Anthem

Album: The Book Of Taliesyn (1968)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Co-written by vocalist Rod Evans and keyboard player Jon Lord - who also arranged the strings - "Anthem" is a very fine lachrymosal ballad about love lost. Running to 6 minutes 31 seconds, it is the second track on the band's second album, The Book Of Taliesyn. With Evans sounding like Elvis, and Ritchie Blackmore contributing a timely lead guitar solo, this is further evidence - as if any were needed - that Deep Purple would have been just as big if they had not changed the line up after their eponymous third album, although their particular brand of progressive rock would have taken them in an entirely different, and some would say entirely more fascinating direction. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England

Comments: 1

  • Curtis NewrllThe first three albums by Purple are Great symphonic rock. They might not have been as popular, if they would have went in the progressive direction, but they definitely would have been more interesting!!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

Producer Ron Nevison

Producer Ron NevisonSong Writing

Ron Nevison explains in very clear terms the Quadrophenia concept and how Heart staged their resurgence after being dropped by their record company.

Black Sabbath

Black SabbathFact or Fiction

Dwarfs on stage with an oversize Stonehenge set? Dabbling in Satanism? Find out which Spinal Tap-moments were true for Black Sabbath.

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")Song Writing

Director Mark Pellington on Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," and music videos he made for U2, Jon Bon Jovi and Imagine Dragons.

Al Kooper

Al KooperSongwriter Interviews

Kooper produced Lynyrd Skynyrd, played with Dylan and the Stones, and formed BS&T.

Bob Daisley

Bob DaisleySongwriter Interviews

Bob was the bass player and lyricist for the first two Ozzy Osbourne albums. Here's how he wrote songs like "Crazy Train" and "Mr. Crowley" with Ozzy and Randy Rhoads.