WHO'S NEXT

This is an incredible album,that fits up there with the five star recordings.As it's prog elements are very few,I'm granting it the maximum rating for the sake of justice:this is easily The Who's most complete studio album,even though I personally consider Tommy to be their ultimate masterpiece.Who's Next is a near-flawless Hard Rock album,yet the abscence of impefections does not mean it's all flowers.It simply indicates that the music is complete,straight,well thought off and highly satisfatory.It contains all the required elements to become a classic,as indeed it has.This is an album consisted of individual,independent songs,no more.No 20 minute pieces or 20 second transitional moments.It is strictly a straight rock album,but one that reminds us how passionately the style can be played and aprecciated.

On the surface,we have all-time classic songs of pop culture such as Baba O'Riley,Behind Blue Eyes and Won't Get Fooled Again.On the inside,there is a fragile beauty constructed over a very delicate(yet extremely rocking)instrumentation,completed by what is by far Roger Daltrey's most outstanding vocal performance ever recorded.It is clear how his singing became more mature in the two-year brake between Tommy and Who's Next.Even compared to Live At Leeds,of 1970,this is a major improvement,and I must say,the most important factor of this stunning album.His voice truly gives the compositions a very unique and mellow mood,not quite matched by any band at the time.

Bargain is particulary remarkable,for achieving a balance of mellow and heavyness that is reflected from there on,considering Baba O'Riley has the part of opening the album as a celebration of music,life,youth and most importantly rock n' roll with majestic atmosphere.Yes,there are slightly weaker tracks such as My Wife,but they're all bonded together by the nostalgic mood that is setted above the music here.

Some people don't have trouble to say that this album is the cause of tears at times.Immortal hymns as Won't Get Fooled Again indeed have that effect,mainly because they're not intimidating by any means.They're an invitation to some of the most pure rock n' roll around.Here we have a statement of one of the most atmospheric albums ever made.