Abandon

"Abandon" is the sixteenth studio album by the legendary English rock band Deep Purple, released in 1998. This album carries a significant weight as it marked the last studio recording featuring founding member and keyboardist Jon Lord before he retired from the band in 2002.

One of the intriguing aspects of "Abandon" is its title, which is a clever play on words. It can be read as "A Band On," highlighting Deep Purple's persistence and ongoing journey, despite being in the music scene for three decades by that point.

Musically, "Abandon" showcases a heavier and more hard-edged sound compared to its predecessor, "Purpendicular." This is partly due to guitarist Steve Morse, who joined the band prior to the previous album, bringing his unique style and revitalizing energy to the group. Tracks like "Any Fule Kno That" and "Seventh Heaven" display this intensified sound, blending classic rock elements with more contemporary influences.

An interesting tidbit about the album is its closing track, "Bludsucker," which is a re-recorded version of "Bloodsucker" from their 1970 "In Rock" album. This revisitation gives fans a glimpse of how the band’s sound evolved over nearly three decades.

Though "Abandon" did not achieve the commercial success of their earlier works, it holds a special place in Deep Purple's discography, showcasing their ability to adapt and experiment even years into their illustrious career. It's a testament to their enduring legacy and resilience as pioneers of rock music.