The Who's Masterpiece?

Anything but Quadrophenia.

 

Everything they have ever released is a masterpiece.

Except Face Dances which is a pile of junk.

Where you classify all these masterpieces is certainly worthy of debate.

 

Quad is amazing. Never been a huge fan of Sell Out. It seems transitional to me.

 

Who's Next

Followed by:
The Who Sell Out
Quadraphenia
Tommy

 

Who's Next or Quadrophenia? A tough one but I'll go with the Quad.
Quad from the secular mod sound of the music to the beautiful packaging, Quad reeks masterpiece. Spun the original 2 lp set two weeks ago again was blown away with those ocean waves sounds on vinyl 1973.
Who's Next is masterpiece as well but by the time 1973 and Quadrophenia came around the Who had matured drastically both musically and lyrically. Just my two cents.

 

My favorite album of all time, Quadrophenia

 

I had to really think about it, but I'm going with Quadrophenia.

Considering he demos the entire record, drums and all, by himself, I think Pete Townshend is a genius. So I think this is really a combined question about what is Townshend's composition masterpiece and what is the band's musical masterpiece. And while Who's Next is a better record song-wise than Quadrophenia, ultimately it's a salvage of a larger concept album and therefore lacks a cohesive theme. Tommy is great and I think it reveals a song-writer coming into his prime. The band too, on Tommy, is just starting to stretch out discover their strengths. On Tommy, Daltrey hasn't yet developed his patented, titanium-throated-arena-rocker voice. Quadrophenia is Townshend's last great composition and it reveals a composer at the height of his powers. It deals with themes of adolescence coming into adulthood, class struggle, mental illness, and more. A deep, mature work. And the band is at the height of their powers too on Quadrophenia.

So Quadrophenia it is for me.

 

Can’t...vote...

albums...too...strong...

got to...FIGHT it...

Just kidding. I think there are those that prefer their ‘60’s output and singles. Then there are Tommy fans, who might prefer the studio album to the incendiary live ‘69 - ‘70 era. Who’s Next fans admit that Lifehouse was too big, but Who’s Next is “just right”.
Quadrophenia is an ambitious and sprawling epic, and its lyrics and music deeply resonate with many people.

I really can’t define “masterpiece “ when they are all “magnificent “!!!

But seriously, I think one’s pick is dependent on one’s favorite era.

 

Well put.
Quadrophenia might just be PETE’s masterpiece.

 

For a long time I would have said Quadrophenia.
But I’ve gone back to Tommy.

 

Tough one. I chose Who's Next but it easily could have been Quadrophenia. On some days Quadrophenia is my choice.

 

Quadrophenia edges out Who's Next -- a strong case can certainly be made for both.

 

"Quadrophenia" is a masterpiece and then some! For me it's the greatest Rock album ever recorded!!! Just crank up an original UK vinyl version and have it pin you up against the wall for one hell of a thrill ride!

 

I think Who s next

 

There's one in every crowd.

 

Live At Leeds.

 

Meh. I have to agree, it's great in some parts but it's repetitive in some parts with its themes. I rarely pull that one anymore.

 

Quadrophenia could've done with a slight bit of editing, whereas Who's Next is one of the rare truly perfect records.

 

"Quadrophenia".

 

Someone, please tell me how the plot to Tommy makes it a masterpiece.
Without the benefit of cannabis.

 

Yeah, I can't decide either!

 

Quadrophenia- the angst! I was 16 when it came out- just left school, first job, living with parents - the story of my life.

 

I went with "Who's Next" but I could just have easily voted for "Quadrophenia". As someone mentioned above, "Quad" might be Pete's masterpiece, but as a full band, I think "Who's Next" gets the slight edge (maybe).

Tommy and Sell Out aint no slouches either...

 

Who's Next

Though By Numbers is my favorite.

 

Among those choices it's a tossup between the editions of The Who Sell Out and Who's Next with the bonus tracks.