Album Information:

About The Who:

The Who is a legendary British rock band that emerged in the 1960s and is known for their energetic live performances, insightful lyrics, and innovative use of synthesizers, guitar feedback, and other experimental sounds. The original lineup consisted of lead singer Roger Daltrey, guitarist Pete Townshend, bassist John Entwistle, and drummer Keith Moon.

The Who was formed in London in 1964, and they quickly gained a strong following with their dynamic stage performances and hard-hitting music that incorporated elements of rock, R&B, and pop. Townshend's powerful guitar riffs, Daltrey's gritty vocals, Entwistle's thunderous bass lines, and Moon's frenetic drumming created a distinctive sound that set them apart from other bands of the era.

The band's early hits, such as 'My Generation' and 'The Kids Are Alright,' reflected the rebellious spirit of 1960s youth culture and became enduring anthems for subsequent generations. The Who's music also tackled more serious themes, such as the destructive nature of war ('Won't Get Fooled Again') and the plight of a deaf, dumb, and blind boy who becomes a messianic figure ('Tommy').

Throughout their career, The Who underwent several lineup changes and produced numerous classic albums, including 'Quadrophenia,' 'Who's Next,' and 'Live at Leeds.' They continued to tour and perform until the death of Moon in 1978, after which they took a hiatus and resumed in 1979 with a new drummer, Kenney Jones.

In addition to their music, The Who's live performances were also groundbreaking and memorable, featuring elaborate stage setups and pyrotechnics. They were known for their destructive tendencies, often smashing their instruments and equipment at the end of their shows as a form of artistic expression.

Some of The Who's accolades include being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, receiving a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001, and winning the Freddie Mercury Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2006 Vodafone music awards. Despite the loss of Entwistle in 2002, The Who continued to perform, releasing their latest album, 'Who,' in 2019. They remain one of the most influential and iconic rock bands in history.

About the album It's Hard:

As an AI language model, I cannot provide a personal perspective on the album. However, I can give you a detailed description of the album 'It's Hard' by The Who.

'It's Hard' is the twelfth studio album by the British rock band The Who, released in 1982. The album was produced by Glyn Johns and was the last studio album by the band to feature drummer Kenney Jones, who replaced the late Keith Moon in 1979.

The album features a variety of styles, including hard rock, synth-pop, and new wave, and deals with themes such as love, relationships, and social issues. The album opens with the hard-hitting and guitar-driven 'Athena,' followed by the catchy synth-pop hit 'It's Hard.' Other standout tracks on the album include the political anthem 'Eminence Front,' the emotional ballad 'One Life's Enough,' and the nostalgic 'Cry If You Want.'

One of the most significant tracks on the album is 'A Man Is a Man,' which deals with the struggles of a transgender person trying to find acceptance in society. The track was ahead of its time and was one of the first mainstream songs to address transgender issues directly.

While the album received mixed reviews upon its release, fans have come to appreciate it as one of The Who's most underrated albums. 'It's Hard' showcases a band that was experimenting with new sounds while still staying true to their roots. The album may not have been a commercial success for the band, but it remains an essential part of The Who's discography.

Members:

The Who is a British rock band known for their high-energy live performances and innovative approach to rock music. The band formed in 1964, and over the years, they've undergone several lineup changes as members have come and gone.

Here are the key members of The Who along with biographies for each:

1. Pete Townshend - Guitar, Vocals, Songwriter

Pete Townshend is one of the founding members of The Who and is widely considered to be one of the greatest guitar players in rock history. Born in London in 1945, Townshend attended Ealing Art College where he met future bandmate John Entwistle. In 1964, he formed The Who with Roger Daltrey and Keith Moon. Townshend is the primary songwriter for the band, responsible for hits such as 'My Generation,' 'I Can't Explain,' and 'Won't Get Fooled Again.' He's also known for his energetic stage presence and signature windmill guitar strumming.

2. Roger Daltrey - Vocals

Roger Daltrey is the lead vocalist for The Who and has been with the band from the very beginning. Born in London in 1944, Daltrey started his career as a guitarist before switching to vocals. Known for his powerful voice and dynamic stage presence, Daltrey has been a key contributor to The Who's success over the years.

3. John Entwistle - Bass

John Entwistle was the bass player for The Who until his death in 2002. Born in London in 1944, Entwistle was a multi-instrumentalist who also played guitar, trumpet, and French horn. He was known for his melodic bass lines and innovative playing style, which incorporated heavy use of distortion and effects pedals.

4. Keith Moon - Drums

Keith Moon was the drummer for The Who until his death in 1978. Born in London in 1946, Moon was known for his explosive drumming style and wild onstage antics. He was notorious for smashing his drums and destroying hotel rooms, earning him the nickname 'Moon the Loon.' Despite his wild behavior, Moon was a talented musician who had a significant impact on The Who's sound and image.

While other musicians have played with The Who over the years, Townshend, Daltrey, Entwistle, and Moon are the key members who are most closely associated with the band's legacy.

Track List for It's Hard:

Sure thing! Here are all the tracks in the album It's Hard by The Who, listed in order of appearance along with their play time and a brief description of each:

1. Athena (3:45) – An upbeat, synth-heavy rock song about a mythical queen of wisdom and warfare. The lyrics address themes of love, power, and strength.

2. It's Your Turn (3:39) – A mid-tempo track featuring Pete Townshend's signature guitar riffs and Roger Daltrey's distinct vocals. The song deals with the idea of taking charge in one's own life and overcoming obstacles.

3. Cook's County (3:58) – A fast-paced, guitar-driven song that describes life in a prison in Cook County, Illinois. The song offers a critical look at the American prison system and the injustices that pervade it.

4. It's Hard (3:46) – The title track of the album, this song is a statement on the difficulties of life and the hardships that people face. The lyrics are reflective and introspective, and the music is characterized by its soaring chorus and Townshend's layered guitar solos.

5. Dangerous (3:44) – A high-energy track with punchy drums and bass. The lyrics allude to the dangers of love and the risks that come with being vulnerable and opening up to someone.

6. Eminence Front (5:39) – One of the most well-known songs off the album, 'Eminence Front' is a funky, groove-driven song that features prominent use of synths and horns. The lyrics criticize the hypocrisy of the upper class and their attempts to maintain a facade of respectability.

7. I've Known No War (5:58) – A poignant ballad that touches on the themes of war and loss. The song's lyrics evoke a sense of mournfulness and regret for the violence and destruction wrought by conflicts throughout history.

8. One Life's Enough (2:21) – A short and snappy song with an upbeat tempo. The lyrics speak to a sense of individuality and the importance of living life on one's own terms.

9. One at a Time (3:04) – A catchy rock track that showcases the band's versatility and range. The song touches on themes of love and relationships, with Daltrey's vocals delivering the poignant lyrics with a sense of urgency.

10. Why Did I Fall for That (3:25) – A fast-paced, guitar-heavy song that speaks to the experience of being duped and taken advantage of. The lyrics express frustration and anger at the person who deceived the speaker, while also acknowledging their own foolishness.

11. A Man Is a Man (3:58) – The final song on the album, 'A Man Is a Man' is a bluesy track that highlights the band's skill at creating interesting melodies and rhythms. The lyrics are introspective and philosophical, musing on the nature of identity and self-understanding.

Discography for The Who:

Here is the complete discography for The Who in chronological order:

Albums:
- My Generation (1965)
- A Quick One (1966)
- The Who Sell Out (1967)
- Tommy (1969)
- Live at Leeds (1970)
- Who's Next (1971)
- Quadrophenia (1973)
- The Who by Numbers (1975)
- Who Are You (1978)
- Face Dances (1981)
- It's Hard (1982)
- Endless Wire (2006)
- WHO (2019)

Singles (UK release and date):
- 'I Can't Explain' / 'Bald Headed Woman' (1965)
- 'Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere' / 'Daddy Rolling Stone' (1965)
- 'My Generation' / 'Shout and Shimmy' (1965)
- 'Substitute' / 'Circles' (1966)
- 'I'm a Boy' / 'In the City' (1966)
- 'Happy Jack' / 'I've Been Away' (1966)
- 'Pictures of Lily' / 'Doctor, Doctor' (1967)
- 'The Last Time' / 'Under My Thumb' (1967)
- 'I Can See for Miles' / 'Someone's Coming' (1967)
- 'Dogs' / 'Call Me Lightning' (1968)
- 'Magic Bus' / 'Someone's Coming' (1968)
- 'Pinball Wizard' / 'Dogs Part Two' (1969)
- 'The Seeker' / 'Here for More' (1970)
- 'Summertime Blues' / 'Heaven and Hell' (1970)
- 'See Me, Feel Me' / 'Overture from Tommy' (1970)
- 'Let's See Action' / 'When I Was a Boy' (1971)
- 'Join Together' / 'Baby Don't You Do It' (1972)
- 'Won't Get Fooled Again' / 'I Don't Even Know Myself' (1971)
- '5:15' / 'Water' (1973)
- 'Love, Reign o'er Me' / 'Water' (1973)
- 'Squeeze Box' / 'Success Story' (1975)
- 'Who Are You' / 'Had Enough' (1978)
- 'You Better You Bet' / 'The Quiet One' (1981)
- 'Don't Let Go the Coat' / 'You' (1981)
- 'Athena' / 'It's Your Turn' (1982)
- 'Eminence Front' / 'It's Your Turn' (1982)

Other releases:
- 'Tommy' (soundtrack album) (1975)
- Face Dances Part Two (EP) (1982)
- Rarities Volume I and II (1983)
- Thirty Years of Maximum R&B (box set) (1994)
- The BBC Sessions (1999)
- Live at the Royal Albert Hall (2003)
- Endless Wire (deluxe edition) (2006)
- The Who Hits 50! (compilation album) (2014)