Showing posts with label John Entwistle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label John Entwistle. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

The Top 100 Bassists of All Time

Bassists:

Top 100

This list was created by averaging 21 lists (see sources at bottom of page). Groups or performers most associated with the bassist are listed in parentheses.

See other lists of Acts/Music Makers by Categories.

1. Geddy Lee (Rush)
2. Paul McCartney (The Beatles/Wings)
3. Michael “Flea” Balzary (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
4. John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin)
5. Jack Bruce (Cream)
6. John Entwistle (The Who)
7. Les Claypool (Primus)
8. James Jamerson
(Funk Brothers)
9. Larry Graham (Sly & the Family Stone/Graham Central Station)
10. Jaco Pastorius

11. Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath)
12. Chris Squire (Yes)
13. Tony Levin (King Crimson)
14. Bootsy Collins (Funkadelic)
15. Cliff Burton (Metallica)
16. Louis Johnson (Brothers Johnson)
17. Steve Harris (Iron Maiden)
18. Stanley Clarke
19. Sting (The Police)
20. Donald “Duck” Dunn (Booker T. & the MG’s)

21. John Deacon (Queen)
22. Phil Lesh (Grateful Dead)
23. Bernard Edwards (Chic)
24. Charles Mingus
25. Victor Wooten (Bela Fleck)
26. Mike Watt (The Minutemen)
27. Jack Casady (Jefferson Airplane/Hot Tuna)
28. Roger Waters (Pink Floyd)
29. Phil Lynott (Thin Lizzy)
30. Bill Wyman (The Rolling Stones)

31. Marcus Miller (Miles Davis)
32. Aston “Family Man” Barrett (Bob Marley & the Wailers)
33. Adam Clayton (U2)
34. Mike Gordon (Phish)
35. Willie Dixon
36. John Wetton (King Crimson/Uriah Heep/Asia)
37. Rocco Prestia (Tower of Power)
38. John Myung (Dream Theater)
39. Chuck Rainey
40. Mark King (Level 42)

41. George Porter, Jr. (Meters)
42. Bob Babbitt (Funk Brothers)
43. Tim Commerford (Rage Against the Machine/Audioslave)
44. Peter Hook (New Order)
45. Tim Bogert (Beck, Bogert & Appice/Cactus/Vanilla Fudge)
46. Ryan Martinie (Mudvayne)
47. Duff McKagen (Guns N’ Roses/Velvet Revolver)
48. Robert Truillo (Suicidal Tendencies/Metallica)
49. Tom Hamilton (Aerosmith)
50. Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big/Steve Vai)

51. Paul Simonon (The Clash)
52. Greg Lake (Emerson, Lake & Palmer)
53. Lemmy Kilmister (Motörhead)
54. Oteill Burbridge (Allman Brothers Band)
55. Jason Newsted (Metallica)
56. Leon Wilkeson (Lynyrd Skynyrd)
57. Billy Cox (Band of Gypsys)
58. Jah Wobble Public Image Ltd.)
59. Tina Weymouth (Talking Heads)
60. Pino Palladino (Eric Clapton/Jeff Beck/The Who)

61. Bill Black (Elvis Presley)
62. John McVie (Fleetwood Mac)
63. Berry Oakley (Allman Brothers Band)
64. Stuart Hamm (Joe Satriani)
65. Andy Rouke (The Smiths)
66. Matt Freeman (Rancid)
67. Jeff Ament (Pearl Jam)
68. Timothy B. Schmidt (Eagles)
69. David Ellefson (Megadeth)
70. Steve Priest (Sweet)

71. Noel Redding (The Jimi Hendrix Experience)
72. Mike Dirnt (Green Day)
73. Simon Gallup (The Cure)
74. Carol Kaye (Wrecking Crew)
75. Krist Novoselic (Nirvana)
76. Reggie “Fieldy” Arvizu (Korn)
77. Roger Glover (Deep Purple)
78. Chris Hillman (The Byrds/Flying Burrito Brothers)
79. Mike Rutherford (Genesis)
80. P-Nut (311)

81. Verdine White (Earth, Wind & Fire)
82. Bill Gould (Faith No More)
83. Rick James
84. Justin Chancellor (Tool)
85. Andy Fraser (Free)
86. Bruce Thomas (Elvis Costello & the Attractions)
87. Nathan East (Kenny Loggins/Fourplay/Eric Clapton)
88. Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy)
89. Bobby Sheehan (Blues Traveler)
90. Kim Deal (Pixies)

91. Gary “Mani” Mounfield (The Stone Roses)
92. John Alderete (Racer X/Mars Volta)
93. Charlie Haden (Ornette Coleman/Pat Metheny)
94. Michael Anthony (Van Halen/Chickenfoot)
95. Cliff Williams (AC/DC)
96. Phil Kingsbury
97. Ray Brown
98. Chris Wolstenholme (Muse)
99. Jerry “Fingers” Jemmott (Lionel Hampton/Herbie Hancock/George Benson)
100. Jeff Berlin

Resources/Related Links:

First posted 7/29/2010; last updated 6/23/2026.

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Wednesday, August 18, 2021

The Who's Top 100 Songs/Studio Albums Ranked

The Who

Top 100 Songs/
Studio Albums Ranked

The Who were a rock group that formed in London in 1964. In their early years, they became known for their antics of destroying their instruments on stage. They became a staple of album rock with classics such as the 1969 rock opera Tommy and 1971’s Who’s Next The original lineup of singer Roger Daltrey, guitarist Pete Townshend, bassist John Entwistle, and drummer Keith Moon lasted until 1978 when Moon died at age 32 from a drug overdose.

At their concert in Cincinnati on December 3, 1979, eleven people were trampled to death when fans tried to push their way in before the show. The band broke up in 1982, but regrouped for Live Aid in 1986 and again in 1989 for a 25th anniversary tour. They subsequently regrouped multiple times. Just before their 2002 tour, Entwistle died at age 57 from a cocaine-induced heart attack.

In 2006, they released their first studio album, Endless Wire, in 24 years. They reconvened again for the album Who in 2019.

Click here to see other best-of lists from performers and here to see other best-of lists from songwriters and/or producers.

Spotify Podcast:

Check out Dave’s Music Database podcast: The 50th Anniversary of Who’s Next which draws from this list. It premieres August 17, 2021 at 7pm CST. Tune in every Tuesday at 7pm for a new episode based on the lists at Dave’s Music Database.

Awards:

Top 100 Songs

Dave’s Music Database lists are determined by song’s appearances on best-of lists as well as chart success, sales, radio airplay, streaming, and awards. This list includes solo material from Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey as well as music by The Who.

DMDB Top 1%:

1. My Generation (1965)
2. Won’t Get Fooled Again (1971)
3. Baba O’Riley (1971)

DMDB Top 2%:

4. I Can See for Miles (1967)
5. I Can't Explain (1965)
6. Pinball Wizard (1969)
7. Behind Blue Eyes (1971)

DMDB Top 5%:

8. Who Are You (1978)
9. Magic Bus (1968)
10. Love Reign O’er Me (1973)
11. You Better You Bet (1981)

DMDB Top 10%:

12. Substitute (1966)
13. Happy Jack (1966)
14. Squeeze Box (1975)
15. The Kids Are Alright (1966)
16. Pictures of Lily (1967)
17. The Seeker (1970)
18. Eminence Front (1982)
19. Join Together (1972)
20. 5:15 (1973)

21. Let My Love Open the Door (Pete Townshend, 1980)
22. Summertime Blues (1970)
23. Bargain (1971)

DMDB Top 20%:

24. I’m Free (1969)
25. We’re Not Gonna Take It/See Me Feel Me (1970)
26. I’m a Boy (1966)
27. Athena (1982)
28. Relay (1972)
29. Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere (1965)
30. Long Live Rock (1974)

31. The Real Me (1973)
32. Let’s See Action (1971)
33. Rough Boys (Pete Townshend, 1980)
34. Call Me Lightning (1968)
35. Face the Face (Pete Townshend, 1985)
36. Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Roger Daltrey, 1987)

Beyond the DMDB Top 20%:

37. A Legal Matter (1965)
38. Don’t Let Go the Coat (1981)
39. Boris the Spider (1966)
40. Without Your Love (Roger Daltrey, 1980)

41. The Song Is Over (1971)
42. Another Tricky Day (1981)
43. Goin’ Mobile (1971)
44. After the Fire (Roger Daltrey, 1985)
45. Dogs (1968)
46. The Last Time (1967)
47. Slip Kid (1975)
48. Giving It All Away (Roger Daltrey, 1973)
49. Pure and Easy (Pete Townshend, 1972)
50. My Wife (1971)

51. Gettin’ in Tune (1971)
52. It’s Not Enough (2006)
53. Behind Blue Eyes (acoustic version by Pete Townshend, 1983)
54. Give Blood (Pete Townshend, 1985)
55. Quicksilver Lightning (Roger Daltrey, 1986)
56. A Friend Is a Friend (Pete Townshend, 1989)
57. Free Me (Roger Daltrey, 1980)
58. Slit Skirts (Pete Townshend, 1982)
59. Love Ain’t for Keepin’ (1971)
60. Real Good Looking Boy (2004)

61. Let Me Down Easy (Roger Daltrey, 1985)
62. Under a Raging Moon (Roger Daltrey, 1985)
63. Go to the Mirror Boy (1969)
64. Amazing Journey/Sparks (1969)
65. Under My Thumb (1967)
66. It’s a Boy (1969)
67. Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting (1991)
68. Postcard (1974)
69. All This Music Must Fade (2019)
70. Sister Disco (1978)

71. Take Me Home (Roger Daltrey, 1987)
72. Come and Get Your Love (Roger Daltrey, 1975)
73. The Acid Queen (1969)
74. Avenging Annie (Roger Daltrey, 1977)
75. A Little Is Enough (Pete Townshend, 1980)
76. Do You Think It’s Alright/Fiddle About (1969)
77. Cousin Kevin (1969)
78. Young Man Blues (1970)
79. Shakin’ All Over (1970)
80. Pinball Wizard (live version by Pete Townshend, 1986)

81. It’s Hard (1982)
82. Daily Records (1981)
83. How Can You Do It Alone (1981)
84. Be Lucky (2014)
85. Trick of the Light (1978)
86. Music Must Change (1978)
87. Won’t Get Fooled Again (Pete Townshend live with John Williams, 1981)
88. Naked Eye (live, 1971)
89. Sheraton Gibson (Pete Townshend, 1972)
90. English Boy (Pete Townshend, 1993)

91. Did You Steal My Money (1981)
92. Dig (1989)
93. You (1981)
94. Fire (1989)
95. Twist and Shout (live) (1980)
96. Walking in My Sleep (Roger Daltrey, 1984)
97. Heaven and Hell (1970)
98. How Many Friends (1975)
99. Had Enough (1978)
100. Fortune Teller (1968)

The Who: Studio Albums Ranked

Dave’s Music Database lists are determined by album’s appearances on best-of lists as well as chart success, sales, critics’ ratings, and awards. Also factored in are the status of each album’s songs in Dave’s Music Database for songs.

1. Who’s Next (1971)
2. Tommy (1969)
3. Quadrophenia (1973)
4. Sell Out (1967)
5. My Generation (1965)
6. A Quick One (1966)
7. By Numbers (1975)
8. Endless Wire (2006)
9. Who Are You (1978)
10. Face Dances (1981)

11. Who (2019)
12. Magic Bus * (1968)
13. Lifehouse (2000)
14. It’s Hard (1982)

* Technically not a studio album but a compilation, but included here because the songs were various singles, B-sides, and leftovers all recorded in 1967 and 1968.

Resources and Related Links:

Other Related DMDB Pages:

First posted 7/27/2012; last updated 8/18/2021.

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Friday, December 6, 2019

The Who – A Retrospective, 1964-2019

The Who

A Retrospective: 1964-2019

Overview:

The Who were a rock group that formed in London in 1964. Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend, and John Entwistle were all in The Detours together and then Keith Moon joined them and they became The Who; briefly changing their name to The High Numbers before reverting back to The Who.

In their early years, they became known for their antics of destroying their instruments on stage. They became a staple of album rock with classics such as the 1969 rock opera Tommy and 1971’s Who’s Next The original lineup of singer Roger Daltrey, guitarist Pete Townshend, bassist John Entwistle, and drummer Keith Moon lasted until 1978 when Moon died at age 32 from a drug overdose.

At their concert in Cincinnati on December 3, 1979, eleven people were trampled to death when fans tried to push their way in before the show. The band broke up in 1982, but regrouped for Live Aid in 1986 and again in 1989 for a 25th anniversary tour. They subsequently regrouped multiple times. Just before their 2002 tour, Entwistle died at age 57 from a cocaine-induced heart attack.

In 2006, they released their first studio album, Endless Wire, in 24 years. They reconvened again for the album Who in 2019.

The Players:

  • Roger Daltrey (vocals, 1964-present)
  • Pete Townshend (guitar, 1964-present)
  • John Entwistle (bass, 1964-2002). Died 2002.
  • Doug Snadom (drums, 1964). Died 2019.
  • Keith Moon (drums, 1964-1978). Died 1978.
  • Kenney Jones (drums, 1978-1989)

Touring Musicians:

  • John “Rabbit” Bundrick (keyboards: 1979-2011)
  • Tim Gorman (keyboards: 1982)
  • Jody Linscott (percussion: 1989-present)
  • Steve Bolton (guitar: 1989)
  • Simon Phillips (drums: 1989)
  • Simon Townshend (guitar, vocals, mandolin; 1996-present)
  • Zak Starkey (drums: 1996-2025)
  • Pino Palladino (bass: 2002-2016)
  • John Corey (keyboards, backing vocals: 2012-17)
  • Frank Simes (keyboards, etc.: 2012-17)
  • Loren Gold (keyboards, backing vocals: 2012-present)
  • Scott Devours (drums, percussion, 2013, 2025-present)
  • Jon Button (bass: 2017-present)
  • John Hogg (backing vocals, percussion: 2025-present)

Links

Awards

Studio Albums

Compilations

Under each album snapshot, songs featured on the anthologies are noted.

My Generation (1965)

  1. Out in the Street [2:30]
  2. I Don’t Mind [2:32]
  3. The Good’s Gone [3:59]
  4. La-La-La Lies [2:12]
  5. Much Too Much [2:45]
  6. My Generation [3:15] BB, 83, WB, VB, UC, TN, 09, 50
  7. The Kids Are Alright [2:42] BB, WB, UC, TN, 09, 50
  8. Please, Please, Please [2:45]
  9. It’s Not True [2:30]
  10. I’m a Man [3:23]
  11. A Legal Matter [2:47] BB, UC
  12. The Ox [3:49]

Also from This Era:

About the Album:

Go to the DMDB page for more about this album.

A Quick One (1966)

    Click on a song titled for more details.
    1. Run, Run, Run [2:43] MB
    2. Boris the Spider [2:29] BB, VB, UC, 50
    3. I Need You [2:25]
    4. Whiskey Man [2:58]
    5. Heat Wave [1:57]
    6. Cobwebs and Strange [2:31]
    7. Happy Jack [2:11] * BB, 83, WB, VB, UC, TN, 09, 50
    8. Don’t Look Away [2:54]
    9. See My Way [1:53]
    10. So Sad about Us [3:04]
    11. A Quick One, While He’s Away [9:11]

    * on U.S. version of the album, which was called Happy Jack. “Heat Wave” was omitted from Happy Jack.

    Also from This Era:

About the Album:

Go to the DMDB page for more about this album.

The Who Sell Out (1967)

  1. Armenia City in the Sky [3:48]
  2. Heinz Baked Beans [1:00]
  3. Mary Anne with the Shaky Hand [2:28]
  4. Odorono [2:34]
  5. Tattoo [2:51]
  6. Our Love Was [3:23] MB
  7. I Can See for Miles [4:44] BB, H, WB, VB, UC, TN, 09, 50
  8. I Can’t Reach You [3:03] BB
  9. Medac [:57]
  10. Relax [2:41]
  11. Silas Stingy [3:07]
  12. Sunrise [3:06]
  13. Rael 1 [5:44]
  14. Rael 2 [1:29]

Also from This Era:

  • The Last Time (6/30/67, 34 CL, 44 UK) 50
  • Under My Thumb

About the Album:

Go to the DMDB page for more about this album.

Magic Bus (1968)

  1. Disguises [3:10] MB
  2. Run, Run, Run [2:43] MB
  3. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde [2:27] MB
  4. I Can’t Reach You [3:03] MB
  5. Our Love Was [3:23] MB
  6. Call Me Lightning [2:25] MB, UC, 50
  7. Magic Bus [3:15] MB, BB, 83, WB, VB, UC, TN, 09, 50
  8. Someone’s Coming [2:33] MB
  9. Doctor Doctor [3:02] MB
  10. Bucket T [2:07] MB
  11. Pictures of Lily [2:44] MB, BB, WB, VB, UC, 09, 50

Also from This Era:

About the Album:

This was a compilation primarily of singles and B-sides from 1966-68 that had not previously appeared on albums. Go to the DMDB page for more about this album.

Tommy (1969)

  1. Overture [3:50]
  2. It’s a Boy [2:07]
  3. 1921 (aka “You Didn't Hear It”) [3:14]
  4. Amazing Journey [3:25]
  5. Sparks [3:45]
  6. The Hawker (Eyesight to the Blind) [2:15]
  7. Christmas [5:30]
  8. Cousin Kevin [4:03]
  9. The Acid Queen [3:31]
  10. Underture [9:55]
  11. Do You Think It’s Alright? [0:24]
  12. Fiddle About [1:26]
  13. Pinball Wizard [3:50] BB, H, 83, WB, VB, UC, TN, 09, 50
  14. There’s a Doctor [0:25]
  15. Go to the Mirror! [3:50]
  16. Tommy, Can You Hear Me? [1:35]
  17. Smash the Mirror [1:20]
  18. Sensation [2:32]
  19. Miracle Cure [0:10]
  20. Sally Simpson [4:10]
  21. I’m Free [2:40] WB, UC, 50
  22. Welcome [4:30]
  23. Tommy’s Holiday Camp [0:57]
  24. We’re Not Gonna Take It [6:45] WB, UC, TN, 50

About the Album:

Go to the DMDB page for more about this album.

Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy

The Who

Released: October 30, 1971

Recorded: 1964-1970

Peak: 11 US, 9 UK, -- CN, 27 AU

Sales (in millions): 1.0 US, -- UK

Genre: classic rock

Rating:

4.582 out of 5.00 (average of 21 ratings)

Tracks: (1) I Can’t Explain (2) The Kids Are Alright (3) Happy Jack (4) I Can See for Miles (5) Pictures of Lily (6) My Generation (7) The Seeker (8) Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere (9) Pinball Wizard (10) A Legal Matter (11) Boris the Spider (12) Magic Bus (13) Substitute (14) I’m a Boy

Total Running Time: 42:54

Awards: (Click on award to learn more).

About Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy:

When looking back on a act’s body of work years later, first anthologies don’t always hold up as they can sometimes be padded with songs that later are inessential in comparison to later work. This collection, holds up well with most of these songs remaining important decades into the Who’s career.

Tracks Not on Previously Noted Albums:

  • The Seeker (3/21/70, 44 US, 30 CB, 30 HR, 9 CL, 19 UK, 21 CN) BB, 83, VB, UC, 50

Who’s Next (1971)

  1. Baba O’Riley [5:08] H, VB, UC, 09, 50
  2. Bargain [5:34] H, UC, 50
  3. Love Ain’t for Keeping [2:10]
  4. My Wife [3:41] 83, UC
  5. The Song Is Over [6:14] H
  6. Getting in Tune [4:50]
  7. Goin’ Mobile [3:42]
  8. Behind Blue Eyes [3:42] H, UC, TN, 09, 50
  9. Won’t Get Fooled Again [8:32] 83, WB, VB, UC, TN, 09, 50

About the Album:

Go to the DMDB page for more about this album.

Quadrophenia (1973)

Tracks, Disc 2:

  1. I Am the Sea [2:09]
  2. The Real Me [3:21] H, UC
  3. Quadrophenia [6:14]
  4. Cut My Hair [3:45]
  5. The Punk and the Godfather [5:11]
  6. I’m One [2:38]
  7. The Dirty Jobs [4:30]
  8. Helpless Dancer (Roger’s Theme) [2:34]
  9. Is It in My Head? [3:44]
  10. I’ve Had Enough [6:15]

Tracks, Disc 2:

  1. 5:15 [5:01] H, 83, VB, UC, TN, 50
  2. Sea and Sand [5:02]
  3. Drowned [5:28] H
  4. Bell Boy (Keith’s Theme) [4:56]
  5. Doctor Jimmy (includes “Is It Me?,” John’s Theme) [8:37]
  6. The Rock [6:38]
  7. Love, Reign O’er Me (Pete’s Theme) [5:49] 83, UC, TN, 09, 50

About the Album:

Go to the DMDB page for more about this album.

The Who by Numbers (1975)

  1. Slip Kid [4:31] H, 50
  2. However Much I Booze [5:01]
  3. Squeeze Box [2:43] H, 83, WB, VB, UC, TN, 09, 50
  4. Dreaming from the Waist [4:06]
  5. Imagine a Man [4:00]
  6. Success Story [3:20]
  7. They Are All in Love [3:00]
  8. Blue, Red and Grey [2:46]
  9. How Many Friends [4:05]
  10. In a Hand or a Face [3:24]

About the Album:

Go to the DMDB page for more about this album.

Who Are You (1978)

  1. New Song [4:13]
  2. Had Enough [4:30] H, UC
  3. 905 [4:02]
  4. Sister Disco [4:22] H, UC
  5. Music Must Change [4:38]
  6. Trick of the Light [4:47] 50
  7. Guitar and Pen [5:58]
  8. Love Is Coming Down [4:06]
  9. Who Are You [6:21] H, 83, WB, VB, UC, TN, 09, 50

About the Album:

Go to the DMDB page for more about this album.

Face Dances (1981)

  1. You Better You Bet [5:36] WB, VB, UC, TN, 09, 50
  2. Don’t Let Go the Coat [3:43] UC, 50
  3. Cache Cache [3:57]
  4. The Quiet One [3:09] UC
  5. Did You Steal My Money? [4:10]
  6. How Can You Do It Alone [5:26]
  7. Daily Records [3:27]
  8. You [4:30]
  9. Another Tricky Day [4:30] UC

About the Album:

Go to the DMDB page for more about this album.

Hooligans

The Who

Released: September 1981

Recorded: 1964-1978

Peak: 52 US, -- UK, -- CN, -- AU

Sales (in millions): 0.5 US, -- UK

Genre: classic rock

Rating:

3.956 out of 5.00 (average of 5 ratings)

Tracks: (1) I Can’t Explain (2) I Can See for Miles (3) Pinball Wizard (4) Let’s See Action (5) Summertime Blues (6) Relay (7) Baba O’Riley (8) Behind Blue Eyes (9) Bargain (10 The Song Is Over (11) Join Together (12) Squeeze Box (13) Slip Kid (14) The Real Me (15) 5:15 (16) Drowned (17) Had Enough (18) Sister Disco (18) Who Are You

Total Running Time: 80:17

About Hooligans:

This collection focuses primarily on the Who’s output in the 1970s, including four non-album singles from the era. The collection also includes three songs from the 1960s which were already covered on Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy: “I Can’t Explain,” “I Can See for Miles,” and “Pinball Wizard.” The set would be better served by keying in exclusively on ‘70s material, since Meaty already covered the ‘60s adequately and there are notable omissions from the 1970s such as “Won’t Get Fooled Again” and “Love, Reign O’er Me.”

Tracks Not on Previously Noted Albums:

  • Summertime Blues (7/4/70, 27 US, 14 CB, 14 HR, 7 CL, 38 UK, 8 CN) H, UC, TN, 50
  • Let’s See Action (10/15/71, 41 CL, 16 UK, 59 AU) H, VB, UC, 50
  • Join Together (6/16/72, 17 US, 28 CB, 20 HR, 7 CL, 9 UK, 18 CN, 58 AU) H, WB, VB, 50
  • Relay (12/9/72, 39 US, 33 CB, 35 HR, 14 CL, 21 UK, 70 CN) H, 83, 50

Greatest Hits

The Who

Released: 1983

Recorded: 1965-1978

Peak: 94 US, -- UK, -- CN, 13 AU

Sales (in millions): 2.0 US, -- UK

Genre: classic rock

Rating:

4.210 out of 5.00 (average of 8 ratings)

Tracks: (1) Substitute (2) The Seeker (3) Magic Bus (4) My Generation (5) Pinball Wizard (6) Happy Jack (7) Won’t Get Fooled Again (8) My Wife (9) Squeeze Box (10) Relay (11) 5:15 (12) Love, Reign O’er Me (13) Who Are You

Total Running Time: 50:47

About Greatest Hits:

This is a fairly effective distillation of Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy and Hooligans into one anthology. This remedies the biggest omissions from the latter by including “Won’t Get Fooled Again” and “Love, Reign O’er Me.” It doesn’t, however, include “Behind Blue Eyes.” Also, despite a 1983 release, this collection doesn’t have any songs included from 1981’s Face Dances or 1982’s It’s Hard.

Who’s Better Who Best

The Who

Released: November 14, 1988

Recorded: 1964-1981

Peak: -- US, 10 UK, -- CN, 51 AU

Sales (in millions): 0.5 US, 0.1 UK, 0.6 world (includes US and UK)

Genre: classic rock

Rating:

4.327 out of 5.00 (average of 10 ratings)

Tracks: (1) My Generation (2) Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere (3) The Kids Are Alright (4) Substitute (5) I’m a Boy (6) Happy Jack (7) Pictures of Lily (8) I Can See for Miles (9) Who Are You (10) Won’t Get Fooled Again (11) Magic Bus (12) I Can’t Explain (13) Pinball Wizard (14) I’m Free (15) See Me, Feel Me (16) Squeeze Box (17) Join Together (18) You Better You Bet

Total Running Time: 59:49

About Who’s Better Who’s Best:

Like Greatest Hits, this is a career-spanning retrospective. Neither collection has any songs from 1982’s It’s Hard and this one has some head-shaking omissions like “Behind Blue Eyes,” “Love, Reign O’er Me,” and “The Seeker.” It’s all the more puzzling since, in the CD era, there was room for about 20 minutes more material. This is the first compilation on this page to feature “I’m Free” and “See Me, Feel Me.”

My Generation: The Very Best of

The Who

Released: August 19, 1996

Recorded: 1964-1981

Peak: -- US, 11 UK, -- CN, -- AU

Sales (in millions): 0.5 US, 0.1 UK, 0.6 world (includes US and UK)

Genre: classic rock

Rating:

4.231 out of 5.00 (average of 20 ratings)

Tracks: (1) I Can’t Explain (2) Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere (3) My Generation (4) Substitute (5) I’m a Boy (6) Boris the Spider (7) Happy Jack (8) Pictures of Lily (9) I Can See for Miles (10) Magic Bus (11) Pinball Wizard (12) The Seeker (13) Baba O’Riley (14) Won’t Get Fooled Again (15) Let’s See Action (16) 5:15 (17) Join Together (18) Squeeze Box (19) Who Are You (20) You Better You Bet

Total Running Time: 76:17

About My Generation: The Very Best of:

This is the most effective compilation thus far. It presents the songs chronologically, which gives the listener a better experience in hearing how the Who’s sound evolved. “Love, Reign O’er Me” and “Behind Blue Eyes” are the most obvious missing songs, but it’s hard to know what to bump to make room. “Boris the Spider” is the least necessary of the songs here. This collection also ignores 1982’s It’s Hard.

It’s Hard (1982)

  1. Athena [3:46] UC, 50
  2. It’s Your Turn [3:39]
  3. Cook’s County [3:48]
  4. It’s Hard [3:43] 50
  5. Dangerous [3:18]
  6. Eminence Front [5:40] UC, 09, 50
  7. I’ve Known No War [5:58]
  8. One Life’s Enough [2:20]
  9. One at a Time [3:02]
  10. Why Did I Fall for That [3:24]
  11. A Man Is a Man [3:54]
  12. Cry if You Want [4:39]

About the Album:

Go to the DMDB page for more about this album.

The Ultimate Collection

The Who

Released: June 11, 2002

Recorded: 1964-1982

Peak: 31 US, 17 UK, -- CN, -- AU

Sales (in millions): --

Genre: classic rock

Rating:

3.894 out of 5.00 (average of 8 ratings)

Tracks, Disc 1: (1) I Can’t Explain (2) Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere (3) My Generation (4) The Kids Are Alright (5) A Legal Matter (6) Substitute (7) I’m a Boy (8) Boris the Spider (9) Happy Jack (10) Pictures of Lily (11) I Can See for Miles (12) Call Me Lightning (13) Magic Bus (14) Pinball Wizard (15) I’m Free (16) See Me, Feel Me (17) The Seeker (18) Summertime Blues (19) My Wife (20) Baba O’Riley (21) Bargain (22) Behind Blue Eyes (23) Won’t Get Fooled Again

Tracks, Disc 2: (1) Let’s See Action (2) Pure and Easy (3) Join Together (4) Long Live Rock (5) The Real Me (6) 5:15 (7) Love, Reign O’er Me (8) Squeeze Box (9) Who Are You (10) Had Enough (11) Sister Disco (12) You Better You Bet (13) Don’t Let Go the Coat (14) The Quiet One (15) Another Tricky Day (16) Athena (17) Eminence Front

Total Running Time: 155:14

About The Ultimate Collection:

This is about as good as it gets. This two-disc retrospective covers the classic Who years from 1964 to 1982, presenting the songs in chronological and making no glaring omissions. In fact, nearly every song highlighted on any of the previous collections is included here. “Join Together” and “Relay” are the biggest songs not here which were featured on earlier collections. This set also includes a couple of tracks from 1982’s It’s Hard, which hadn’t been represented by previous anthologies. There are also a few songs appearing on a compilation for the first time: “Call Me Lightning,” “Pure and Easy,” and “Long Live Rock.”

The track listing here is for the UK version. The U.S. version omits “Don’t Let Go the Coat,” The Quiet One,” “Another Tricky Day,” and “Athena.”

Tracks Not on Previously Noted Albums:

  • Pure and Easy (recorded in 1971, 47 CL) UC
  • Long Live Rock (9/28/74, 54 US, 66 CB, 73 HR, 5 CL, 48 UK) UC

Then and Now

The Who

Released: May 3, 2004

Recorded: 1964-2003

Peak: 57 US, 5 UK, -- CN, -- AU

Sales (in millions): --

Genre: classic rock

Rating:

3.814 out of 5.00 (average of 8 ratings)

Tracks: (1) I Can’t Explain (2) My Generation (3) The Kids Are Alright (4) Substitute (5) I’m a Boy (6) Happy Jack (7) I Can See for Miles (8) Magic Bus (9) Pinball Wizard (10) See Me, Feel Me (11) Summertime Blues (12) Behind Blue Eyes (13) Won’t Get Fooled Again (14) 5:15 (15) Love, Reign O’er Me (16) Squeeze Box (17) Who Are You (18) You Better You Bet (19) Real Good Looking Boy (20) Old Red Wine

Total Running Time: 77:13

About Then and Now:

It hardly seems necessary to have YET ANOTHER compilation, but this is a decent one-disc distillation of the Who’s career. The two new songs, “Real Good Looking Boy” and “Old Red Wine,” certainly aren’t classics, but they are worthy editions to the band’s catalog. A 2007 edition of the album replaced “Summertime Blues” and “Old Red Wine” with “Baba O’Riley” and “It’s Not Enough.”

Tracks Not on Previously Noted Albums:

  • Real Good Looking Boy (5/2/04, --) TN, 09, 50
  • Old Red Wine (5/2/04, --) TN

Endless Wire (2006)

  1. Fragments [3:58]
  2. A Man in a Purple Dress [4:14]
  3. Mike Post Theme [4:28]
  4. In the Ether [3:35]
  5. Black Widow’s Eyes [3:07]
  6. Two Thousand Years [2:50]
  7. God Speaks of Marty Robbins [3:26]
  8. It’s Not Enough [4:02] 09, 50
  9. You Stand by Me [1:36]
  10. Sound Round [1:21]
  11. Pick Up the Peace [1:28]
  12. Unholy Trinity [2:07]
  13. Trilby’s Piano [2:04]
  14. Endless Wire [1:51]
  15. Fragments of Fragments [2:23]
  16. We Got a Hit [1:18]
  17. They Made My Dream Come True [1:13]
  18. Mirror Door [4:14]
  19. Tea & Theatre [3:24]

About the Album:

Go to the DMDB page for more about this album.

Greatest Hits

The Who

Released: December 22, 2009

Recorded: 1964-2006

Peak: 19 US, 12 UK, -- CN, -- AU

Sales (in millions): -- US, 0.1 UK

Genre: classic rock

Rating:

4.215 out of 5.00 (average of 8 ratings)

Tracks: (1) I Can’t Explain (2) My Generation (3) The Kids Are Alright (4) Substitute (5) Happy Jack (6) Pictures of Lily (7) I Can See for Miles (8) Magic Bus (9) Pinball Wizard (10) Behind Blue Eyes (11) Baby O’ Riley (12) Won’t Get Fooled Again (13) Love, Reign O’er Me (14) Squeeze Box (15) Who Are You (16) You Better You Bet (17) Eminence Front (18) Real Good Looking Boy (19) It’s Not Enough

Total Running Time: 78:29

About Greatest Hits & More:

This is largely a repackaging of Then and Now. This was rereleased in 2010 as Greatest Hits & More with a second disc of live songs.

Hits 50!

The Who

Released: October 27, 2014

Recorded: 1964-2014

Peak: -- US, 11 UK, 44 CN, -- AU

Sales (in millions): -- US, 0.1 UK

Genre: classic rock

Rating:

4.352 out of 5.00 (average of 7 ratings)

Tracks, Disc 1: (1) Zoot Suit (2) I Can’t Explain (3) Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere (4) My Generation (5) Substitute (6) The Kids Are Alright (7) I’m a Boy (8) Happy Jack (9) Boris the Spider (10) Pictures of Lily (11) The Last Time (12) I Can See for Miles (13) Call Me Lightning (14) Dogs (15) Magic Bus (16) Pinball Wizard (17) I’m Free (18) The Seeker (19) Summertime Blues (20) See Me, Feel Me (21) Won’t Get Fooled Again (22) Let’s See Action (23) Bargain (24) Behind Blue Eyes

Tracks, Disc 2: (1) Baba O’Riley (2) Join Together (3) Relay (4) 5:15 (5) Love, Reign O’er Me (6) Postcard (7) Squeeze Box (8) Slip Kid (9) Who Are You (10) Trick of the Light (11) You Better You Bet (12) Don’t Let Go the Coat (13) Athena (14) Eminence Front (15) It’s Hard (16) Real Good Looking Boy (17) It’s Not Enough (18) Be Lucky

Total Running Time: 2:35:21

FhAbout Hits 50!:

This is a fantastic overview of the Who’s fifty-year career, tracking all of their singles chronologically. It includes a few songs (“Zoot Suit,” “The Last Time,” “Dogs,” “Postcard”) not featured on any of the other compilations on this page. There was also one new song: “Be Lucky.” A single-disc version was also released.

Tracks Not on Previously Noted Albums:

  • Zoot Suit (7/3/64, --) 50
  • Postcard (11/23/74, 64 CB, 42 CL) 50
  • Be Lucky (9/25/14, --) 50

Who (2019)

  1. All This Music Must Fade [3:20]
  2. Ball and Chain [4:29]
  3. I Don’t Wanna Get Wise [3:54]
  4. Detour [3:46]
  5. Beads on a String [3:40]
  6. Hero Ground Zero [4:52]
  7. Street Song [4:47]
  8. I’ll Be Back [5:01]
  9. Break the News [4:30]
  10. Rockin’ in Rage [4:04]
  11. She Rocked My World [3:22]

About the Album:

Go to the DMDB page for more about this album.

Resources/References:

Related DMDB Links:

First posted 3/23/2008; last updated 9/3/2025.

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