WHO'S NEXT

I came late to the Who. The song "Who Are You?" received massive airplay on my favorite FM stations in 1979 and 80--I think that was my first draw into the fold--though "Tommy" was exploited by my middle school music teacher--I think to prove to us that he was "hip" as well as to engage some otherwise apathetic students. But, to me, Tommy was not the Who, it was bigger and more a possession of the world, not some wild British hard rock band. But then the film "Quadrophenia" came out and I became curious. I went back into their earlier discography. Both "Quadrophenia" and "Who's Next" received my full attention and appreciation. Now, in my 20s, I was able to appreciate them--to hear their genius, to learn to love "Love, Reign o'er me" and "5:15," "Baba O'Reilly," "Bargain," and the whole of Side Two. "We Won't Get Fooled Again" I'll never get (here I am referring to the iconic way that it was picked up as a rip-roaring, get-your-adrenaline-pumping protest song), but it's a good song. This is definitely a 4.5 star album--a high achievement in the history of rock'n'roll--but it has flaws; it has weak songs. If I were I lyrics guy, maybe higher. I'll give it the full five stars out of the respect it deserves.