Album Information:
Album ID: 10333
About The Who:
The Who is a legendary English rock band that formed in 1964 in London. The band's original members were Pete Townshend (guitar, vocals), Roger Daltrey (lead vocals), John Entwistle (bass guitar, vocals), and Keith Moon (drums). They are regarded as one of the most influential and iconic rock bands in history, known for their explosive live performances, genre-defining music, and rebellious attitude.
The band's early years were marked by their distinctive combination of hard rock, rhythm and blues, and Mod fashion. Their breakthrough album, 'My Generation' (1965), featured hits such as 'The Kids Are Alright' and the title track, which became an anthem for the 1960s youth culture and a lasting representation of the band's edgy sound and style. Their next albums, 'A Quick One' (1966) and 'The Who Sell Out' (1967), showcased the band's expanding musical range and experimentation with different genres such as pop, psychedelic rock, and hard rock.
The Who's most famous work came with 'Tommy' (1969), a rock opera that tells the story of a deaf, dumb, and blind boy who becomes a pinball champion and messiah figure. It became a massive commercial success and a cultural touchstone, paving the way for a string of acclaimed albums throughout the 1970s such as 'Who's Next' (1971), 'Quadrophenia' (1973), and 'Who Are You' (1978).
Despite their success, the band was plagued by personal problems and tragedies. Keith Moon's drug and alcohol abuse led to his death in 1978, while John Entwistle died in 2002 of a drug-induced heart attack. The band continued to tour and record with new members, including drummer Zak Starkey (son of Ringo Starr) and bassist Pino Palladino.
The Who's influence can be seen in countless rock and roll bands that followed them, including Led Zeppelin, Queen, and Pearl Jam. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2008 Grammy Awards. They continue to tour and perform to this day, showcasing their enduring legacy as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
About the album Who Are You:
The album Who Are You by The Who was released in 1978 and it consists of nine tracks, ranging from hard rock to ballads. The record was the last to feature the band's drummer, Keith Moon, who tragically passed away a few weeks after the album came out.
The opening track, 'New Song,' sets the tone with its driving rhythm and Pete Townshend's signature guitar riffs. The album's title track, 'Who Are You,' became one of The Who's biggest hits, with its catchy chorus and memorable lyrics.
The album also features the track 'Sister Disco,' which is built around a catchy synth riff and features some of Roger Daltrey's finest vocal work. 'Music Must Change' is an introspective and melancholic track that showcases Townshend's songwriting skills.
The album's second half opens with 'Trick Of The Light,' which kicks off with a funky bassline before launching into a more anthemic chorus. 'Guitar and Pen' is a playful track that features some of Townshend's wittiest lyrics, while 'Love Is Coming Down' is a poignant ballad that features some of Daltrey's most soulful singing.
The album closes with 'Who Are You (Reprise),' a mellow instrumental version of the title track that serves as a fitting tribute to Keith Moon.
Overall, Who Are You showcases The Who's proficiency with both rock and ballads, and highlights the band's songwriting and musicianship. It is a fitting swan song for Keith Moon and a timeless classic in the history of rock music.
Members:
The Who are a British rock band that formed in London in 1964. The lineup of the band has changed over the years, but the key members include:
1. Roger Daltrey - Lead vocals
Roger Daltrey, CBE is an English singer, actor, musician, and film producer. Born in London in 1944, he formed The Who with guitarist Pete Townshend while they were both classmates at Acton County Grammar School. Daltrey's powerful vocals and energetic stage presence helped to establish the band as one of the most popular and influential acts of the 1960s and '70s.
2. Pete Townshend - Guitar, vocals
Pete Townshend is an English musician, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. Born in London in 1945, he is best known for his explosive guitar playing and his songwriting contributions to The Who. Townshend's innovative use of feedback, distortion, and power chords helped to define the sound of rock music in the 1960s and beyond.
3. John Entwistle - Bass guitar, vocals
John Entwistle was an English musician, singer, and songwriter who was best known as the bassist for The Who. Born in London in 1944, he was known for his virtuosic playing and his ability to create complex bass lines that complemented the band's hard-hitting sound. Entwistle also contributed vocals and occasional lead guitar parts to the band's recordings.
4. Keith Moon - Drums, vocals
Keith Moon was an English drummer who was known for his wild, unpredictable style and his flamboyant personality. Born in London in 1946, he was a key member of The Who from the early days of the band until his death in 1978. Moon's playing was characterized by his use of rapid fills, tom-tom patterns, and explosive cymbal crashes, which helped to create the band's distinctive sound.
All four members of The Who were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, and their influence on rock music continues to be felt to this day.
Track List for Who Are You:
1. 'New Song' - 4:18
The opening track of the album starts with a powerful guitar riff and features lead singer Roger Daltrey's strong vocals. The song is about a musician trying to find inspiration for a new song.
2. 'Had Enough' - 4:30
A classic Who song with heavy guitar riffs and Keith Moon's energetic drumming. The lyrics describe the frustration of being in a relationship that isn't working out.
3. '905' - 4:02
Named after the model number of a synthesizer used in the recording of the song, '905' features a strong bassline and intricate guitar work. The track tells the story of an android who starts to question its existence.
4. 'Sister Disco' - 4:22
A catchy and upbeat track with a prominent bassline and synthesizer effects. The lyrics are about going out to dance at a disco and forgetting about one's problems.
5. 'Music Must Change' - 4:36
A more experimental track with a slower tempo and prominent use of synthesizers. The lyrics discuss the evolution of music and how it must change to stay relevant.
6. 'Trick of the Light' - 4:44
A slower blues-inspired track with powerful guitar solos and emotional vocals from Daltrey. The lyrics explore the theme of deception and how people can be tricked by appearances.
7. 'Guitar and Pen' - 5:58
A more upbeat track with a catchy chorus and intricate guitar work. The lyrics describe the process of writing a song and the emotions that go into it.
8. 'Love Is Coming Down' - 4:05
A slower ballad with emotional vocals from Daltrey and a prominent piano melody. The lyrics explore the theme of love and how it can bring people down as well as lift them up.
9. 'Who Are You' - 6:21
The title track of the album features a distinctive synthesizer intro and a catchy chorus. The lyrics describe the struggles of trying to find one's identity in a busy and chaotic world.
Overall, Who Are You is a classic album from The Who with a mix of powerful rock tracks and more experimental, introspective songs. The band showcases their musical prowess throughout and delivers a cohesive and memorable listening experience.
Discography for The Who:
1. My Generation (album) - December 1965
2. A Legal Matter / Instant Party (Non-Album Single) - March 1966
3. Substitute / Circles (Non-Album Single) - March 1966
4. A Quick One (album) - December 1966
5. Happy Jack / I've Been Away (Non-Album Single) - December 1966
6. Pictures of Lily / Doctor, Doctor (Non-Album Single) - April 1967
7. The Who Sell Out (album) - December 1967
8. I Can See for Miles / Someone's Coming (Non-Album Single) - October 1967
9. Dogs / Call Me Lightning (Non-Album Single) - June 1968
10. Magic Bus / Someone's Coming (Non-Album Single) - October 1968
11. Tommy (album) - May 1969
12. Pinball Wizard / Dogs Part Two (Non-Album Single) - March 1969
13. See Me, Feel Me / Overture (Non-Album Single) - September 1970
14. Who's Next (album) - August 1971
15. Join Together / Baby Don't You Do It (Non-Album Single) - June 1972
16. Quadrophenia (album) - October 1973
17. 5:15 / Water (Non-Album Single) - November 1973
18. Love, Reign O'er Me / Water (Non-Album Single) - October 1973
19. The Who by Numbers (album) - October 1975
20. Squeeze Box / Success Story (Non-Album Single) - October 1975
21. Who Are You (album) - August 1978
22. Don't Let Go the Coat / You (Non-Album Single) - May 1981
23. Face Dances (album) - March 1981
24. You Better You Bet / The Quiet One (Non-Album Single) - February 1981
25. It's Hard (album) - September 1982
26. Athena / It's Your Turn (Non-Album Single) - October 1982
27. Endless Wire (album) - October 2006
Note: This list includes all official studio albums as well as official singles and EPs. It does not include live albums or unauthorized releases.