The Who is undoubtedly one of the greatest bands of all time.
Their discography is filled with timeless songs that have been enjoyed by generations of fans – but which are the best?
We’ve compiled a list of 15 of the greatest hits from The Who, spanning their entire career.
From their legendary rock anthems to their unique brand of storytelling, this collection showcases why The Who remains one of the most influential bands in music history.
So crank up the volume and get ready to hear some classic tunes – these are our picks for the 15 best The Who songs of all time!
1. “Won’t Get Fooled Again”
The Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again” is undoubtedly one of the greatest rock songs of all time.
With Pete Townshend‘s driving power chords and Roger Daltrey’s anthemic vocal delivery, this song has become an anthem for generations.
The lyrics are a warning to not trust authority and to remain vigilant against being taken advantage of by those in power.
Musically, the track is built on a powerful chord progression along with Keith Moon’s explosive drumming and John Entwistle’s agile bassline.
Everything comes together perfectly to create a timeless classic that will never go out of style.
It stands as a testament to The Who’s immense talent and legacy, and will surely continue to inspire generations for years to come.
2. “Eminence Front”
Moving away from the classic rock style of “Won’t Get Fooled Again”, “Eminence Front” takes on a more modern and experimental sound.
This song is a unique blend of funk, jazz, and synthpop, and it stands out as one of The Who’s boldest works.
The band is known for their wild guitar solos, but this track showcases their ability to craft a complex yet catchy groove.
Pete Townshend’s dynamic vocals are especially captivating here, providing an anthemic call to arms that will surely have you singing along.
There’s no denying the sheer power of this song – it has earned its place as one of the most iconic pieces in The Who’s discography.
3. “Behind Blue Eyes”
Exploring the hauntingly beautiful depths of “Behind Blue Eyes”, it’s easy to understand why this classic Who song has remained a fan favorite for over 40 years.
Combining Pete Townshend’s poetic lyrics with Roger Daltrey’s emotive delivery, the track is a powerful example of how rock music can capture the full range of human emotions.
The song’s unique structure and stirring guitar riffs are also worth noting as they give “Behind Blue Eyes” an unmistakable sound that never fails to captivate listeners.
Truly, this classic Who hit is one of those timeless songs that will continue to move and inspire generations to come.
4. “I Can’t Explain”
“I Can’t Explain” is a timeless classic that has been revered by music critics and fans alike for its dynamic combination of undeniable energy, catchy riffs, and thought-provoking lyrics.
It’s a powerful anthem of existential questioning that speaks to everyone who has ever found themselves searching for answers in life.
The Who pulls no punches in this song, delivering an intense performance that captures the full range of human emotions.
From the joyous chorus to the pensive verses, “I Can’t Explain” is an essential listen for any fan of rock ‘n’ roll.
Its legacy will remain long after its creators have left this world, continuing to inspire listeners with its raw power and emotional depth.
5. “Pinball Wizard”
“Pinball Wizard” is undoubtedly one of The Who’s greatest songs.
It is a classic rock anthem that has been covered by numerous other artists, yet still manages to stand out among the bunch.
It’s fast-paced tempo and powerful lyrics make it an instant crowd-pleaser, and its catchy chorus ensures that it stays in your head for days after you hear it.
While the song’s message of hope and resilience may not be as apparent today as it was when it was first released, its timelessness continues to resonate with listeners all over the world.
“Pinball Wizard” is a true classic that will never go out of style.
6. “My Generation”
“My Generation”, released in 1965, is the defining song of The Who’s a career.
Its anthemic chorus and driving beat ensure its place as one of the most memorable tracks of all time.
The song’s lyrics are a powerful statement on youth culture, advocating for the power of the young to challenge convention and make their own way in life.
Pete Townshend’s guitar playing is masterful and adds a unique flavor to the track that can’t be matched.
Roger Daltrey‘s vocals are powerful and bring out the emotion of the lyrics with every word he sings.
It’s no wonder this track has become such an iconic part of rock history, cementing its place among the greatest songs ever made.
7. “Magic Bus”
Having introduced the classic “My Generation”, it’s time to move on to another of The Who’s greatest hits: “Magic Bus”.
This beloved track was released as a single in 1967 and has since become a mainstay of rock radio stations.
It’s an upbeat, fun-loving number with a catchy hook, making it easy to see why it became such a phenomenon.
The song captures the spirit of freedom, highlighting the joy of hitting the road and living life to its fullest potential – perfect for any listener who loves that classic rock sound!
With its infectious melody and inspiring lyrics, “Magic Bus” is truly one of The Who’s most iconic songs.
8. “Squeeze Box”
One of the Who’s most beloved songs is undoubtedly “Squeeze Box”, a single from their 1975 album, The Who by numbers
It’s an upbeat and light-hearted track that captures the essence of youthful energy and innocence.
Musically, it features a memorable bass line and chugging guitar riffs, with Roger Daltrey’s iconic vocals weaving between them.
Lyrically, it deals with themes of love and nostalgia in a playful and humorous manner.
“Squeeze Box” stands as one of the essential tracks from The Who and remains a fan favorite to this day.
It serves as a reminder of why they are still considered one of the greatest rock bands in history – their ability to capture energy, emotion, and humor in equal measure.
9. ” I Can See For Miles”
“I Can See for Miles” is a classic track from The Who’s 1967 album, The Story of The Who.
It’s an explosive celebration of the band’s psychedelic sound and anthemic melodies, featuring Pete Townshend’s trademark guitar riffs and Roger Daltrey’s powerful vocals.
The song builds on its original blues-rock roots with feedback-driven instrumentation, creating a soundscape that feels both timeless and vibrant.
It’s no surprise that “I Can See for Miles” has stood the test of time; it’s an essential part of The Who’s greatest hits collection, and rightly so.
This classic track is a perfect example of why the band influenced generations of rock musicians – they knew how to make music that was both meaningful and timeless.
10. “Boris The Spider”
The Who have been producing some of the best rock music for decades, and their greatest hits are no exception.
From classic anthems like “My Generation” to stadium-filling bangers like “Baba O’Riley”, The Who has always had a knack for writing memorable tunes that will remain timeless.
One of their lesser-known but still amazing songs is “Boris the Spider”.
This track is a fun and quirky number that showcases the band’s whimsical side.
It’s a great example of how The Who could take something simple and turn it into a unique musical experience.
With its catchy hooks and inventive lyrics, “Boris the Spider” is sure to leave a lasting impression on any listener.
11. “It’s A Boy”
Having discussed the iconic song “Boris The Spider”, it’s time to dive into an even more beloved Who classic: “It’s a Boy”.
Written as part of the rock opera Tommy, this track is a celebration of new life, featuring Pete Townshends’ signature mix of powerful guitar riffs and lyrics that speak to the soul.
With its catchy melodies and uplifting message, “It’s a Boy” has become one of The Who’s most beloved tracks, and for good reason.
Its message of hope and joy continues to resonate today, making it one of the group’s greatest hits.
12. “The Kids Are Alright”
The Who’s music has stood the test of time, and their greatest hits are a testament to their lasting influence.
From the classic anthem “My Generation” to the timeless ballad “Love Reign O’er Me”, The Who has crafted an impressive catalog of music that will continue to captivate listeners for generations to come.
But perhaps the most enduring track from the band is “The Kids Are Alright”.
This song perfectly encapsulates both The Who’s knack for catchy, upbeat pop melodies and their ability to craft powerful lyrics with social commentary.
With its infectious chorus and memorable guitar riff, this song is sure to remain a fan favorite for years to come.
13. “Going Mobile”
The Who’s next single, “Going Mobile”, brings a different sound to the band.
Its driving rhythm and energetic guitar riffs provide a contrast to the slower, more reflective songs like “The Kids Are Alright”.
This song is emblematic of The Who’s ability to seamlessly transition between styles with ease.
The musicality of this track is truly unique in its use of tempo shifts and syncopation.
It stands as one of their greatest achievements, proving that The Who can move from gentle ballads to hard-hitting rock anthems with ease.
Ultimately, it serves as a testament to the creative genius of The Who’s iconic members.
14. “I’m A Boy”
The Who has long stood as one of the most iconic artists of all time, and for good reason.
Their song “I’m a Boy” is a perfect example of why.
From the opening chords and Roger Daltrey’s powerful vocals, this classic track is brimming with energy and attitude.
The lyrics are cleverly crafted to tell a story that resonates with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider or been caught between two worlds.
All this, plus an infectious beat, make it easy to see why this song still stands out today as one of the greatest rock anthems ever recorded.
15. “Tommy Can You Hear Me?”
“Tommy Can You Hear Me?” is an iconic song and one of The Who‘s most recognizable tunes.
It showcases the band’s ability to craft a powerful rock anthem that speaks to fans of all ages.
The lyrics are poetic and the melody is infectious, making it a favorite among The Who’s fans.
This classic captures the group’s signature sound with its strong guitar riffs and Pete Townshend’s passionate vocals.
“Tommy Can You Hear Me?” is a timeless anthem that will live on forever in the hearts of music lovers everywhere.
Best The Who Songs – Final Thoughts
In conclusion, The Who is one of the most influential and beloved bands in rock history.
They have released countless classic songs throughout their career, and these 15 are some of their best.
From “Won’t Get Fooled Again” to “Tommy Can You Hear Me?”, these tracks are sure to be remembered for generations to come.
I can only hope that future musicians will continue to draw inspiration from The Who’s music as it has done for so many others before them.
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