Mr. Universe

Leading his own bands in the late 1970s and early '80s, Ian Gillan continued to embrace music that, not surprisingly, was heavily influenced by his former band, Deep Purple. And he never sounded more Purple-ish than he does on Mr. Universe, which isn't quite on a par with Purple's Burn but is stronger than many of the albums the outfit had recorded after Gillan's departure (some of which were quite disappointing). This is Gillan at his most aggressive and passionately rockin'. Those with fond memories of his work with Purple will appreciate the testosterone-driven energy of "Vengeance," "Roller" and "Message In a Bottle." When Metal Blade reissued this excellent heavy metal/hard rock album on CD in the early 1990s, five bonus tracks were added, including ballsy live versions of "Vengeance," Purple's "Smoke on the Water" and the dramatic "On the Rocks." Headbangers shouldn't overlook this one. — Alex Henderson.