Snapshot

Even though he has produced bands and guested on other artists' records over the years, bassist Roger Glover will forever be best known as a member of Deep Purple. Purple had been his main focus for some time come the early 21st century, but somehow Glover also found the time to issue a solo album, Snapshot, in 2002. Despite hard rock/heavy metal having long been Purple's musical preference, Snapshot turns out to be a major left turn for Glover, as a variety of non-headbanging styles are included -- funk (the album-opening "My Turn"), reggae ("Burn Me Up Slowly"), folk-meets-soul-rock ("Queen of England"), and blues ("It's Only Life"). Although the album is credited to Glover, vocalist Randall Bramblett is really the main focus throughout, as he sings on nearly all of the album's tracks -- and has no problem adapting to the various styles. Once upon a time, a solo album by a member of an established rock band usually meant a collection of tunes that didn't exactly fit in with the bandmember's renowned style. And that's exactly what Glover opted to do with Snapshot. — Greg Prato.