What is the best John Entwistle album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Smash Your Head Against the Wall" (1971). It's the most representative of what makes John Entwistle worth hearing.

How many albums does John Entwistle have?

John Entwistle has 11 releases in their discography, including 7 albums.

Photo: Center of the Universe · CC BY-SA 2.0

John Entwistle

Q: Who is John Entwistle for?

If you're into hard rock and art rock, John Entwistle is worth your time. His music features robust bass lines that intricately dance around driving rhythms, layering textures that build tension while maintaining an air of theatricality.

His music features robust bass lines that intricately dance around driving rhythms, layering textures that build tension while maintaining an air of theatricality.

art rock · hard rock · power pop

United Kingdom

Read about John Entwistle on Bookshop

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The album

Smash Your Head Against the Wall album by John Entwistle

Smash Your Head Against the Wall (1971)

Features a mix of Entwistle's theatrical style and robust bass lines, providing a cohesive introduction to his sound and songwriting approach.

The song

“Too Late the Hero” from Too Late the Hero

An engaging track that showcases Entwistle's unique blend of rock elements and distinctive bass work, making it a strong standalone entry point.

Where to go

Start here

Smash Your Head Against the Wall

1971

An engaging track that showcases Entwistle's unique blend of rock elements and distinctive bass work, making it a strong standalone entry point.

Play this

About John Entwistle

John Entwistle matters because he reshaped the role of the bassist in rock music, elevating it from mere rhythmic support to a central melodic force that commands attention.

His distinct approach brought a new level of sophistication to the genre, influencing countless musicians who followed and redefining expectations of what a bassist could achieve within a band dynamic. By integrating virtuosic techniques into the fabric of rock, he helped carve out a space for complex musicianship in an era often dominated by straightforward songwriting. Entwistle's innovative process involved layering intricate bass lines that served as both foundation and embellishment, creating a signature sound that was rich and full. He utilized an arsenal of techniques—slapping, harmonics, and swift runs—that not only showcased his technical prowess but also contributed to the narrative structure of his music. This multifaceted approach enabled him to create arrangements that resonated with listeners on both an emotional and intellectual level. In songwriting, Entwistle often explored themes of life’s paradoxes, the absurdities of existence, and human relationships through a lens that combined irony and sincerity. His storytelling had a theatrical quality, drawing from vivid imagery and character sketches that made his songs compelling narratives rather than mere reflections on personal experience. The tone shifted fluidly from playful to introspective, maintaining a certain gravitas even in lighter moments.

7 studio albums· 11 total releases· 3 decades· United Kingdom