Though many of The Who's early singles are now regarded as classics (My Generation, The Kids Are Alright, Substitute, I Can't Explain) none charted in the USA, and the highest charting of their first three albums (The Who Sell Out) only reached #48. It was only with the release of Tommy in May 1969 that the band gained widespread popularity in the States. At the time, I thought Tommy was great, but though it has a lot of outstanding songs the production is flawed and the sound of the record much too subdued.
Live At Leeds, released in May 1970, remains the finest live rock album ever released and Who's Next (August 1971) was an instant classic with most of the tracks still standards today. When the double-album Quadrophenia was released in October 1973, I liked it but thought it not as outstanding as the prior three albums. In recent years, I've returned to listening to Quadrophenia and now regard it as the apex of The Who's studio recordings. The songs work individually and together to tell a coherent story, the lyrics are consistently the best Pete Townshend ever wrote, the band incredibly tight, and the production ties it all together. The closing song, the majestic and moving Love Reign O'er Me, combines it all and adds the best vocal of Roger Daltrey's career; and one of the greatest vocals in rock.
Take the time to listen to it here, and below is Rick Beato's breakdown. As usual, Rick's knowledge and enthusiasm (along with his air drumming) makes the video a joy to watch.
Can make it rain
The way the beach is kissed by the sea
Only love
Can make it rain
Like the sweat of lovers'
Laying in the fields
Love, reign o'er me, rain on me, rain on me
Can bring the rain
That makes you yearn to the sky
Only love
Can bring the rain
That falls like tears from on high
Love, reign o'er me, rain on me, rain on me
The nights we spend apart alone
I need to get back home to cool, cool rain
I can't sleep and I lay and I think
The night is hot and black as ink
Oh God, I need a drink of cool, cool rain
Love, reign o'er me, whoa, on me
Great song and video
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