Tommy
The Who · 1969
75 min · 24 tracks · hard rock · progressive rock · R&B
A groundbreaking rock opera intertwining ambitious storytelling with vibrant musicality and anthemic melodies.
Why this album works
- Best for
- dynamic narrative progression throughout engaging anthems for sing-alongs wave-like pacing with peaks
- Context
- By the time 'Tommy' was released in May 1969, The Who had established themselves as a prominent band with hits like 'My Generation' and 'I Can See for Miles'. This album marked their first full-fledged rock opera, showcasing a shift towards more theatrical and cohesive storytelling, solidifying their place in the progressive rock movement.
- If you like
- hard rock, progressive rock, R&B
Tommy is an album by The Who, released in 1969. A groundbreaking rock opera intertwining ambitious storytelling with vibrant musicality and anthemic melodies. 'Tommy' was a critical and commercial success, reaching No. 2 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 4 in the US, and is considered one of the first rock operas. Its cultural impact is profound, influencing countless artists and being adapted into a film and stage musical, further cementing its legacy in both music and popular culture. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Tommy sound like?
A groundbreaking rock opera intertwining ambitious storytelling with vibrant musicality and anthemic melodies. Rooted in hard rock and progressive rock.
What makes Tommy by The Who notable?
'Tommy' was a critical and commercial success, reaching No. 2 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 4 in the US, and is considered one of the first rock operas. Its cultural impact is profound, influencing countless artists and being adapted into a film and stage musical, further cementing its legacy in both music and popular culture. By the time 'Tommy' was released in May 1969, The Who had established themselves as a prominent band with hits like 'My Generation' and 'I Can See for Miles'. This album marked their first full-fledged rock opera, showcasing a shift towards more theatrical and cohesive storytelling, solidifying their place in the progressive rock movement.
Who is Tommy for?
Tommy works well if you're into dynamic narrative progression throughout, engaging anthems for sing-alongs and wave-like pacing with peaks.
How many songs are on Tommy?
Tommy has 24 tracks, running approximately 75 minutes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Overture 5:21
- 2 It’s a Boy 0:38
- 3 1921 2:49
- 4 Amazing Journey 3:24
- 5 Sparks 3:46
- 6 Eyesight to the Blind (The Hawker) 2:13
- 7 Christmas 4:34
- 8 Cousin Kevin 4:07
- 9 The Acid Queen 3:34
- 10 Underture 10:09
- 11 Do You Think It’s Alright? 0:24
- 12 Fiddle About 1:29
- 13 Pinball Wizard Standout 3:01
- 14 There’s a Doctor 0:24
- 15 Go to the Mirror! 3:49
- 16 Tommy Can You Hear Me? 1:36
- 17 Smash the Mirror 1:35
- 18 Sensation 2:27
- 19 Miracle Cure 0:12
- 20 Sally Simpson 4:12
- 21 I’m Free 2:40
- 22 Welcome 4:34
- 23 Tommy’s Holiday Camp 0:57
- 24 We’re Not Gonna Take It 7:08
Release Date
May 23, 1969
Artist Origin
United Kingdom
Runtime
75 min 13 sec
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