The 10 The Who Songs That Conquered The 1970s

The Who, one of the iconic bands of the rock era, left an indelible mark on the 1970s with their powerful and diverse musical offerings. As we delve into the top 10 tracks that shaped the decade, spanning albums like ‘Quadrophenia,’ ‘Who Are You,’ and ‘Who’s Next,’ we find ourselves navigating through a musical landscape that reflects both the tried and true and the unfortunately overlooked.

10. ‘Who Are You’ — ‘Who Are You’ (1978)

In a moment of autobiographical brilliance, Pete Townshend crafted ‘Who Are You’ after a legendary night out with members of the Sex Pistols. This pulsating anthem, the last from the original lineup, resonates with a sense of uncertainty and bravado. Townshend’s inquiry, “Who are you?” echoes the changing times and marks a powerful conclusion to an era, as sadly, Keith Moon passed away just a month after its release.

9. ‘Love Reign O’r Me’ — ‘Quadrophenia’ (1973)

Closing out the ‘Quadrophenia’ album, ‘Love Reign O’r Me’ stands as a Roger Daltrey tour de force. The song’s cinematic quality is intensified by the clash between orchestral synths and Moon’s dynamic drumming. In under six minutes, the band creates a symphony of love, making it one of the most potent love songs of the decade.

8. ‘Slip Kid’ — ‘The Who by Numbers’ (1975)

While ‘The Who by Numbers’ is often associated with ‘Squeeze Box,’ ‘Slip Kid’ emerges as a hidden gem. The song’s subtle shuffle, a departure from the usual, showcases the band’s varied dynamics. With Roger Daltrey delivering another first-class vocal performance, ‘Slip Kid’ solidifies its place as a standout track from an underrated album.

7. ‘The Seeker’ — Single, 1970

A bridge between ‘Tommy’ and the abandoned ‘Lifehouse’ project, ‘The Seeker’ encapsulates Townshend’s questioning of the world. A killer guitar riff propels the song forward, as the band fires on all cylinders. Despite not breaking the top 40 in the US, ‘The Seeker’ became a radio favorite over the years, illustrating its lasting appeal.

6. ‘Heaven and Hell’ — ‘Live At Leeds’ (1970)

Notably absent from any studio album, ‘Heaven and Hell’ is a John Entwistle composition that became a staple of the band’s early ’70s shows. The live version, featuring Entwistle’s lead vocals and captivating musical interplay, showcases the sheer power of The Who’s live performances.

5. ‘Behind Blue Eyes’ — ‘Who’s Next’ (1971)

‘Behind Blue Eyes’ stands out with its striking honesty and moving lyrics delivered by Daltrey. Beginning with subtle beauty, the song builds into raucous chaos, cementing its status as a classic rock radio staple. Despite not being a chart hit upon its release, the song’s enduring resonance makes it a must-listen.

4. ‘5:15’ — ‘Quadrophenia’ (1973)

Part of the triumph that is ‘Quadrophenia,’ ‘5:15’ continues the saga of Jimmy, the central character. The dynamic horn arrangement complements the classic Who rock machine, portraying the day-to-day struggles of Jimmy’s life with a raw authenticity.

3. ‘Baba O’Riley’ — ‘Who’s Next’ (1971)

‘Baba O’Riley’ captivates with its sequenced synthesizer pattern and iconic vocal performance by Roger Daltrey. Breaking rules with a violin solo at the end, the song represents The Who’s defiance during the ‘Who’s Next’ era. Its lasting appeal over four decades is a testament to its groundbreaking nature.

2. ‘The Real Me’ — ‘Quadrophenia’ (1973)

Opening ‘Quadrophenia’ with a burst of anger, venom, and despair, ‘The Real Me’ is a supercharged rocker showcasing Daltrey’s supreme vocals and Entwistle’s unmatched bass skills. A cacophony of loud guitars and thundering drums makes it one of the band’s enduring and exciting tracks.

1. ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again’ — ‘Who’s Next’ (1971)

Closing our list is the indescribably thrilling ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again.’ With Townshend cutting through the disillusionment of the ’60s, the song’s lyrics remain relevant. As the anthem of a new era, it boldly declares, “Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.” This timeless track continues to resonate, proving that the hypnotized never lie.