularity. However, a worldwide tour, followed by label and management pressure to immediately return to the studio to make a follow-up to Machine Head, resulted in an album that sounds tired and increased tensions within the band. After an abortive tour this version of Deep Purple would not work together again until 1984.