As a lifelong fan of rock music, I’ve always been captivated by The Who’s incredible impact on the music industry. From their explosive debut in the 1960s to their continued influence today, this legendary British rock band has created some of the most memorable anthems in music history.
I’ll never forget the first time I heard Pete Townshend’s iconic guitar riffs and Roger Daltrey’s powerful vocals. The Who’s ability to blend raw energy with sophisticated songwriting has produced countless hits that have stood the test of time. With over 100 million records sold worldwide, their catalog includes masterpieces that have shaped rock music as we know it.
Key Takeaways
- The Who emerged as one of rock’s most influential bands, with hits like “”My Generation,”” “”Won’t Get Fooled Again,”” and “”Baba O’Riley”” defining multiple generations
- Their groundbreaking rock operas “”Tommy”” and “”Quadrophenia”” revolutionized musical storytelling, with “”Tommy”” selling over 20 million copies worldwide
- The band’s signature sound combined Pete Townshend’s innovative guitar techniques and Roger Daltrey’s powerful vocals, creating an unmistakable sonic identity
- Their commercial success includes 27 Top 40 singles in the UK, 17 Top 40 albums, and numerous platinum certifications across their discography
- The Who’s cultural influence extends beyond music into film, television, and gaming, while their technological innovations set new standards for live performances
The Who Popular Songs
The Who’s journey through rock music spans multiple decades with numerous chart-topping singles that defined generations. I’ve tracked their musical evolution through distinct periods that showcase their artistic growth and commercial success.
Early Breakthrough Singles
The Who’s initial success came with “”I Can’t Explain”” in 1965, reaching #8 on the UK Singles Chart. “”My Generation”” became their signature anthem later that year, peaking at #2 in the UK with its rebellious stuttering vocals and explosive instrumentation. “”Substitute”” (1966) demonstrated their evolving songwriting capabilities, while “”I Can See for Miles”” (1967) marked their first US Top 10 hit.
| Year | Song | Peak Position (UK) | Peak Position (US) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1965 | I Can’t Explain | #8 | #93 |
| 1965 | My Generation | #2 | #74 |
| 1966 | Substitute | #5 | #- |
| 1967 | I Can See for Miles | #10 | #9 |
British Invasion Era Hits
During the British Invasion, The Who solidified their position with “”Happy Jack”” (1966) reaching #3 in the UK. “”Pictures of Lily”” (1967) showcased their storytelling abilities, while “”Pinball Wizard”” (1969) from the rock opera “”Tommy”” reached #4 in the UK. “”Won’t Get Fooled Again”” (1971) became a rock radio staple with its revolutionary synthesizer opening and iconic scream.
| Year | Song | Peak Position (UK) | Peak Position (US) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1966 | Happy Jack | #3 | #24 |
| 1967 | Pictures of Lily | #4 | #51 |
| 1969 | Pinball Wizard | #4 | #19 |
| 1971 | Won’t Get Fooled Again | #9 | #15 |
Iconic Rock Operas and Concept Albums 
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The Who revolutionized rock music with their groundbreaking rock operas, establishing new standards for narrative storytelling in music. Their conceptual masterpieces transformed album creation from single-focused collections into cohesive artistic statements.
Tommy’s Impact on Music
The Who’s 1969 rock opera “”Tommy”” redefined the possibilities of album-oriented rock music. The 24-track double album tells the story of a “”deaf, dumb and blind”” pinball prodigy through interconnected songs like “”Pinball Wizard”” “”See Me, Feel Me”” and “”We’re Not Gonna Take It.”” Tommy’s commercial success peaked at #4 on the Billboard 200 charts and sold over 20 million copies worldwide. The album’s innovative storytelling approach influenced countless artists including David Bowie Pink Floyd and Queen to explore concept albums. The 1975 film adaptation starring Roger Daltrey expanded Tommy’s cultural impact across multiple media platforms.
Quadrophenia’s Lasting Legacy
“”Quadrophenia”” emerged in 1973 as The Who’s second rock opera capturing the essence of mod culture in 1960s Britain. The album follows Jimmy a young mod with four distinct personalities represented by each band member. Standout tracks include “”5:15″” “”Love Reign O’er Me”” and “”The Real Me.”” The album reached #2 on both UK and US charts selling over 3 million copies. Quadrophenia’s themes of teenage angst identity crisis and social rebellion resonated deeply with audiences inspiring a 1979 cult film adaptation. The album’s sophisticated orchestration complex character development and sociological commentary established new benchmarks for conceptual storytelling in rock music.
| Album | Release Year | Peak Chart Position | Global Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tommy | 1969 | US #4, UK #2 | 20+ million |
| Quadrophenia | 1973 | US #2, UK #2 | 3+ million |
Stadium Rock Anthems
The Who’s stadium rock anthems represent the pinnacle of arena-ready rock music from the 1970s. These powerful compositions combine atmospheric synthesizers expansive arrangements massive drum beats soaring vocals with intricate guitar work.
Won’t Get Fooled Again
“”Won’t Get Fooled Again”” stands as The Who’s longest-running hit, clocking in at 8 minutes 32 seconds. Released in 1971 on the album “”Who’s Next,”” this track features Pete Townshend’s revolutionary use of synthesizer programming combined with a thunderous guitar riff. The song reached #9 on the UK Singles Chart #15 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Roger Daltrey’s iconic scream near the song’s conclusion remains one of rock music’s most recognizable moments.
Baba O’Riley
“”Baba O’Riley”” opens with a distinctive synthesizer sequence programmed by Pete Townshend using a Lowrey organ. Released in 1971 on “”Who’s Next,”” this track showcases The Who’s masterful blend of hard rock electronic elements. The song’s title combines the names of Meher Baba Indian spiritual master Pete Townshend’s musical influence Terry Riley. Though never released as a single in the UK or US, “”Baba O’Riley”” earned platinum certification sold over 1 million digital copies in 2018 appears consistently in Rolling Stone’s “”500 Greatest Songs of All Time”” lists.
| Song | Release Year | Peak Chart Position (UK/US) | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Won’t Get Fooled Again | 1971 | #9/#15 | Longest-running Who hit (8:32) |
| Baba O’Riley | 1971 | N/A | 1 million+ digital copies sold (2018) |
Signature Musical Elements
The Who’s distinctive sound emerges from a combination of revolutionary guitar techniques innovative vocal delivery methods. These elements created their unmistakable sonic identity across their extensive catalog of hits.
Pete Townshend’s Guitar Work
Townshend’s guitar style features aggressive power chords windmill strumming patterns that defined The Who’s sound. His technique incorporates:
- Rhythmic chord sequences using suspended fourths open strings
- strategic feedback manipulation through amplifier positioning
- Custom-modified Fender Stratocasters Gibson SG Specials for specific tonal qualities
- Pioneering use of controlled guitar destruction as performance art
Key recordings showcase his innovative approach:
| Song | Guitar Technique | Chart Position |
|---|---|---|
| “”My Generation”” | Feedback-driven power chords | #2 UK |
| “”I Can See for Miles”” | Layered guitar harmonics | #10 US |
| “”Who Are You”” | Complex chord voicings | #14 UK |
Roger Daltrey’s Powerful Vocals
Daltrey’s vocal performances combine raw power with dramatic storytelling capabilities. His signature vocal elements include:
- Four-octave range spanning baritone to high tenor
- Characteristic stuttering technique in “”My Generation””
- Dynamic control from whispers to primal screams
- Precise pitch control during extended sustained notes
| Song | Vocal Highlight | Peak Position |
|---|---|---|
| “”Won’t Get Fooled Again”” | Climactic scream | #9 UK |
| “”Behind Blue Eyes”” | Emotional dynamics | #34 US |
| “”Love Reign O’er Me”” | Powerful sustains | #76 US |
Commercial Success and Chart Performance
The Who’s commercial achievements include 27 Top 40 singles in the UK plus 17 Top 40 albums. Their most successful single, “”I Can See for Miles,”” reached #10 on the UK Singles Chart while peaking at #9 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1967.
| Album/Single | Peak Chart Position | Certification |
|---|---|---|
| Who’s Next (1971) | #1 UK, #4 US | 3x Platinum |
| Tommy (1969) | #2 UK, #4 US | 2x Platinum |
| Who Are You (1978) | #2 UK, #2 US | 2x Platinum |
| “”My Generation”” | #2 UK, #74 US | Gold |
| “”Pinball Wizard”” | #4 UK, #19 US | Gold |
The band’s album sales demonstrate consistent commercial success across decades:
- “”Who’s Next”” sold over 3 million copies in the US
- “”Tommy”” achieved global sales exceeding 20 million units
- “”Quadrophenia”” reached multi-platinum status with 3+ million copies
- “”Who Are You”” generated 2 million sales in North America
Their singles performance reflects strong market presence:
- “”Won’t Get Fooled Again”” reached #9 UK, #15 US
- “”Behind Blue Eyes”” peaked at #34 US
- “”You Better You Bet”” hit #9 UK, #18 US
- “”Squeeze Box”” achieved #10 UK, #16 US
- “”Baba O’Riley”” earning 1 million+ digital downloads
- “”Behind Blue Eyes”” reaching 500,000+ digital units
- “”Who Are You”” accumulating 750,000+ digital sales
- “”My Generation”” surpassing 400,000 digital copies
Cultural Impact and Influence
The Who’s influence extends far beyond record sales, shaping multiple facets of popular culture through their groundbreaking musical innovations. Their aggressive performance style inspired numerous punk rock bands including Sex Pistols, Ramones The Clash. The band’s pioneering use of synthesizers in rock music influenced artists like Rush, Queen David Bowie.
Rock operas “”Tommy”” and “”Quadrophenia”” redefined musical storytelling, inspiring productions like Green Day’s “”American Idiot”” Pink Floyd’s “”The Wall.”” These works demonstrated how rock music serves as a vehicle for complex narratives social commentary.
The band’s iconic visual elements transformed live performances:
- The windmill guitar technique adopted by countless guitarists
- Microphone swinging moves replicated by modern rock vocalists
- Instrument destruction rituals that became rock show staples
Their impact on media entertainment includes:
- “”CSI”” franchise using Who songs as theme music
- “”Tommy”” adaptation into an Academy Award-nominated film
- “”Quadrophenia”” inspiring a cult classic movie
The Who’s technological innovations revolutionized live sound:
| Innovation | Impact |
|---|---|
| 100-watt Marshall stacks | Set standard for amplification |
| Synthesizer integration | Enhanced rock arrangements |
| Multiple speaker arrays | Improved stadium sound quality |
Their songs continue influencing contemporary culture through:
- Featured placement in video games like Rock Band Guitar Hero
- Regular inclusion in major sporting events commercials
- Consistent presence in film television soundtracks
- Frequent covers by modern artists across genres
| Achievement | Year |
|---|---|
| Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction | 1990 |
| Kennedy Center Honors | 2008 |
| Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award | 2001 |
| Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution | 1988 |
Popular Music
The who popular songs impact on rock music transcends generations and I’m continually amazed by their ability to innovate and inspire. Their groundbreaking approach to songwriting technical innovations and memorable performances have earned them a permanent place in music history.
From rebellious anthems to sophisticated rock operas their music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. As I reflect on their legacy I’m reminded that The Who didn’t just create songs – they revolutionized how we experience rock music setting standards that artists still strive to match today.
Looking at their impressive catalog of hits innovative concert performances and lasting cultural influence it’s clear why the who popular songs remains one of rock’s most influential bands. Their music stands as a testament to the power of artistic vision and musical excellence.