Top 100 Songwriters of the Rock Era

Songwriters of the Rock Era: Top 100

This list was originally posted on the Dave’s Music Database Facebook page on July 1, 2010. It has been updated several times since then, most recently in April 2026 when The New York Times Magazine presented its list of the “30 Greatest Living American Songwriters.” See other sources which were aggregated to create this list at the bottom of the page. Despite attempts to gather a wide variety of lists, the emphasis of the lists still heavily largely on singer/songwriters from the rock era, giving short shrift to Broadway, early 20th century writers, and classical composers. As such, I have created two other lists – Composers from Broadway and the Early 20th Century and The Top 50 Classical Composers. However, here’s the list of rock-era songwriters. See other lists of Acts/Music Makers by Categories. Bob Dylan, image from cnn.com 1. Bob Dylan 2. John Lennon/ Paul McCartney (The Beatles) 3. Bruce Springsteen 4. Paul Simon 5. Pete Townshend 6. Neil Young 7. Mick Jagger / Keith Richards (The Rolling Stones) 8. Elton John/ Bernie Taupin 9. David Bowie 10. Led Zeppelin (Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, John “Bonzo” Bonham) John Lennon and Paul McCartney, image from fanpop.com 11. Joni Mitchell 12. Ray Davies 13. Leonard Cohen 14. Pink Floyd (Syd Barrett/ David Gilmour/ Nick Mason/ Roger Waters/ Richard Wright) 15. Carole King 16. Brian Wilson 17. Sting 18. Tom Waits 19. U2 (Bono/ Adam Clayton/ The Edge/ Larry Mullen, Jr.) 20. Kurt Cobain Paul Simon, image from morethings.com 21. Stevie Wonder 22. Elvis Costello 23. Chuck Berry 24. Van Morrison 25. Lou Reed 26. Morrissey 27. Jim Morrison 28. Prince 29. Billy Joel 30. Smokey Robinson Bruce Springsteen, image from reelworldtheology.com 31. Bob Marley 32. Brian Holland/Lamont Dozier/ Eddie Holland 33. Jerry Leiber/ Mike Stoller 34. James Taylor 35. R.E.M. (Peter Buck/ Bill Berry/ Mike Mills/ Michael Stipe) 36. Don Henley 37. John Fogerty 38. Nick Cave 39. Michael Jackson 40. Queen (John Deacon/ Brian May/ Freddie Mercury/ Roger Taylor) Pete Townshend, image from guitarplayer.com 41. George Harrison 42. Radiohead (Colin Greenwood, Jonny Greenwood, Ed O’Brien, Phil Selway, Thom Yorke) 43. Joe Strummer and Mick Jones (The Clash) 44. Dolly Parton 45. Peter Gabriel 46. Burt Bacharach/ Hal David 47. Eddie Vedder 48. Gerry Goffin 49. Cat Stevens 50. Kris Kristofferson Neil Young, image from Samuel sounds blog 51. Eric Clapton 52. Roy Orbison 53. Stevie Nicks 54. Buddy Holly 55. Kenneth Gamble / Leon Huff 56. Barry Mann/ Cynthia Weil 57. Jeff Barry/ Ellie Greenwich 58. Jackson Browne 59. Doc Pomus/ Mort Shuman 60. Randy Newman Keith Richards and Mick Jagger, image from art.com 61. David Byrne 62. Jimi Hendrix 63. James Brown 64. Willie Nelson 65. Tom Petty 66. Lionel Richie 67. Neil Diamond 68. Little Richard 69. Beck 70. Glenn Frey Elton John and Bernie Taupin 71. Patti Smith 72. Noel Gallagher 73. Robbie Robertson 74. Chuck D 75. Richard Thompson 76. Chrissie Hynde 77. Paul Westerberg 78. Lucinda Williams 79. Stephen Merritt 80. Johnny Cash Joni Mitchell 81. Eminem 82. The Bee Gees (Barry Gibb/ Maurice Gibb/ Robin Gibb) 83. Tori Amos 84. Tupac Shakur (2pac) 85. Frank Zappa 86. Dave Matthews 87. Dianne Warren 88. Lindsey Buckingham 89. Kate Bush 90. Christine McVie David Bowie 91. David Crosby 92. Neil Peart 93. Curtis Mayfield 94. Isaac Hayes / David Porter 95. Boudleaux Bryant / Felice Bryant 96. Robert Smith 97. Sly Stone 98. John Hiatt 99. Laura Nyro 100. Steve Earle Resources/Related Links: Dave’s Music Database: Lists of Acts/Music Makers by Categories Dave’s Music Database Facebook page (7/1/2010). “The Top 100 Songwriters of All Time” This ranked list is a compilation of all the best-of songwriter lists below. aol.com (2/13/2006). “The Greatest Songwriters in Rock” This is a top 10 ranked list with commentary. No author or year cited. However, the same content appears on a blog on myspace.com with a #11 ranked writer included and a date of 2/13/06. AssociatedContent.com (8/1/2009). “Ten Best Lyricists of All Time” by Nick Mayer Includes commentary. BBC News (5/23/2001). “Dylan ‘the greatest songwriter’” 10 lyricists are ranked, according to percentage of votes received via a BBC News Online users poll out of 7722 votes cast. DigtalDreamDoor.com 8/23/2007). “100 Greatest Rock Songwriters.” Edited by Maria S. This ranked list of 200 songwriters includes a handful of song titles by each entry. DigitalDreamDoor.com (5/13/2005). “100 Greatest Lyricists of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Edited by Eric. This is a ranked list with no commentary. If songwriter is associated with a specific group, that is noted in parentheses. Faqs.com (2009). “The Best Lyricists of All Times.” No longer online. Folkmusic.about.com (year?). “Top 10 Folk Music Singer/Songwriters.” By Kim Ruehl This ranked list includes commentary. Gibson.com (9/9/2008). “6 of the Greatest Songwriting Partnerships of All Time.” By Aaron Lefkove This unranked list offers commentary on six songwriting teams on Gibson Lifestyle’s Forum. Guinness Book of British Hit Singles Ranked list of the 100 most successful songwriters in British chart history. Guinness published books on the UK charts for years and it is assumed that this list came from one of those editions, but there are no details. Listology.com (10/16/2008). “Top 5 Songwriters of All Time.” By podizz No longer online. MakeFive.com (6/23/2008). “Top 5 Songwriters of All Time.” By alexmerced 14 songwriters are actually on this ranked list, which appears to be generated by online votes. The New York Times Magazine (April 2026). “30 Greatest Living American Songwriters” More than 250 music insiders and six New York Times critics weighed in on who defines the new American songbook. Here, in an unranked list, are the artists they chose. NME.com (7/1/2010?). “The Greatest Lyricists Ever.” Readers poll. Top 20. No longer online. NPR.org (7/5/2006). “The Best Living Songwriters.” By Robin Hilton This ranked list, by the producer of NPR’s All Songs Considered, includes commentary. Paste Magazine (June/July 2006). “100 Best Living Songwriters: The List” Ranked list with no commentary. Ranker.com (year?). “Greatest Living Rock Songwriters” RateYourMusic.com (year?). “Top 100 Songwriters. By elayblooze User-generated, ranked list with no commentary. No year identified. Redefradio.gather.com (9/5/2007). “Hip Hop’s Top Lyricists of All Time (One Man’s Theory).” By Kevin Beacham. No longer online. RetroJunk.com (2009). “Top 20 Greatest Songwriters.” By dalmatianlover Blogger-created, ranked list with commentary. P. Campbell Robbins (5/10/2006). “Top 25 Greatest Songwriters of All-Time.” Blogger-created, ranked list with commentary on top 10. Piero Scaruffi (1996). “Greatest singer songwriters of all times” Ranked list of 16 songwriters (no commentary) and then an unranked list of another 55 songwriters. Piero Scaruffi (1999). “Greatest rock composers of all times” Four separate ranked lists (no commentary) focus on world, Britain, Oceania, and Germany. SongHall.org Official site for the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Songpull.com (11/13/2007). “Top 10 Living Songwriters.” By mbauer Blogger-created, ranked list with no commentary. Links to songwriters’ official sites. Songwriters Hall of Fame (1/21/2026). “Inductees 1969-2026” by DavesMusicDatabase.com A list at DavesMusicDatabase.com of all inductees into the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame from its beginning in 1969 to its class of 2026 inductees. Songwriting.net (5/26/2010). “Top 10 Songwriting Teams.” By Jessica Brandon This ranked list offers brief commentary. Telegraph.co.uk (5/19/2008). “50 best British songwriters.” By Chris Harvey Ranked list includes commentary. TopTenz.net (5/22/2009). “Top 10 Singer Songwriters of the 1960s and 1970s.” By Anne Iredale Ranked list with commentary. Turkku.com (year?). “Top 20: Male Songwriters and Top 20: Female Songwriters” Two separate ranked lists with no commentary on a page with other lists. UltimateSongwriting.com (year?). “Best Songwriters Ever” and “Great Songwriters – Greatest Songwriters” Two separate unranked lists with lots of overlap and no commentary. No author or date identified. Ben Witherington (8/14/2008). “The Best Songwriters in Rock n’ Roll Heaven” Blogger-created unranked lists, no commentary, for rock/pop, folk/country, and modern. Despite the misleading title, this focuses on songwriters both alive and dead. Yahoo.com (1/15/2009). “The 25 Best Rock Lyricists” by Rob O’Connor No longer online. First posted 7/1/2010; last updated 4/30/2026.

The Top 100 Guitarists of All Time

Guitarists: Top 100

This list first surfaced on 5/29/10 in a response to a voter-based list released by Gibson.com. Barely two weeks went by when an update became necessary thanks to an LA Times Magazine article listing the 50 greatest guitarists of all time. The DMDB’s revised list of best guitarists was posted on the DMDB Facebook page. In November 2011, Rolling Stone posted a new list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time. As such, this post has been revised yet again to reflect the inclusion of that list. 34 lists have been compiled to create this aggregate list. Click on names to see their entries in the Dave’s Music Database Music Makers Encyclopedia. The highlights – selected by browsing best-guitar-solo lists – link to videos. See other lists of Acts/Music Makers by Categories. 1. Jimi Hendrix Highlight: “Machine Gun” 2. Jimmy Page Highlight: “Stairway to Heaven” (with Led Zeppelin) 3. Eric Clapton Highlight: “Crossroads” (with Cream) 4. Stevie Ray Vaughan Highlight: “Texas Flood” 5. Eddie Van Halen Highlight: “Eruption” (with Van Halen) 6. B.B. King Highlight: “The Thrill Is Gone” 7. Jeff Beck Highlight: “Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers” 8. Angus Young Highlight: “You Shook Me All Night Long” (with AC/DC) 9. Chuck Berry Highlight: “Johnny B. Goode” 10. Duane Allman Highlight: “Dreams” (with the Allman Brothers Band) 11. Steve Vai Highlight: “For the Love of God” 12. David Gilmour Highlight: “Comfortably Numb” (with Pink Floyd) 13. Keith Richards Highlight: “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” (with the Rolling Stones) 14. Ritchie Blackmore Highlight: “Highway Star” (with Deep Purple) 15. Joe Satriani Highlight: “Surfing with the Alien” 16. Slash Highlight: “November Rain” (with Guns N’ Roses) 17. Randy Rhoads Highlight: “Crazy Train” (with Ozzy Osbourne) 18. Yngwie Malmsteen Highlight: “Black Star” 19. Tony Iommi Highlight: “War Pigs” (with Black Sabbath) 20. George Harrison Highlight: “And Your Bird Can Sing” (with The Beatles) 21. Pete Townshend Highlight: “Won’t Get Fooled Again” (with the Who) 22. Steve Cropper 23. Santana Highlight: “Europa” 24. Frank Zappa Highlight: “Zoot Allures” 25. Brian May Highlight: “Bohemian Rhapsody” (with Queen) 26. Robert Johnson 27. Mark Knopfler Highlight: “Sultans of Swing” (with Dire Straits) 28. Neil Young Highlight: “Cortez the Killer” 29. Kirk Hammett Highlight: “One” (with Metallica) 30. Les Paul 31. Tom Morello Highlight: “Bulls on Parade” (with Rage Against the Machine) 32. The Edge 33. John Frusciante Highlight: “I Could Have Lied” (with Red Hot Chili Peppers) 34. Robert Fripp Highlight: “21st Century Schizoid Man” (with King Crimson) 35. John McLaughlin Highlight: “Dream” (with Mahavishnu Orchestra) 36. Jerry Garcia Highlight: “Truckin’” (with the Grateful Dead) 37. Ry Cooder 38. Chet Atkins 39. Prince 40. John Petrucci Highlight: “Under a Glass Moon” (with Dream Theater) 41. Alex Lifeson Highlight: “Working Man” (with Rush) 42. Steve Morse Highlight: “Punk Sandwich” (with Dixie Dregs) 43. Buddy Guy 44. Peter Green 45. Darrell “Dimebag” Abbott Highlight: “Floods” (with Pantera) 46. Kurt Cobain Highlight: “Smells Like Teen Spirit” (with Nirvana) 47. Rory Gallagher 48. Richard Thompson 49. Bo Diddley 50. Django Reinhardt 51. Eric Johnson Highlight: “Cliffs of Dover” 52. Steve Howe Highlight: “Starship Trooper” (with Yes) 53. Scotty Moore 54. Joe Perry Highlight: “Walk This Way” (with Aerosmith) 55. Mick Taylor 56. Billy Gibbons Highlight: “Sharp Dressed Man” (with ZZ Top) 57. Buckethead Highlight: “Nottingham Lace” 58. Albert King 59. Gary Moore Highlight: “Still in Love with You” (with Thin Lizzy) 60. Freddie King 61. Phil Keaggy 62. Jack White 63. James Burton 64. T-Bone Walker 65. Mike Bloomfield 66. Marty Friedman Highlight: “Tornado of Souls (with Megadeth) 67. Wes Montgomery 68. Mick Ronson Highlight: “Moonage Daydream” (with David Bowie) 69. Eddie Hazel Highlight: “Maggot Brain” (with Funkadelic) 70. Michael Schenker Highlight: “Rock Bottom” (with UFO) 71. Dickey Betts Highlight: “Jessica” (with the Allman Brothers Band) 72. Jonny Greenwood Highlight: “Paranoid Android” (with Radiohead) 73. Charlie Christian Highlight: “Solo Flight” (with Benny Goodman) 74. Zakk Wylde Highlight: “No More Tears” (with Ozzy Osbourne) 75. Allan Holdsworth Highlight: “Devil take the Hindmost” 76. Joey Ramone 77. John Fahey 78. Link Wray 79. Johnny Marr 80. Warren Haynes 81. Johnny Winter Highlight: “Highway 61 Revisited” 82. Dick Dale Highlight: “Miserlou” (Dick Dale & the Del-Tones) 83. Glenn Tipton Highlight: “Beyond the Realms of Death” (with Judas Priest) 84. Derek Trucks 85. Roy Buchanan 86. Neal Schon Highlight: “Any Way You Want It” (with Journey) 87. Humbert Sumlin 88. Paul Gilbert Highlight: “Price You Gotta Pay” (with Mr. Big) 89. Adrian Smith Highlight: “Powerslave” (with Iron Maiden) 90. Ace Frehley Highlight: “Shock Me” (with Kiss) 91. Tom Verlaine 92. Leslie West 93. Robin Trower Highlight: “Bridge of Sighs” 94. Mike McCready Highlight: “Alive” (with Pearl Jam) 95. Dave Davies Highlight: “You Really Got Me” (with The Kinks) 96. Danny Gatton 97. Andres Segovia 98. Richie Sambora 99. Ron Asheton 100. Dave Murray Highlight: “2 Minutes to Midnight” (with Iron Maiden) Resources/Related Links: Dave’s Music Database: Lists of Acts/Music Makers by Categories About.com’s 100 Greatest Guitar Solos AssociatedContent.com Top 10 Greatest Guitarists of All Time by Dennis Lindsay (12/29/08) BBC News Zeppelin voted ‘ideal supergroup’ (7/10/05) Roughly 3500 music fans were polled at Planet Rock Radio for best singer, guitarist, bassist, and drummer. The top 10 of each are listed. Buzzle.com Greatest Guitar Players. By Batul Nafisa Baxamusa. (4/13/10) Unranked list of 10 with commentaries. Another 15 with no commentary. Looks like a webzine. Buzzle.com Famous Jazz and Rock Guitarists. By Madhura P. (date?) Commentary on only 5 guitarists (although another 11 are listed) and all from the rock genre, not jazz. Digital Dream Door 100 Greatest Rock Guitarists. Edited by Andreas Haukenes, Jeffrey P., George F., and gminer. (5/11/10) List has no commentaries, but links to Nutsie.com where you can hear songs. Digital Dream Door 100 Greatest Guitarists (All Genres). Edited by George. (2/13/08) This is an all-genre list with no commentaries, but links to Nutsie.com where you can hear songs. List actually includes 200 guitarists. Digital Dream Door’s 100 Greatest Rock Guitar Solos edited by Eric/Lew (5/15/05) EduBook.com The Greatest Guitarists of All Time. By Phil Dotree. (10/24/09) Top 5 ranked list with commentaries. Gibson.com Top 50 Guitarists of All Time. By various writers. (5/28/10) List was compiled by votes over a month’s time. The end result is a ranked list with multiple ties and commentaries written by various writers. As the site indicates, votes came from the Gibson.com readers’ poll as well as Paolo Bassotti, Dave Hunter, Jeff Cease (Black Crowes), James Williamson (Iggy & The Stooges), Steve Mazur (Our Lady Peace), Martin Belmont (Graham Parker & The Rumour), and writers Ellen Barnes, Sean Dooley, Ted Drozdowski, Russell Hall, Arlen Roth, Andrew Vaughan, Aidin Vaziri, Bryan Wawzenek, Michael Wright. Guitar World 30 on 30: The Greatest Guitarists Picked by the Greatest Guitarists. By multiple authors. (3/10) In celebration of their 30th anniversary, Guitar World asked 30 different guitarists to comment on a favorite guitarist of theirs. LA Times‘s The 50 Greatest Guitarists Ever (6/10) Unranked list with no commentary but links to videos. Mojo‘s 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time (6/96) Link is for a ranked list which includes a recommended song or album and indicates the main guitar used by the guitarist. MusicBanter.com 200 Greatest Guitarists in Rock. By Boo Boo. (6/05) List only. No commentary. Site looks like a fan-based billboard. MusiciansFriend.com The 100 Greatest Guitarists Who Ever Lived. By Adam St. James. (year?) List is identified as being from Guitar.com and says the list is based on votes compiled at Guitar.com. A short bio notes that St. James has been the site’s editor and is an author of several instructional guitar books. MyMusicLists.com Best Guitarists of All Time. (2006) Details of list are unclear. This appears to be a site in which fans can vote on favorites. The list includes 51 ranked guitarists, but does not indicate if ranking actually came from fan votes. There are brief comments from users. PhilBrodieBand.com Greatest Guitarists. (2005) Page offers multiple lists (acoustic, blues, hard rock/heavy metal, jazz, R&B/soul, rock) which are identified as being from DigitalDreamDoor.com, but these same lists do not appear to be on that site. All lists are ranked without commentary. Most are top 100 lists, except for the hard rock/heavy metal and R&B/soul, which are top 30 lists. RateItAll.com Best Guitarists of All Time. (Originated 1/19/04) This ranked list appears to be generated by voter ratings and reviews. Clicking on a guitarist’s name takes one to a page with voters’ comments. List is apparently ongoing with more comments and ratings being added. RateYourMusic.com 25 Greatest Guitarists of All Time. By Fatman (10/12/06) Site allows users to generate lists. This ranked list offers brief commentaries. Rolling Stone‘s 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time. (2003?) This ranked list, with commentary, is difficult to navigate on the Rolling Stone site since each guitarist has a separate page. To just see the list, check out TheInsider.com. Piero Scarufi, Greatest Rock Guitarists of All Times (1999) This is a list only with no commentary. For no explained reason, there are 53 guitarists in ranked list followed by another 100 names in no perceivable order. Squidoo.com The Top 100 Guitarists of All Time. (year?) Ranked list with no commentary. List appears to have been generated by original author and then others could vote on it. Author and date not identified. Time Magazine The 10 Greatest Electric-Guitar Players. By Josh Tyrangiel (year?) Short list with only one-sentence commentaries. The-Top-Tens.com Greatest Guitarists Ever. (year?) This top 100 ranked list offers brief comments from site visitors. List appears to be voter-generated. TopTenz.net Top 10 Greatest Guitar Players. By Clarence F. (2008?) Top 10 ranked list with commentaries and video for each guitarist. Total Guitarist Magazine The Top 100 Guitarists. (8/3/02) Top 100 ranked list with no commentary. Voted on by Total Guitar readers. First posted 11/23/2011; last updated 1/25/2022.

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: DMDB Encyclopedia entry for The Who Dave’s Music Database (2/8/2010). “Now Presenting the Half Time Show Starring the Theme Songs of CSI” Dave’s Music Database: “Best-of Lists for Performers” Dave’s Music Database: “Best-of Lists for Songwriters and/or Producers Other Related DMDB Pages: First posted 7/27/2012; last updated 8/18/2021.

The Who reunite for first album in 13 years

Who The Who

Released: December 6, 2019 Peak: 2 US, 2 UK, 2 CN, 64 AU Sales (in millions): -- Genre: classic rock veterans

Tracks: Song Title [time] (date of single release) All This Music Must Fade [3:20] (10/3/19, --) Ball and Chain [4:29] (9/13/19, --) I Don’t Wanna Get Wise [3:54] (11/22/19, --) Detour [3:46] Beads on a String [3:40] Hero Ground Zero [4:52] Street Song [4:47] I’ll Be Back [5:01] Break the News [4:30] Rockin’ in Rage [4:04] She Rocked My World [3:22] Total Running Time: 45:45 The Primary Players: Roger Daltrey (vocals) Pete Townshend (guitar, vocals, bass, drum, keyboards, etc.) Pino Palladino (bass) Zak Starkey (drums, percussion) Simon Townshend (percussion)

Rating: 3.829 out of 5.00 (average of 15 ratings) Quotable: “It’s a throwback record for the most part, with nods all over the place to their classic work.” – Michael Galluci, Ultimate Classic Rock

About the Album: After 1982’s It’s Hard, it looked like the end for the Who. Their follow-up live album, Who’s Last certainly suggested that. However, they reunited for various tours over the years, giving fans hope that they might record together again. Sadly, original bassist John Entwistle passed away on the eve of the band’s 2002 tour and it looked even less likely that another Who album would ever emerge. However, singer Roger Daltrey and guitarist Pete Townshend came together again for the album Endless Wire in 2006 – a mere 24 years after their previous studio effort. After yet another long layoff – this time 13 years – the Who are back with their 12th studio album, simply titled Who. Like the previous effort, this album finds Daltrey and Townshend at the helm, but with bassist Pino Palladino, drummer Zak Starkey, and Pete’s brother Simon all returning as additional personnel. The lead single, Ball and Chain, was a reworked version of “Guantanamo,” a song Pete initially released on his 2015 compilation Truancy: The Very Best of Pete Townshend. All This Music Must Fade and I Don’t Wanna Get Wise were also released as singles. Rolling Stone’s Kory Grow says “Townshend and Daltrey…can still summon their inner Who-ness in their mid 70s.” WK Ultimate Classic Rock’s Michael Galluci echoed a similar statement, saying “It’s a throwback record for the most part, with nods all over the place to their classic work.” WK The Guardian’s Alexis Petridis says the album tackles themes such as the struggles that come with being an older rock musician. Songs like “I Don’t Wanna Get Wise” express the idea of “a rock career as one of inevitable decline.” WK New Musical Express’ Mark Beaumont says the song “reads like a 75-year-old Daltrey talking to the drunk and tardy 20-year-old who sang ‘My Generation.’” WK Variety magazine’s Chris Willman cited the opening line of “All This Music Must Fade,” “I don’t care, I know you’re gonna hate this song” as “hints of mirth amid the crotchetiness.” WK Notes: A 2019 deluxe edition added the tracks “This Gun Will Misfire,” “Got Nothing to Prove,” and “Danny and My Ponies.” The Japanese edition included thos and a demo of “Sand” recorded by Pete in 1966. In 2020, yet another bonus track was added – a remix of “Beads on One String.” An additional CD of a live performance at Kingston was also added.

Resources and Related Links: DMDB encyclopedia entry for The Who WK Wikipedia Other Related DMDB Pages: First posted 8/12/2021.

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 TheWho.com (official site) Facebook Wikipedia The Who: Top 100 Songs The Who: Studio Albums Ranked DMDB podcast: The 50th Anniversary of Who’s Next

Awards

Studio Albums

Compilations MB Magic Bus (1966-68, released 1968) BB Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy (1965-70, released 1971) H Hooligans (1965-78, released 1981) 83 Greatest Hits (1965-78, released 1983) WB Who’s Better Who’s Best (1954-81, released 1988) VB My Generation: The Very Best of (1965-81, released 1996) UC The Ultimate Collection (1964-82, released 2002) TN Then & Now (1964-2003, released 2004) 09 Greatest Hits (1964-2006, released 2009) 50 Hits 50! (1964-2014, released 2014) Under each album snapshot, songs featured on the anthologies are noted.

My Generation (1965)

Out in the Street [2:30] I Don’t Mind [2:32] The Good’s Gone [3:59] La-La-La Lies [2:12] Much Too Much [2:45] My Generation [3:15] BB, 83, WB, VB, UC, TN, 09, 50 The Kids Are Alright [2:42] BB, WB, UC, TN, 09, 50 Please, Please, Please [2:45] It’s Not True [2:30] I’m a Man [3:23] A Legal Matter [2:47] BB, UC The Ox [3:49] Also from This Era: I Can’t Explain BB, H, WB, VB, UC, TN, 09, 50 Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere BB, WB, VB, UC, 50

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. Run, Run, Run [2:43] MB Boris the Spider [2:29] BB, VB, UC, 50 I Need You [2:25] Whiskey Man [2:58] Heat Wave [1:57] Cobwebs and Strange [2:31] Happy Jack [2:11] * BB, 83, WB, VB, UC, TN, 09, 50 Don’t Look Away [2:54] See My Way [1:53] So Sad about Us [3:04] 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: Substitute [3:47] BB, 83, WB, VB, UC, TN, 09, 50 I’m a Boy [2:34] BB, WB, VB, UC, TN, 50

About the Album: Go to the DMDB page for more about this album.

The Who Sell Out (1967)

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

Disguises [3:10] MB Run, Run, Run [2:43] MB Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde [2:27] MB I Can’t Reach You [3:03] MB Our Love Was [3:23] MB Call Me Lightning [2:25] MB, UC, 50 Magic Bus [3:15] MB, BB, 83, WB, VB, UC, TN, 09, 50 Someone’s Coming [2:33] MB Doctor Doctor [3:02] MB Bucket T [2:07] MB Pictures of Lily [2:44] MB, BB, WB, VB, UC, 09, 50 Also from This Era: Dogs [3:04] 50 Circles (Instant Party) [2:27] Batman [1:22] Barbara Ann [1:59]

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)

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

Baba O’Riley [5:08] H, VB, UC, 09, 50 Bargain [5:34] H, UC, 50 Love Ain’t for Keeping [2:10] My Wife [3:41] 83, UC The Song Is Over [6:14] H Getting in Tune [4:50] Goin’ Mobile [3:42] Behind Blue Eyes [3:42] H, UC, TN, 09, 50 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: I Am the Sea [2:09] The Real Me [3:21] H, UC Quadrophenia [6:14] Cut My Hair [3:45] The Punk and the Godfather [5:11] I’m One [2:38] The Dirty Jobs [4:30] Helpless Dancer (Roger’s Theme) [2:34] Is It in My Head? [3:44] I’ve Had Enough [6:15] Tracks, Disc 2: 5:15 [5:01] H, 83, VB, UC, TN, 50 Sea and Sand [5:02] Drowned [5:28] H Bell Boy (Keith’s Theme) [4:56] Doctor Jimmy (includes “Is It Me?,” John’s Theme) [8:37] The Rock [6:38] 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)

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

New Song [4:13] Had Enough [4:30] H, UC 905 [4:02] Sister Disco [4:22] H, UC Music Must Change [4:38] Trick of the Light [4:47] 50 Guitar and Pen [5:58] Love Is Coming Down [4:06] 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)

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

Athena [3:46] UC, 50 It’s Your Turn [3:39] Cook’s County [3:48] It’s Hard [3:43] 50 Dangerous [3:18] Eminence Front [5:40] UC, 09, 50 I’ve Known No War [5:58] One Life’s Enough [2:20] One at a Time [3:02] Why Did I Fall for That [3:24] A Man Is a Man [3:54] 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)

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

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

About the Album: Go to the DMDB page for more about this album.

Resources/References: Wikipedia page for Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy Wikipedia page for Hooligans Wikipedia page for Greatest Hits (1983) Wikipedia page for Who’s Better Who’s Best Wikipedia page for My Generation: The Very Best of Wikipedia page for The Ultimate Collection Wikipedia page for Then and Now Wikipedia page for Greatest Hits (2009) Wikipedia page for Hits 50! Related DMDB Links: First posted 3/23/2008; last updated 9/3/2025.