Bryan Hansel

Quadrophenia is undoubtedly my favorite Who album. They may have helped pioneer the rock opera with Tommy, but they were close to perfecting it with Quadrophenia. I really like the use of sounds on this album that are beyond music. From the rain slapping pavement in the opening track to the crashing of waves and seagulls on Sea and Sand. And great recurring musical themes throughout the album. Pete Townsend's guitar playing is awesome. Great drums and keys too. The highlights for me though are the vocals and bass playing. Entwhistle and Daltrey are cooking here. Really make The Who sound. A lot of notably great tracks on here. I like the title track. Cut My Hair. I’m One. I’ve Had Enough. And the album really peaks on side 3. 5:15, Sea and Sand, and Bell Boy. So good. And then the closing track, definitely the most recognizable on the album, is worthy of closing the album. Awesome piano intro to Love Reign O’er Me. And just an epic conclusion to the album. Sometimes, I can find The Who to be a bit one dimensional. Pretty straight forward “Rock” band. Maybe that just shows the lack of depth of my knowledge of the bands music. However in the instance of Quadrophenia, I think they show themselves to be much more. A really brilliant concept album and musical execution. Although the movie is pretty mid.

Zander hasn't rated or reviewed this yet.

Not the most pleasant experience for me to listen to this album, but there are some positive moments that can be taken away after my first listen. I favorite song was definitely Tempo House. And there are quite a few silly quotable lines here like “A Jew on a Motorbike” and “it was an unreasonable offer”. At some moments I am a fan of the engineering on this album too. That’s unfortunately where the pleasantries probably end for me. The engineering goes wasted on poor use of the instruments at times in my opinion. And just a sheer lack of actual singing. Seems to be more of either talking or shouting at any given point. I found myself longing to be listening to Oasis as I listened to this album. As this felt like a version of 00s alternative that had not yet been fully fleshed out or polished. But that lack of polish is probably what draws listeners to this music. That is probably the POINT. And I recognize that and admit that I am yet to be enlightened to the enjoyment of such music.