Roger Glover has a long history of making good rock ‘n’ roll, going pro in 1965, and ultimately joining the band that made him famous in 1969. Glover was part of Deep Purple, one of the most celebrated bands of the decade during its most celebrated period, and continues to play with the band to this day.

As bassist for this seminal rock band, he joined after its first hit, “Hush,” and was a member from 1970's “In Rock” through its 1974 opus “Who Do We Think We Are.” While producing several excellent albums for Nazareth, Glover produced his first solo effort, “The Butterfly Ball.” Since then, Glover has returned to Deep Purple, while continuing to make records on his own.

Much like his 2002 effort, “Snapshot,” Glover’s new album, “If Life Was Easy,” enlists the considerable talents of Randall Bramblett, who shares writing credit on two songs while contributing vocals, sax and keyboards on a lion's share of the tunes. Also returning from “Snapshot” is drummer Joe Bonadio, and Glover's daughter Gillian, who not only contributes several vocal performances but also shares writing credit on several tunes.

New to this album is guitarist Oz Noy, who blazes through, but never overshadows the songs. What truly shines on “If Life Was Easy” is the songs, which run the gamut in terms of style and feel.

Opening with “Don't Look Now (Everything Has Changed),” a reggae rocker featuring Bramblett's distinctive vocals, the album gets off to a rollicking start. Nazareth's Dan McCafferty shows once again he's still got it on “The Dream I Had,” a Buddy Holly-ish shuffle that's certain to get your toes tapping, and Glover gets his Ska on with “The Car Won't Start,” which will get the rest of you in tune with your toes. The funky “Box of Tricks” gets you growling along with Glover, and even country music gets its due in the laid-back title cut.

Wildly diverse, yet completely congruous, “If Life Was Easy” is another great accomplishment in Roger Glover's long and celebrated career.

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