The Who Only Had One Album That Reached Number One

When it comes to iconic rock bands that shaped popular culture, The Who stands tall among the legends. Led by Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend, John Entwistle, and Keith Moon, the band pushed boundaries and left an indelible mark on rock music. Despite their status as one of the most influential bands of all time, The Who has only achieved one number-one record—a remarkable fact considering their immense impact. Let’s delve into the band’s chart history and explore the album that reached the pinnacle of success.

From their early mod-inspired sound to their transformation into a more primal and raucous band, The Who crafted timeless anthems that continue to resonate. Songs like “My Generation” and “Behind Blue Eyes” exemplify their multifaceted impact on music and culture, solidifying their place in rock history.

Elusive Number-One Success

Surprisingly, The Who’s breakthrough hit, “My Generation,” failed to reach the coveted number-one spot, peaking at number two on the UK Singles Chart and 74 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Despite achieving 14 top-ten singles in the UK, the band never claimed the top spot. Even their albums, which fared better in the US, fell short of reaching number one, with ten top-ten entries but no ultimate triumph.

The Pinnacle: Who’s Next

In the band’s discography, only one album achieved the distinction of topping the charts—1971’s Who’s Next. This epic rock opera featured iconic tracks like “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” “Baba O’Riley,” and “Behind Blue Eyes.” While it reached number four in the US, it earned the band their first and only number-one album in the UK, solidifying its status as a seminal work.

Quadrophenia and Who Are You

Following the success of Who’s Next, The Who continued to deliver critically acclaimed albums that resonated with audiences. 1973’s Quadrophenia, a concept album exploring the complexities of youth culture, became their joint-greatest album success in both the US and the UK, reaching the second spot. In 1978, Who Are You, the band’s final album featuring Keith Moon before his untimely passing, also reached number two in the US. Ambien