Woman from Tokyo
View on Wikipedia| "Woman from Tokyo" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Deep Purple | ||||
| from the album Who Do We Think We Are | ||||
| B-side |
| |||
| Released | February 1973 | |||
| Recorded | July 1972 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 5:48 | |||
| Label | Purple | |||
| Songwriters | ||||
| Producer | Deep Purple | |||
| Deep Purple singles chronology | ||||
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"Woman from Tokyo" is a song by English rock band Deep Purple. It was first released on their 1973 album Who Do We Think We Are, and later as a single in various territories. A UK-release was planned for February 1973, but was cancelled.
The song was featured on the 2011 DVD Deep Purple with Orchestra – Live in Montreux where Deep Purple Mark VIII (Gillan, Paice, Glover, Morse, Airey) with a full symphony orchestra conducted by Stephen Bentley-Klein.[2]
Background
[edit]Deep Purple was one of the first rock bands to perform in Japan in the early 1970s. As a tribute, the band wrote the song "Woman from Tokyo." It was one of the final songs to feature singer Ian Gillan, who departed in 1973 to pursue a solo career.[3] The song features Japanese imagery such as "the rising sun" and "an Eastern dream," and its lyrics are about a Japanese woman whose charms fascinate the narrator. "Woman from Tokyo" grew to be one of the band's most popular songs and received heavy radio airplay. Despite this, the band did not include the song into their live set at the time, and only began playing the song when they reformed in 1984.[4]
The admiration of Deep Purple for progressive rock is reflected in the long dreamy break that occupies the middle of the track.[3] This break appears only on the album version and is missing from the single, which explains the sharp difference in duration between the versions.
Reception
[edit]Cash Box called the song "that super driving rocker that everyone will jump on immediately."[5] Cash Box also described it as a "super charged rocker performed with great energy by the kings of electric rock."[6] Record World called it a "cooker" and a "rock 'em sock 'em item."[7]
"Woman from Tokyo" was ranked at number 3 on Ultimate Classic Rock's list of Top 10 Roger Glover songs.[8]
Eduardo Rivadavia of AllMusic said that "Woman from Tokyo" along with "Rat Bat Blue" were the only songs from Who Do We Think We Are that were good. It stated that the song "hinted at glories past with its signature Ritchie Blackmore riff."[9] On the other hand, Alex Henderson of AllMusic writes of the excellence of Machine Head and Who Do We Think We Are when describing Stormbringer.[10]
Chart performance
[edit]"Woman from Tokyo" was a hit, as it reached No. 6 on the Dutch MegaCharts.[1][11] The song peaked at 16 in Germany and 23 in Belgium.[12] It was a modest success in the U.S., reaching No. 60 on the chart there.[4] In Canada, the song reached No. 62 on May 12,[13] and made a re-appearance in October, reaching No. 55 on May 27, 1973.[14]
Release history
[edit]| Region | Date | Ref. |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | February 1973 | [15] |
| Japan | March 1973 | [16] |
| Netherlands | March 1973 | [17] |
| United States | April 1973 | [18] |
| Australia | 31 May 1973 | [19] |
Charts
[edit]| Chart (1973) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia (Kent Music Report)[20] | 92 |
| Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[21] | 23 |
| Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)[21] | 32 |
| Canada (RPM)[14] | 55 |
| Italy (Musica e dischi)[22] | 46 |
| Netherlands (Single Top 100)[21] | 6 |
| US Billboard Hot 100[23] | 60 |
| West Germany (Official German Charts)[21] | 16 |
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Stay Tuned By Stan Cornyn: Loudest Purple – Rhino". Rhino.com.
- ^ "Deep Purple Mk8 news". Deep-purple.net. Retrieved 7 June 2021.
- ^ a b Prato, Greg. "Woman From Tokyo Song Review". AllMusic. Retrieved September 23, 2018.
- ^ a b "Woman from Tokyo Songfacts". Songfacts.com. Retrieved September 23, 2018.
- ^ "CashBox Record Reviews" (PDF). Cash Box. September 8, 1973. p. 16. Retrieved 2021-12-11.
- ^ "CashBox Record Reviews" (PDF). Cash Box. January 27, 1973. p. 18. Retrieved 2021-12-11.
- ^ "Hits of the Week" (PDF). Record World. September 8, 1973. p. 1. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
- ^ "Top 10 Roger Glover Songs". Ultimate Classic Rock. 30 November 2013.
- ^ "Who Do We Think We Are – Deep Purple – Songs, Reviews, Credits – AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved September 23, 2018.
- ^ Henderson, Alex. "Stormbringer". AllMusic. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
- ^ Hung, Steffen. "Deep Purple – Woman From Tokyo". Hitparade.ch. Retrieved 16 August 2018.
- ^ "Deep Purple – Woman From Tokyo". Germancharts.de. Retrieved 7 June 2021.
- ^ "RPM Top 100 Singles - May 12, 1973" (PDF).
- ^ a b "RPM Top 100 Singles - October 27, 1973" (PDF).
- ^ "Suche – Offizielle Deutsche Charts". Offiziellecharts.de. Retrieved June 7, 2025.
- ^ "Deep Purple - Woman From Tokyo". 45cat.com. Retrieved June 7, 2025.
- ^ Hung, Steffen. "Deep Purple - Woman From Tokyo". Hitparade.ch. Retrieved June 7, 2025.
- ^ Strong, Martin Charles (1995). Great Rock Discography. Canongate Press. p. 209. ISBN 978-0-86241-541-9.
- ^ "Deep Purple - Woman From Tokyo". 45cat.com. Retrieved June 7, 2025.
- ^ Australian chart peaks:
- Top 100 (Kent Music Report) singles and albums peaks to 26 June 1988: Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992. Australian Chart Book, St Ives, N.S.W. p. 97. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
- ARIA Chart singles and album peaks (top 50 from 26 June 1988; top 100 from January 1990) to December 2010: Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988-2010. Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia: Moonlight Publishing.
- For "King of Dreams""Bubbling Down Under". 29 October 2021. Retrieved 30 October 2021.
- ^ a b c d "Deep Purple – Woman from Tokyo". ultratop.be.
- ^ "Hit per Interprete". HPI.
- ^ "Chart History: Deep Purple". Billboard.
Woman from Tokyo
View on GrokipediaBackground
Inspiration and Writing
The song "Woman from Tokyo" drew its primary inspiration from Deep Purple's inaugural tour of Japan in August 1972, which positioned the band as one of the pioneering Western hard rock acts to perform extensively in the country during the early 1970s.[1] Although recorded in July 1972—prior to the tour—the track anticipated the band's experiences amid the bustling modernity of Tokyo and its cultural contrasts.[1] This enthusiasm for Japan is reflected in the song's specific imagery, such as the "rising sun" and direct mentions of Tokyo, serving as tributes to Japanese culture and the allure of an "Eastern dream."[1] Credited collectively to the band's lineup of Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Jon Lord, and Ian Paice, the composition emerged during preparations for the 1972 Japanese tour, well before Gillan's resignation letter in December 1972.[5] The song began with a riff by Ritchie Blackmore, with Jon Lord contributing the middle passage.[1] Roger Glover contributed significantly to the closing section, a role underscored by the song's #3 ranking on Ultimate Classic Rock's list of his top 10 compositions.[6] The track was ultimately included on the band's 1973 album Who Do We Think We Are, capturing a moment of creative unity amid internal tensions.[5]Album Context
Who Do We Think We Are is the seventh studio album by the English hard rock band Deep Purple, recorded during a period of significant internal strife that ultimately led to the departure of vocalist Ian Gillan. The sessions took place in July 1972 at the Palazzo del Duca in Rome, Italy, using the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio, with additional recording in October 1972 in Walldorf, near Frankfurt, West Germany.[7] Amid escalating tensions, particularly a feud between Gillan and guitarist Ritchie Blackmore that resulted in them recording vocals and guitar parts separately and not speaking for nearly a year, the album captured the Mark II lineup's final efforts before its dissolution. Gillan submitted his resignation letter in December 1972 but continued performing with the band, giving his last show with Deep Purple in Osaka on June 29, 1973.[7][8] The album was released on January 12, 1973, in the United States by Warner Bros. Records, followed by a February 1973 release in the United Kingdom on the Purple label. It achieved commercial success, peaking at number 4 on the UK Albums Chart and number 15 on the US Billboard 200, and received RIAA gold certification for 500,000 units sold on April 11, 1973—reaching this milestone faster than the band's prior releases such as Machine Head.[9][7][10][11] This performance underscored Deep Purple's enduring popularity despite the creative burnout evident in the album's production.[7] "Woman from Tokyo" serves as the album's opening track, establishing an energetic hard rock tone that aligns with the record's overall style of riff-driven aggression and organ-infused grooves, even as the band navigated its transition from the Mark II era. The song's theme, a tribute to Japan written in anticipation of Deep Purple's groundbreaking 1972 tour there, helped broaden the album's international appeal by evoking the band's growing global fanbase.[7]Musical Composition
Structure and Style
"Woman from Tokyo" exemplifies Deep Purple's hard rock style, incorporating progressive rock influences through its layered arrangement and instrumental flourishes. The song opens with a driving guitar riff crafted by Ritchie Blackmore, which propels the track forward at a tempo of approximately 126 beats per minute, creating an infectious, high-energy momentum.[1] This riff serves as the cornerstone of the composition, blending raw power with melodic hooks characteristic of the band's sound during their classic Mark II era. The structure adheres to a straightforward verse-chorus form, yet the album version extends to 5:28, featuring an extended instrumental break that showcases a piano solo by Jon Lord, infusing progressive elements with improvisational flair. In contrast, the single edit clocks in at 2:47, trimming the progressive interlude to streamline the track for radio audiences while retaining the core riff and vocal sections. Composed primarily in E major, the song demonstrates dynamic shifts, moving from the upbeat, riff-driven verses to a heavier bridge that amplifies the intensity before resolving back into the chorus.[12][13][1] These musical choices reflect Deep Purple's ability to merge their blues-rock roots—evident in the gritty guitar tone and rhythmic groove—with the bombastic, expansive style that defined their live performances and studio output. The arrangement's balance of accessibility and complexity underscores the track's enduring appeal as a staple of hard rock repertoire.[14] The upbeat, celebratory vibe draws brief inspiration from the band's recent Japanese tour, capturing a sense of exotic enthusiasm without overt exoticism.[15]Lyrics and Themes
The lyrics of "Woman from Tokyo" depict an idealized woman from the Japanese capital as a symbol of the country's exotic appeal, blending imagery of adventure and cultural enchantment. Key lines such as "Fly into the rising sun / Faces, smiling every one" and "Dancing in a eastern dream / And feel her from the heart" evoke a sense of wonder and escapism, portraying Tokyo as a vibrant, alluring destination that captivates the narrator.[16][15] The chorus reinforces this with repetitive affirmations like "My woman from Tokyo / She makes me see / My woman from Tokyo / She’s so good to me," emphasizing admiration and a transformative connection to Eastern traditions.[16] Thematically, the song serves as a tribute to Japanese culture, highlighting themes of cultural fascination, alienation from one's home ("But I’m at home and I / I just don’t belong"), and the thrill of discovery in a distant land. Written and initially recorded in July 1972 in Rome, Italy, just before Deep Purple's inaugural tour of Japan in August 1972—which included performances in Osaka and at Tokyo's Budokan arena—the lyrics reflect the band's eager anticipation of the trip rather than direct post-tour reflections.[15][1] This context infuses the track with a light-hearted tone, avoiding the personal band tensions or darker introspection found in much of their heavier material from the era, and instead focusing on playful exoticism.[15] Ian Gillan's vocal performance amplifies these themes through an energetic and dynamic delivery, navigating the melody's wide range—which he later described as particularly challenging to sing—with a sense of exuberance that underscores the song's adventurous spirit.[1] Lines like "Rising from the neon gloom / Shining like a crazy moon / Yeah, she turns me on like a fire / I get high" are delivered with uplifting intensity, enhancing the escapist fantasy without delving into conflict or heaviness.[16]Recording and Production
Sessions
The recording of "Woman from Tokyo" occurred in July 1972 in a rented villa on the outskirts of Rome, Italy, utilizing the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio during sessions fraught with band fatigue stemming from their relentless touring schedule.[17][18] These Italian sessions were part of the broader production for the album Who Do We Think We Are, but only this track was included on the original album, with "Painted Horse" also recorded there but released later as a bonus track on remastered editions; the rest was completed later in Frankfurt.[15] Deep Purple handled production duties themselves, with engineer Martin Birch overseeing the technical aspects, prioritizing a live-in-studio approach to harness the band's raw, unpolished energy amid their exhaustion.[9] The process emphasized minimal overdubs to reflect the intensity of their live shows, capturing the song's driving rhythm and guitar work in a single, immersive take.[8] Sessions faced notable challenges, including logistical strains from the mobile studio setup and interpersonal tensions exacerbated by the group's burnout.[7][18] Tracked early in the album's timeline, "Woman from Tokyo" was finalized before the full release of Who Do We Think We Are in January 1973, serving as a high point amid the otherwise fractured production.[17] The song's origins traced briefly to the band's 1972 tour, where experiences anticipating their Japanese dates inspired its creation.[15]Personnel
"Woman from Tokyo" was performed by Deep Purple's classic Mark II lineup, with no guest musicians involved.[9] Ritchie Blackmore (guitar) crafted the song's iconic opening riff and delivered the lead solos, providing its hard rock foundation.[1] Ian Gillan (vocals) supplied the high-energy lead vocals, marking one of his final major recordings with the band before departing in 1973 to pursue solo projects.[1] Roger Glover (bass) laid down the driving bassline and shared credit for the song's melodic ideas alongside his bandmates.[9] Jon Lord (keyboards) contributed a prominent organ solo during the instrumental break, infusing progressive textures into the track.[19][20] Ian Paice (drums) anchored the steady, powerful rhythm section that propelled the song's energetic pace.[9] Engineering support was handled by Martin Birch, who assisted in capturing the performances during the Rome sessions.[9][7]Release and Promotion
Single Formats
"Woman from Tokyo" was issued as a 7-inch vinyl single in 1973 across multiple regions, featuring an edited version of the song shortened to 2:43 for radio play, compared to the full 6:03 album rendition that includes extended instrumental passages.[13] European editions, released on Purple Records, typically paired the A-side with a live recording of "Black Night" as the B-side; for example, the German pressing appeared in February 1973 with catalog number 1C 006-94 185.[21] In the United States, Warner Bros. Records handled the release in March 1973 under catalog WB 7672, backing the track with "Super Trouper."[1] The Australian version followed in May 1973 on Purple Records (catalog PUR-10144), again with the live "Black Night" on the B-side.[22] Japanese singles were distributed by Warner Bros. Records in 1973, often featuring "Super Trouper" as the B-side to align with the U.S. format.[13] Although a United Kingdom release on Purple Records (catalog PUR 112) was planned for February 1973, it was ultimately cancelled.[23] The song later appeared on the 1980 compilation Deepest Purple: The Very Best of Deep Purple, using the album version.Marketing Efforts
The marketing efforts for "Woman from Tokyo" were closely integrated with the promotion of Deep Purple's album Who Do We Think We Are, serving as its lead single released in March 1973 by Warner Bros. Records in the United States and various European labels.[1] Emphasis was placed on radio airplay, with promotional copies distributed to stations featuring both mono and stereo versions to encourage broadcast, particularly in Europe where the song's exotic theme resonated with audiences anticipating the band's international appeal.[24] In Japan, the single's release capitalized on the track's tribute to the country's culture—written in anticipation of Deep Purple's 1972 tour there—through targeted press coverage highlighting the lyrical nod to Tokyo as a symbol of fascination and renewal.[1] Given the pre-MTV era, no official music video was produced, limiting visual promotion to print ads in magazines like Billboard and posters emphasizing the single's hard rock energy to target U.S. audiences.[25] Warner Bros. focused on radio and retail pushes aimed at hard rock fans, with the single available in standard 7-inch formats including a B-side of "Super Trouper" for American distribution. Regional strategies varied, with strong radio rotation in markets like the Netherlands and Germany, where local pressings supported album tie-in campaigns, while Japanese editions leveraged the cultural homage for broader media exposure.[13] The song later gained prominence in live performances starting with the band's 1984 reunion, becoming a setlist staple that retroactively boosted its promotional legacy.[1] Deep Purple's internal tensions in 1973, including escalating conflicts that led to vocalist Ian Gillan's departure in June, curtailed extensive touring and shifted promotional focus toward album and single sales rather than live showcases.[26] This constrained approach meant marketing relied heavily on radio, print advertising, and regional label efforts to sustain momentum amid the band's disarray.[27]Commercial Performance
Chart Positions
"Woman from Tokyo" achieved moderate success on international music charts following its release as a single in 1973. In the United States, the song peaked at number 60 on the Billboard Hot 100, spending 12 weeks on the chart after debuting on April 21, 1973. The track performed strongest in Europe, reaching number 6 on the Dutch Top 40 (MegaCharts) and remaining on the chart for 7 weeks.[28] In West Germany, it climbed to number 16 on the Media Control Singles Chart, entering on February 26, 1973, and charting for 11 weeks.[29] It also peaked at number 23 on the Belgian Ultratop 50 (Flanders) in 1973, with a chart run of 3 weeks.[30] In Canada, the single peaked at number 55 on the RPM 100 chart, accumulating 19 weeks overall.[2] Australia saw a lower peak of number 92 on the Kent Music Report. These regional variations were influenced by differences in release timing, with the single launched earlier and more prominently in Europe amid the band's growing popularity from prior tours there, contributing to its stronger continental performance. A planned UK single release in February 1973 was ultimately cancelled, preventing any chart entry there.[1]| Country | Chart | Peak Position | Year | Weeks on Chart |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Billboard Hot 100 | 60 | 1973 | 12 |
| Netherlands | Dutch Top 40 | 6 | 1973 | 7 |
| West Germany | Media Control Singles | 16 | 1973 | 11 |
| Belgium (Flanders) | Ultratop 50 | 23 | 1973 | 3 |
| Canada | RPM 100 | 55 | 1973 | 19 |
| Australia | Kent Music Report | 92 | 1973 | - |