Like Mr. Universe, Glory Road put to shame many of the albums Deep Purple recorded after Ian Gillan's departure. Play this album next to Purple's post-Gillan 1975 release Come Taste the Band, and it becomes clear just how superior some of Gillan's solo albums were. Those who like Gillan for melodic yet blistering heavy metal won't be disappointed by "Sleeping on the Job," "Unchain Your Brain," and other inspired, high-octane rockers. A few years later, Gillan would experiment with elements of jazz fusion and R&B/funk, but on Glory Road it is his love of metal and balls-to-the-wall rock that wins out. Next to Mr. Universe, this was Gillan's best studio date.