The Smithereens Play Tommy
The Smithereens · 2009
41 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock
A vibrant tribute that reinterprets classic rock anthems with a fresh alternative twist and the Smithereens' signature melodic flair.
Top tracks — play these first
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Pinball Wizard — This track exemplifies the band's ability to transform a classic hit into an exuberant anthem, featuring powerful guitar riffs and energetic vocals that capture the spirit of the original while infusing it with their unique sound.
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Acid Queen — The rendition of Acid Queen stands out with its gritty intensity and emotive delivery, showcasing the band’s capacity to evoke raw emotion while remaining true to the song's psychedelic roots.
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We’re Not Gonna Take It / See Me Free / Listening to You — This medley serves as a climactic conclusion, blending defiance and liberation through dynamic instrumentation and vocal harmonies, resonating deeply with listeners familiar with the themes of struggle in Tommy.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively reinterprets classic rock while staying true to its source material, showcasing solid craftsmanship.
What we noticed
- The album closely follows the original structure of The Who's Tommy, maintaining the same track order and transitions between songs.
- Several tracks incorporate additional instrumental flourishes, such as guitar solos and rhythmic variations, that differentiate them from the original versions.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady narrative progression throughout
- vibrant reinterpretations of classics
- melodic hooks for sing-alongs
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
Maybe skip if you
- dislike cohesive album experiences
- prefer longer, sprawling compositions
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — First full album of covers, showcasing a departure from original material.
- Themes
- rock opera tribute· psychedelic intensity· defiance and liberation
- Career context
- Released in 2009, The Smithereens Play Tommy marked a significant moment for the band as it was their first full album of covers. At this stage in their career, following several original albums in the late '80s and early '90s, the band sought to reconnect with their roots while paying homage to The Who's landmark rock opera.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Soul Asylum· Big Star· R.E.M.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Overture 3:30
- 2 It’s a Boy 1:33
- 3 Amazing Journey 3:15
- 4 Sparks 3:31
- 5 Eyesight to the Blind 2:10
- 6 Christmas 3:23
- 7 Acid Queen 3:29
- 8 Pinball Wizard 3:02
- 9 Go to the Mirror 3:31
- 10 Tommy Can You Hear Me? 1:09
- 11 Sensation 2:27
- 12 I’m Free 2:32
- 13 We’re Not Gonna Take It / See Me Free / Listening to You 7:48
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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