The Who Albums in Order: Spanning a remarkable journey through the annals of rock history, begin with the formation of this iconic English rock band in London in 1964.
Formed in the vibrant musical landscape of 1960s London, The Who emerged as a powerhouse of rock and roll innovation and rebellion. With their classic lineup of lead vocalist Roger Daltrey, guitarist Pete Townshend, bassist John Entwistle, and drummer Keith Moon, this English rock band left an indelible mark on the music world. Their influence is undeniable, as they are hailed as one of the most significant rock bands of the 20th century, boasting a staggering 100 million records sold worldwide.
Beyond their chart-topping hits, The Who’s contributions to rock music are nothing short of groundbreaking – from pioneering the Marshall stack and public address systems to pushing the boundaries of rock opera and experimenting with synthesisers. Their performances were as explosive as their music, often featuring the destruction of instruments on stage.
With a legacy that includes iconic songs like “My Generation” and “Baba O’Riley,” memorable festival appearances at Woodstock and the Isle of Wight, and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 1990, The Who’s enduring impact on the world of rock continues to resonate with fans across generations. This is the story of a band that defied convention and wrote their own chapter in rock history. So, if you are a die heart fan of The Who Albums then check out here we have list of The Who albums in order of release so far.
All The Who Albums Available on: Apple Music
The discography of the English rock band the Who consists of 12 studio albums, 16 live albums, 27 compilation albums, four soundtrack albums, four extended plays, 58 singles and 23 video albums.
Here is the list of The Who Album in Order of Release Date:
Track
“My Generation,” the debut studio album by the legendary English rock band The Who, made its mark on the music scene when it was released on December 3, 1965, in the UK and later on April 25, 1966, in the US with the title “The Who Sings My Generation.” Featuring Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend, John Entwistle, and Keith Moon, along with session musician Nicky Hopkins on piano, the album arrived hot on the heels of the band’s initial singles success. Despite initial dismissals by the band as a rush job, it’s now regarded as one of the greatest rock albums, noted for its hard sound that foreshadowed punk and heavy metal, even though it didn’t achieve the commercial success of their later works.
Track
“A Quick One,” the second studio album by the renowned English rock band The Who, made its debut on December 9, 1966. In the United States, an altered version of the album, titled “Happy Jack,” was released in April 1967, featuring the hit single “Happy Jack.” Differing from other Who albums primarily written by Pete Townshend, “A Quick One” showcased significant contributions from all band members. Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle, and Keith Moon each authored multiple tracks. The album also included a notable cover of Holland-Dozier-Holland’s “Heat Wave” and concluded with the groundbreaking musical suite “A Quick One, While He’s Away,” foreshadowing the band’s future rock opera endeavors.
Track
Released on December 15, 1967, “The Who Sell Out” marked a pivotal moment in the discography of the iconic English rock band, The Who. This third studio album showcased their artistic innovation with a unique concept, presented as a broadcast by pirate radio station Radio London. The album cleverly interspersed unrelated songs with faux commercials and public service announcements, such as “Heinz Baked Beans.” Guitarist Pete Townshend took the lead in crafting most of the album’s tracks, with contributions from bassist John Entwistle and Speedy Keen. Notably, “I Can See for Miles” became a hit single. Despite legal disputes, the album received critical acclaim, cementing its place among rock’s finest works.
Track
“Tommy,” the fourth studio album by the English rock band The Who, debuted on May 19, 1969, as a groundbreaking double album. Spearheaded by guitarist Pete Townshend, this rock opera narrates the harrowing tale of Tommy Walker, traumatized by witnessing his father’s violent act and his parents’ denial. His journey through dissociation, sexual abuse, and his prowess in pinball forms the core of the narrative. Inspired by Meher Baba’s teachings, Townshend crafted this album, taking six months to record and arrange the material.
Initially acclaimed as a breakthrough, “Tommy” has left an enduring mark on rock music history, with notable live performances and adaptations in various media. The album’s original version has sold over 20 million copies and remains a Grammy Hall of Fame inductee, with multiple CD reissues.
Track
“Who’s Next,” the fifth studio album by English rock band the Who, arose from the ashes of the ambitious Lifehouse project. Originally conceived by guitarist Pete Townshend as a multimedia rock opera following their 1969 album “Tommy,” the project was shelved due to complexity and conflicts. “Who’s Next” salvaged songs from Lifehouse, sans the connecting narrative, with eight out of nine tracks originating from it. Recorded with the assistance of engineer Glyn Johns, the album prominently featured synthesizers, notably in singles like “Won’t Get Fooled Again” and “Baba O’Riley.” Its iconic cover photo, shot by Ethan Russell, paid homage to “2001: A Space Odyssey.” Released in August 1971, it’s considered one of the greatest albums in rock history, celebrated for its innovation.
Track
Released on October 26, 1973, Quadrophenia stands as the sixth studio album by the influential English rock band, The Who. A double album released under Track Records, it marks the group’s third foray into the realm of rock opera, following “A Quick One, While He’s Away” and the iconic album Tommy. Set against the backdrop of 1965 London and Brighton, the narrative delves into the quest for identity and significance by a young mod named Jimmy. What makes Quadrophenia unique is that it’s entirely composed by Pete Townshend. Despite recording challenges and strained relations with manager Kit Lambert, the album received acclaim and played a pivotal role in the mod revival of the late 1970s, later inspiring a successful film adaptation in 1979.
Track
“The Who by Numbers,” the seventh studio album by the legendary English rock band The Who, made its debut on October 3, 1975, in the UK via Polydor Records and on October 6, 1975, in the US through MCA Records. This album garnered recognition as it was ranked the tenth-best album of the year in The Village Voice Pazz & Jop critics poll. Known for its introspective and personal themes, this release showcased the band’s versatility and maturity as they navigated a different musical landscape compared to their earlier works, offering fans a deeper glimpse into the band’s artistic evolution.
Track
“Who Are You,” the eighth studio album by the iconic English rock band The Who, debuted on August 21, 1978, under Polydor Records in the UK and MCA Records in the US. Despite garnering mixed critical reviews, it achieved substantial commercial success, climbing to number 2 on the US charts and securing the 6th position on the UK charts. This album holds a poignant place in The Who’s history as it marked the final studio appearance of their legendary drummer, Keith Moon, who tragically passed away just three weeks after its release. The album cover’s ironic inscription, “Not to Be Taken Away,” added a somber layer to its legacy, as noted by discerning critics.
Track
“Face Dances,” the ninth studio album by English rock legends the Who, marked a pivotal moment in their history. Released in 1981, it was the band’s debut on Warner Bros. in the United States and Polydor in the United Kingdom. Notably, it featured drummer Kenney Jones, who stepped in after the untimely passing of Keith Moon three years prior. While facing mixed reviews, including from Rolling Stone, the album demonstrated its commercial prowess by reaching No. 4 on the US Billboard Top LPs & Tape chart and an impressive No. 2 on the UK Albums Chart, showcasing the enduring appeal of this iconic band.
Track
“It’s Hard,” the tenth studio album by English rock band the Who, marked the end of an era when it was released in September 1982. This album was significant for several reasons: it was the final studio album to feature bassist John Entwistle, who would tragically pass away in 2002. Drummer Kenney Jones also made his last appearance on a Who studio album with this release. Notably, it was the band’s last album under their contract with Warner Bros. Records in the US. Despite the transitions, “It’s Hard” performed well, reaching No. 8 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart and earning gold status in November 1982, paving the way for their next album, “Endless Wire,” which wouldn’t arrive until 2006.
Track
Endless Wire marked a significant chapter in The Who’s legendary career, released on October 30, 2006, in the UK via Polydor Records and the following day in the US through Universal Republic. This album held the distinction of being their first collection of original material in 24 years, following 1982’s “It’s Hard,” and it was their initial release since the passing of bassist John Entwistle. Originally titled WHO2, it received favorable reviews from critics, debuting at #7 on the Billboard album chart and #9 in the UK. Many of its tracks were featured on The Who Tour 2006-2007 and in the rock musical adaptation of “The Boy Who Heard Music.”
Track
“WHO,” the twelfth studio album by the renowned English rock band The Who, marked their return after thirteen years, featuring the dynamic duo of Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend. Released in December 2019, the album offers a diverse soundscape, blending ballads, rock anthems, electronic experimentation, and the classic Who-style tunes. Led by singles like “Ball and Chain,” the album achieved commercial success, reaching number three on the UK Albums Chart and number two on the American Billboard 200. Critics lauded the record, affirming The Who’s enduring relevance. The band complemented the release with their ‘Moving On! Tour,’ showcasing their enduring musical prowess.
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