A Look at The Who’s New Album and their 10 Best Songs of All-Time

The Who released a new album this week simply called Who. After 55 years you would think Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey would settle down and enjoy retirement. But even without John Entwistle and Keith Moon the British rockers are determined to continue the invasion.

It’s been 13 years since their last studio release and this is only the 4th since Moon’s death in 1978. From the band that gave the world the mantra, “Hope I die before I get old” they are now reflecting on life’s many lessons they have learned over the years in “I Don’t Want to Get Wise.” Oh how times have changed.

Townshend openly recognizes that people want the old stuff. The first lyrics you hear off the new album are “I don’t care, I know you’re gonna hate this song.” It is exactly for that reason that this album stays true to who Daltrey and Townshend are, unapologetic, in your face, fuck you if you don’t like it, they were punk before there was punk. And frankly, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

The new album has 11 new tracks, and the album cover is a work of art itself. It was designed by pop artist Peter Blake and consists of 22 squares that represent various points in the band’s 55 years. You will find hints at previous albums, influential figures, and even a song or two.

While the album may stray occasionally to an unexpected hint of Latin jazz, or take a turn down a dirt road in Americana, the core of the album is classic rock. True blue The Who fans are going to love it, and maybe we can convince radio to give it a spin or two, too.

Now what you really came for…

10 Best Songs from The Who

“I’m Free” (1969) ‘Tommy’

“Eminence Front” (1982) ‘It’s Hard’

“Behind Blue Eyes” (1971) ‘Who’s Next’

“The Seeker” (1970)

“Who Are You” (1978) ‘Who Are You’

“I Can See for Miles” (1967) ‘The Who Sell Out’

“Won’t Get Fooled Again” (1971) ‘Who’s Next’

“Love Reign O’er Me” (1973) ‘Quadrophenia’

“Baba O’Riley” (1971) ‘Who’s Next’

“My Generation” (1965) ‘My Generation’

Honorable Mention

I’m One (1973) ‘Quadrophenia’

With lyrics like, ” When I was a nipper, I always used to feel that the guitar was all I had” how could I not add it? And since I am a product of the 90s I’m unapologetically including the version with Eddie Vedder.