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Rating: A new lineup change occurs with the release of this "Slaves And Masters." Thus, the fifth formation, or mark, of Deep Purple takes shape. Produced by Roger Glover and released in 1990, "Slaves And Masters" features a familiar voice to Rainbow fans: Joe Lynn Turner. As anticipated in the previous review, Gillan is, so to speak, amicably dismissed. Having been engaged with Glover in the production and promotion of "Accidentally On Purpose" for two years, he prefers to dedicate himself entirely to his work and leave the Purples to their own devices. Glover was also supposed to follow him, but partly due to the album's failure and partly because the remaining members couldn't find a bassist of the same level, he quickly returns to the band. Tuner is a competent singer, but one I never liked. In my opinion, he marked the stylistic downfall of Rainbow towards a more radio-friendly sound, clarifying, however, that Rainbow was only doing what the Man In Black ordered. The downfall also occurs on this album. "Slaves And Masters" is an AOR album that disappoints Deep Purple fans, as it takes on a shamelessly commercial guise. If we add a series of lyrics centered on a very unusual theme and quite outside the band's standard, then the result is obvious. "King Of Dreams" opens the show. In reality, this track is of good quality, despite being very "polished," containing a melodic refrain that suits Turner's distinctive voice well. The following "The Cut Runs Deep" is good hard rock introduced by an excellent piano phrase by Mr. Lord. Nothing to say about "Fire At Basement" which seems like "Lazy" presented a tone higher: pure craftsmanship. With "Love Conquers All" and "Truth Hurts," the Deep gives us two tracks that can be defined as unworthy. It's pointless to underscore again that these are lyrics centered around passionate themes, but most importantly, the first song is disgraceful for Deep's trademark. It sounds like a Bon Jovi piece or any other artist you can think of dedicated to horrific ballads that strongly pander to the most commercial pop there is. "Breakfast In Bed" and "Fortuneteller" remain quite anonymous. Strangely, the album gains a little in the end with a rock track "Too Much Is Not Enough," the only song written solely by Turner in addition to other unknown characters to me named Held and Greenwood. And especially with the concluding "Wicked Ways," I catch my breath a bit and refrain from breaking anything close by due to disappointment with the CD. The aforementioned track is reminiscent of Rainbow as they were in the '80s, but in comparison to previous pieces, this is a much-appreciated work. What can I say? This is one of the few absolutely avoidable albums in Deep Purple's discography. I wouldn't recommend it even if you're in depression due to emotional issues.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
04 Fortuneteller (05:45)
Cast your eyes into the crystal
Deep inside the mystery
Is that a vision of a lonely man
I fear it looks a lot like me
Is that a man without a woman
Whose empty life is but a shell
Empty hearts will echo
Forever in the wishing well
Fortuneteller
You've got to help me find an end to the nightmare
'Cause I can't stand this pain and the curse of time
Somewhere in your eyes I'll find the answer
Give me the truth I've been looking for
Be my guiding light, I'll take my chances
Turn the card, seal my fate, close the door
Some days come with a vengeance
Some days I feel so bad
The mirror holds no secrets
I lost the best thing that I had
Fortuneteller
Can you help me to see, is there an end to the sorrow
Or was this slow ride to nowhere always meant to be
Somewhere in your eyes I'll find the answer
Give me the truth I've been looking for
Be my guiding light, I'll take my chances
Turn the card, seal my fate, close the door
She always taking more than she'd need
But we were both to blame somehow
In the heat of the moment I told her to leave
I guess I lost more than I found
But I remember ...
05 Truth Hurts (05:14)
You know my will is broken
You've got my heart on hold
I'm lying here in pieces, so cold
It gets so hard to handle
All the things you need to say
But I guess I heard it all before anyway
Is love such a blessing or a curse
Either way
Truth hurts
Well there'll be no more running
Now I've got you face to face
I want to know who you've been loving in my place
You say I had it coming
Try to hold my head up high
Love gave me wings and left me paralyzed
There's nothing left alive
As we watch the spirits die
The world keeps turning
My heart keeps learning
Do you know where the guilty sleep
Babe I've got my pride
Somehow I will survive
The world keeps turning
My heart keeps learning
Do you know where the lonely sleep tonight
Another fallen angel
How far I just can't tell
Living without love is a living hell
Why is love such a blessing or a curse
Baby either way
Truth hurts
Babe I've got my pride
Somehow I will survive
My heart keeps learning
Don't know which is worse
But one thing that I know
Truth hurts
08 Too Much Is Not Enough (04:19)
You're so extreme, you're super heavy
You're one step over the line
Not what you seem, don't try and tell me
I know what's really on your mind
Once you get started you're out of control
Don't play that sweet and innocent with me girl
I know you know you want to rock and roll
But I got just what you need
I, I want to feel your love
Too much is not enough
I, I want to feel your touch
Too much is not enough
You've got it bad, you're hopelessly addicted
You're always searching for the cure
Love is the crime, you stand convicted
You keep on coming back for more
Come on admit it, you're over the top
That song and dance won't work with me girl
You just can't quit it, don't know when to stop
But I got the remedy
I, I want to feel your love
Too much is not enough
I, I want to feel your touch
Too much is not enough
Baby stop wasting time
And let me know that you're mine
I need to feel your embrace
How much can I take
09 Wicked Ways (06:35)
You're so hot, you're so cool
I can see that you're nobody's fool
Now tell me am I coming through
It's too late, I can't wait
Believe it's gonna be a big mistake
But I'm tempted to believe in you
I don't want to run and I don't want to fight
I just want to be the one you love tonight
Unclose my eyes, let it be
Bring on the band of angels from the great divide
I'll never get to heaven so take me for a ride
Fruit on the tree is shaking, my mind is in a daze
I just want a taste of your love
And learn your wicked ways
You're so bad, it feels good
There's so much I never understood
Oh Mama take a look at me now
I'm hung up, strung out
All I want to do is scream and shout your name
Addicted to you somehow
Electric in your touch there's magic in your kiss
You know I never knew that love could feel like this
Unclose my eyes, set me free
Bring on the band of angels from the great divide
I'll never get to heaven so take me for a ride
Fruit on the tree is shaking, my mind is in a daze
I just want a taste of your love
And learn your wicked ways
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