"Turning to Crime" is a studio album by the British rock band Deep Purple, released on November 26, 2021. Unique within their discography, this album is composed entirely of cover songs, marking the first time Deep Purple has created an album that does not include any original material. This record features the band's reinterpretations of classics and deep cuts from various artists and genres, reflecting their diverse musical influences.
The album was produced by Bob Ezrin, a renowned producer who has worked with Deep Purple on their recent projects, adding continuity and familiarity to the production process. "Turning to Crime" was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the members recording their parts separately, a departure from their usual collaborative studio sessions. The limitations imposed by the pandemic challenged the band to explore music that had shaped them as artists, resulting in a collection that pays homage to their musical roots.
Deep Purple's choice to interpret and reinvent these well-known tracks reflects their adventurous spirit and willingness to explore new musical directions even decades into their career. The album was received well by fans and critics for its energetic performances and the band's ability to imprint their distinct sound on classic tracks while honoring the original compositions.
