Whoosh! is the twenty-first studio album by English rock bandDeep Purple, released on 7 August 2020.[4][5] Although he appeared on their next albumTurning to Crime, this is the last studio album of original material to feature longtime guitaristSteve Morse, who left the band in July 2022.
The group collaborated with producerBob Ezrin, who had also worked on their previous two albums. They enjoyed the recording and production. Its release was promoted by a series of press statements from singerIan Gillan, such as "Another album?! Whoosh?!! Gordon Bennett!!!".[6] He explained the album's title was chosen for itsonomatopoeic qualities, and "when viewed through one end of a radio-telescope, describes the transient nature of humanity on Earth".[7] He also said fans should simply listen to the album as an enjoyable experience.[7]
The album was originally set to be released on 12 June 2020, but was later postponed due to theCOVID-19 pandemic.[8] Gillan said that was because distribution lines for physical media should wait until lockdowns eased and restrictions lifted.[6]
Three songs from the album were released as digital singles, beginning with "Throw My Bones".[1] The third, "Nothing at All", deals with the themes ofMother Nature, man's response toclimate change and - in its accompanying music video -plastic pollution.
The instrumental "And the Address" first appeared as the opening track on the band's 1968 debut albumShades of Deep Purple. The only musician to feature on both recordings was drummerIan Paice.[9]
The album is divided into "Act 1" (tracks 1 to 6) and "Act 2" (tracks 7 to 12), with "Dancing In My Sleep" being a bonus track present on all editions. However, the double LP does not abide by this division, as "What the What" is the last track on side 2.
There is also a CD+DVD "limited edition" (inmediabook packaging) that includes a full performance ofLive At Hellfest 2017 (92 min), and "Roger Glover and Bob Ezrin in conversation (60 min)." This is also included in theWhoosh Box Set.[10]
The album received generally favourable reviews.[11] Several publications noticed the album contained relatively short tracks and praised the economical songwriting style.[12][9] A review inNME said the album sounded nothing like contemporary music of 2020, but suggested that "maybe that's a good thing".[7]
With a peak position of number 4, it was the band's highest-charting studio album in the United Kingdom for 46 years.
^"Czech Albums – Top 100".ČNS IFPI.Note: On the chart page, select33.Týden 2020 on the field besides the words "CZ – ALBUMS – TOP 100" to retrieve the correct chart. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
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