Quadrophenia concluded one of the best successions of albums in rock history. Along with Tommy, Live At Leeds, Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy, and Who’s Next, it ranks among the most critically acclaimed album series of all time. That The Who could produce them within a five year period was a testament to the group's, and particularly Pete Townshend’s, genius. While they would continue to release some excellent music during the coming years, they would not approach the overall excellence of these recordings.
Pete Townshend would reach full flower as a composer with the release of this, his second rock opera. He would pen all of the music and produce a sophisticated and lasting musical statement, attaining an artistic plateau that few rock musicians ever reach.
This album would also be one of Keith Moon’s crowning achievements. I like to call it controlled violence. He never quite gets out of control but hammers away in his typical frenetic style and provides the foundation for Townshend’s sound. His constant use of cymbals was both brilliant and creative.
Townshend’s basic concept was to take the personalities of the four group members and combine them into the psyche of his protagonist. This brings us to the life of Jimmy Cooper, complete with Mods and Rockers. The plot would get a little obscure in places but the story of Jimmy’s coming of age pays homage to the group’s personal past and the future of rock music.
While Quadrophenia has grandeur and layers of textures, it is still a rock album. Such songs as “5:15,” “Dr. Jimmy,” “The Punk Meets The Godfather” and “Love Reign O’er Me” remain some of the best classic rock and roll of The Who’s career. “The Real Me” features some of the finest bass and drumming combinations on record. “Sea and Sand” is a true lost gem in the group’s catalog and is one of the most sophisticated tracks that Pete Townshend would create.
I tend to prefer this album over Tommy mainly because of the fullness of sound and the fact that, except for two instrumentals, there are little to no filler songs. The individual songs also work better in context and thus the album needs to be listened to as a complete unit.
Rolling Stone Magazine would rank it as number 266 on their list of the 500 greatest albums of all time, which I feel is far too low. Quadrophenia is a rare album that not only presents superior music but also provides an experience. It remains a masterpiece of rock ‘n’ roll.
Article comments
1 - JC Mosquito
Afraid I'm going to have to diaagree with you here, David - I think this marks the beginning of the end. I just get the feeling that Townsend was trying too hard to fictionalize his biography, or write biographical fiction. Furthermore, part of the reason WHo's Next works is exactly because it's a only a few parts of the failed Lifehouse story, forcing the listeners to fill in the blanks with whatever experiences they bring to the table. Quadrophenia might have been better as edited down to a one album set, anchored by The Real Me, 5;15, and Love Reign O'er Me and supported by 7 or 8 choice cuts.
2 - Douglas Mays
OK, I agree with it all. This album I sure lived off of in my teenage years. 'out of my brain on the train' or 'can't you see the real me, doctor, doctor?' were lyrics we all thrived off of.
I always loved the idea of 'concept' albums.
DM
3 - MKDBA
I agree that this album is superior to Tommy, but respectfully disagree that I am the See and The Rock (the two instrumental numbers)are fillers. Would you consider Sparks or any of the instrumental pieces on Tommy as filler? I think The Rock, in particular, shows Moon's genius.
4 - Douglas Mays
Quadrophenia? Tommy? Overall I would give it a dead even. Depends on your mood. Tommy, more orchestrated. Quadrophenia, more guitar oriented.
"Love Reign Over Me" has a rock-operatic stamp. The moral to the story. Quadrophenia is a very gritty story. Tommy more fantasma.
Both are excellent pieces of rock opera. Better than 'Jesus Christ Superstar'. Uh, give 'Hair' some first place votes also. "Muswell Hillbillies"? Does that count?
best,
DM
5 - Kerry
As much as I enjoy "Quadrophenia", I don't think it measures up to "Tommy". When was the last time you really listened to Tommy, from beginning to end. No doubt, it's a masterpiece. Quadrophenia, I compare to the Beatles "White Album"...one of their best, but it should have been one disc, instead of two. The Who reached their peak with "Who's Next", in '71. Tommy was in '69, and Quadrophenia in '73, so there is symmetry in the dates...but Quadrophenia is not quite on the level with Tommy.
6 - Paul
From what I can gather, Pete Townshend probably considers Lifehouse his best work and Quadrophenia his best released work. Who's Next is awfully hard to top, but Quadrophenia is very close. I think every track is brilliant - no filler - great concept - great album. Quadrophenia and Who's Next (or even better, Lifehouse) would rank in my top ten ever. Tommy is a great album and is important for being the first substantial "rock opera". But Tommy lacks the clarity, cohesiveness, and complexity of Quadrophenia. And, as far as I'm concerned, "Love, Reign O'er Me", "5:15", and "The Real Me", as well as most of the other songs on the album, sound just fine on their own.