WHO'S NEXT

Honestly, I wasn't going to review this album, because 1) it's been done so many times before, 2) most everybody already knows this album, and 3) I'm not a huge The Who fan. I definitely think Pete Townsend is amazing, but I can't stand Roger Daltry's singing or personality. I know that's a sad reason to not like a band, but at least I recognize the fact that this album, along with it's predecessor "Tommy", and the follow-up "Quadrophenia" are all essential albums, and I do love all three of them. But I can't stomach the rest of the albums.

Anyway, "Who's Next" is the second masterpiece in the trifecta of The Who's masterpiece albums. The other two are rock operas. The fact is, that this one was originally supposed to be a rock opera also called "Lifehouse", and most of the songs on this album are remnants of that project. The band was convinced by Kit Lambert, their manager, to release this as a regular album because the project was too complex. What we are left with are some amazing songs.

Even Roger's vocals and personality work for these songs (and for these three albums for that matter). But he does overemphasize his input to this band, Pete Townsend is really the creative force behind the band, but he was usually overshadowed by Daltry's personality. Thank goodness it all worked out for this album. I am sorry if I have offended anyone by my opinion about the band, but it is something I have always felt strongly about in reference to the band. Yes I know I have loved other bands even with when they have personnel in the band with overactive personalities, but Daltry has always rubbed me the wrong way.

Nevertheless, this album and "Quadrophenia" are both perfect albums meriting 6 stars in my own rating system, where 6 equals perfection. "Tommy" comes close to that, but doesn't quite reach the pinnacle, but I still consider it an excellent album. All the rest of their albums can only reach a maximum of 3 stars. I know this review didn't say much about the specific album, but if you haven't heard this album, then you shouldn't be reading about it anyway, you should be listening to it because you have some catching up to do. 5 stars.....Essential masterpiece.

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