On August 14th, 1971 The Who released their 5th album titled Who's Next. By 1970, The Who were flying high and considered one of the greatest live acts at the time with Live At Leeds being released back in February of that same year. However , the bands original fan base was starting to fade. The Mod movement from the early 60's were long gong and the original followers from Shepard's Bush had jobs and started families. The band was still touring on the success of their rock Opera masterpiece Tommy but Peter Townshend was getting bored with the stale setlist and wanted to create new material. Who's Next was originally going to be Lifehouse which was going to be a follow up rock Opera to Tommy but it fizzled into obscurity. Instead Who's Next was going to be a straight up rock and roll record and its safe to say we're glad it ended up that way. Ethan Russell shot the now legendary album cover which depicts the band urinating on a large concrete piling.
The album itself falls into the same category with the likes of The Doors debut LP and Revolver by The Beatles . There isn't a single song that you skip because its that perfect. Right from the opening synthesizer notes of "Baba O'Riley" and you know you're in for something special . Those opening notes are so iconic that anyone can recognize it. "Bargain" is a rollocking rocker and Pete Townshend's ode to his spiritual guru to Meher Baba. Townshend's rhythm guitar playing is in full swing here along with Keith Moon's god like drumming .
"My Wife" showcases bassist John Entwistle once again on vocals. As the story goes , he wrote the song as frustration with his wife because he was out partying way too much. "Going Mobile" has Pete Townshend take vocal duty and it's one of the best driving songs you can have in your arsenal when hitting the road. It's a fast-pace rollocking acoustic number in E and is a thrill ride from start to finish. Townshend's vocal delivery is cheeky and Moon's drumming is off the wall genius.
"Behind Blue Eyes" is the bands best ballad . Period. It has beautiful guitar playing from Townshend and the lyrics are some the best he has ever written.
The closer "Won't Get Fooled Again" is one of rocks greatest anthems . The Who have never sound better on record. Everyone brings their best to the table. Pete's punchy rhythmic playing , John's tight bass work and of course Keith's drumming and Roger's legendary vocal delivery. The best part of the song is that iconic drum fill from Keith Moon which then resonates into Daltrey's iconic scream.... "YEAHHHHHHHHHHHH"!!!.. pure rock n roll swag.
50 years on, the album is still as fresh as it was when it was released . It's a record I'll never get tired of listening . Critics and fans have hailed it the bands best record and I'm inclined to agree. It's The Who in their purest form. A must have for everyone . Listen. You'll thank me later.
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