Album Info
| Artist: | The Who |
| Album: | Who Are You |
| Released: | Europe, 2015 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | New Song | |
| A2 | Had Enough | |
| Horns - John Entwistle | ||
| Synthesizer - Rod Argent | ||
| A3 | 905 | |
| Lead Vocals - John Entwistle | ||
| A4 | Sister Disco | |
| A5 | Music Must Change | |
| Horns - John Entwistle | ||
| B1 | Trick Of The Light | |
| B2 | Guitar And Pen | |
| B3 | Love Is Coming Down | |
| B4 | Who Are You | |
| Piano - Rod Argent |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne, Australia (North of Northcote, between Thornbury & Reservoir)
- We buy and sell new and used vinyl records - if you have a collection you'd like to sell please click here.
- We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post.
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- Happy Listening!
Description
The Who’s 1978 album "Who Are You" stands as a pivotal moment in the band’s storied career, encapsulating the essence of their rock legacy while also hinting at the personal struggles and transformations that were unfolding within the group. Released on August 18, 1978, this album marked a significant transition for The Who, as it was the last studio album to feature the legendary drummer Keith Moon, whose chaotic energy and flamboyant style were integral to the band’s identity.
From the opening track, the title song "Who Are You," listeners are greeted with a powerful blend of rock and introspection. The song, with its iconic synth intro and driving guitar riffs, showcases Roger Daltrey’s commanding vocals, which convey a sense of urgency and existential questioning. The lyrics reflect a sense of searching and identity, themes that resonate deeply throughout the album. The track became a fan favorite and is often regarded as one of The Who’s signature songs, further solidified by its use in popular culture, notably in the TV series "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation."
The production of "Who Are You" is noteworthy, as it was the first album recorded at Ramport Studios, a facility owned by the band. This allowed them a level of creative control and experimentation that is evident in the album’s sound. The Who embraced new technology, incorporating synthesizers and other studio effects that were becoming more prevalent in the late 1970s rock scene. The result is a rich, layered sound that still retains the raw energy characteristic of their earlier work.
Tracks like "Had Enough" and "905" showcase the band’s ability to blend rock with elements of punk and new wave, reflecting the changing musical landscape of the time. "Had Enough," in particular, is a standout track that features a catchy chorus and a driving beat, while also delving into themes of disillusionment and the search for meaning. The song’s anthemic quality makes it a perfect example of The Who’s knack for creating music that resonates with the struggles of everyday life.
"Who Are You" also features the poignant ballad "Love Is Coming Down," which highlights Daltrey’s vocal prowess and the band’s ability to convey deep emotion through their music. The song’s reflective nature offers a contrast to the more aggressive tracks, showcasing the band’s versatility and depth. The interplay between Daltrey’s vocals and Pete Townshend’s guitar work is particularly striking, creating a dynamic that is both powerful and intimate.
Critically, the album received a mixed reception upon its release, with some reviewers praising its bold experimentation and others feeling it lacked the cohesion of earlier works like "Tommy" or "Quadrophenia." However, over the years, "Who Are You" has been re-evaluated and is now often celebrated for its ambitious sound and the raw honesty of its lyrics. It captures a moment in time when The Who were grappling with their identity as a band and as individuals, particularly in light of Moon’s struggles with addiction and the pressures of fame.
The album’s closing track, "Empty Glass," is a haunting reflection on loss and longing, and it serves as a poignant farewell to Moon, who passed away just a year later. The emotional weight of the song is palpable, and it leaves listeners with a sense of melancholy that lingers long after the final notes fade away. It’s a fitting conclusion to an album that is as much about the band’s legacy as it is about their personal journeys.
In retrospect, "Who Are You" stands as a testament to The Who’s enduring influence on rock music. It captures a band at a crossroads, blending their classic sound with new influences while grappling with the complexities of fame, identity, and loss. The album not only showcases the band’s musical prowess but also serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring power of music to express the human experience. As we listen to it today, we can appreciate it not just as a collection of songs, but as a significant chapter in the story of one of rock’s greatest bands.
