Top Ten Songs by the Who

Guitar smashing legends and the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band of all time, The Who has captivated audiences for nearly forty years. From the late Keith Moon’s demonic drumming to lead singer Roger Daltrey’s songs about tortured romance and anti-establishment rebellion, the dynamic quartet from England have earned a special place in the hearts of their fans and at The Rock And Roll Hall of Fame. And despite the fact Moon and bassist john Entwistle have sadly left us, The Who continues to perform in venues everywhere.

#1: ACID QUEEN from Tommy. Haunting and frantic, “Acid Queen” delivers the stuff rock ‘n’ roll is made of: a solid rush of uncompromising adrenaline. Batten down the hatches! From start to finish, this tune about a man-child’s first experience with sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll really delivers a knockout performance. “Tommy’s” world becomes a train wreck we refuse to look away from: “I’m the Gypsy-the acid queen/Pay before we start/I’m the gypsy-I’m guaranteed/I’ll tear your soul apart.” In f act, we’re along for the ride of our lives. And, we love it!

#2: BABA O’RILEY. Songs about youthful rebellion and teen angst deliciously blended together by The Who make a joyful noise, and this makes for the band’s finest hour. Not to mention a popular song for television! Anti-establishment to its very core, The Who doesn’t “need to be forgiven” for writing one of the best anthems in rock-and-roll history. They needed to be applauded.

Don’t cry
Don’t raise your eye
It’s only teenage wasteland

#3: WHO ARE YOU. A fantastic tale of youthful abandon, not to mention drunken squalor: “I woke up in a Soho doorway/A policeman knew my name/He said “You can go sleep at home tonight/If you can get up and walk away” The song begs to ask (and does, several times): “Who are you?’ Of course, we know who the team of Peter Townsend, Roger Daltrey, Keith Moon, and John Entwistle are: Only the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band of all time!

#4: SUBSTITUTE. One of their most underappreciated gems, “Substitute” is an angry retort about being or feeling second-best in a relationship: “Substitute me for him/Substitute my coke for gin” Most of us have been there at one time or another, and it’s not a situation we treasure. That’s why most listeners the world over applaud when the writer snidely remarks “Substitute you for my mum/At least I’ll get my washing done.”

#5: GOIN’ MOBILE. Hungry for adventure? Crank up this fresh, upbeat tune and hit the highway. Soon, you’ll feel alive – that you can do anything you desire and nobody can stop you. A powerful song whenever you’re feeling blue, courtesy of the Who:

Out in the woods
Or in the city
It’s all the same to me
When I’m drivin’ free, the world’s my
home
When I’m mobile

Hop aboard. Let’s all go for a spin!

#6: I’M A MAN. Remember when we were young, so full of hopes and dreams? This song brings it back, complete with all the bull and machismo! For a brief period, you’re young again – lying to women, but you don’t care: “The line I shoot/Will never miss/The way I make love to’em/They can’t resist/I’m a man
I spell “M,” “A,” “N”âÂ?¦/ManâÂ?¦”

#7: I’M FREE from Tommy. One of the best guitar riffs in the free world, “I’m Free” succeeds at all levels. As the sad tale of a misguided “Messiah” wannabe, it encourages us to think before we jump into any cult. It points an angry finger at the pompous piety of religiousness. And, it delivers one of the best rock performances ever:

I’M FREE-I’m free,
And freedom tastes of reality,
I’m free-I’m free,
AN’ I’m waiting for you to follow me.

If I told you what it takes
to reach the highest high,
You’d laugh and say ‘nothing’s that simple’
But you’ve been told many times before
Messiahs pointed to the door
And no one had the guts to leave the temple!

#8: MY GENERATION. Rebelliousness and teenage angst to the nth level, “My Generation” ignited an explosion of anti-establishment songs in the late 60s and early 70s. It also delivered one of the most quotable lines in rock history: “I hope I die before I get old”:

People try to put us d-down (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)
Just because we get around (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)
Things they do look awful c-c-cold (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)
I hope I die before I get old (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)

#9: BEHIND BLUE EYES. A solid, over the top, help me someone kicked me in the crotch and I’m bleeding tale of youthful confusion, “Behind Blue Eyes” is a damn fine rock ballad. Amazing lyrics such as “When my fist clenches, crack it open/Before I use it and lose my cool/When I smile, tell me some bad news/Before I laugh and act like a fool” Roger Daltrey’s voice has never been more sincere than on this song. And, like I said before, those lyrics blow me away: “And If I swallow anything evil/Put your finger down my throat/And If I shiver, please give me a blanket/Keep me warm, let me wear your coat”

#10: I CAN SEE FOR MILES. Just a wonderfully sarcastic, in your face kind of song chock full of anger, “I Can See for Miles” is a rock anthem for those who’ve been mistreated by others. Somehow, just by hearing such familiar lyrics as “Well, here’s a poke at you/You’re gonna choke on it too/You’re gonna lose that smile/Because all the whileâÂ?¦” Somehow, this song magically takes care of all the jerks in your life – at least for awhile. And, for a brief period, you’ve got the power.