Quadrophenia Songs Ranked
Quadrophenia is the sixth studio album by the English rock band the Who, released as a double album on 26 October 1973 by Track Records. It is the group’s second rock opera. Set in London and Brighton in 1965, the story follows a young mod named Jimmy and his search for self-worth and importance. Quadrophenia is the only Who album entirely composed by Pete Townshend. Quadrophenia was released to a positive reception in both the UK and the US, but the resulting tour was marred with problems with backing tapes replacing the additional instruments on the album, and the stage piece was retired in early 1974. It was revived in 1996 with a larger ensemble, and a further tour took place in 2012. The album made a positive impact on the mod revival movement of the late 1970s, and the resulting 1979 film adaptation was successful. The album has been reissued on compact disc several times and seen a number of remixes that corrected some perceived flaws in the original. Here are all of Quadrophenia’s songs ranked.
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15. Cut My Hair
“The audio on them is awesome it has to be said. For instance his guitar and piano on “Cut My Hair” are incredible and the remaster practically makes the thing kick down your speaker stacks.”
14. Quadrophenia
“You’re also struck by the power and clarity that surrounds Moon’s amazing drumming – rattling and crashing through your speakers all of a sudden on the instrumental “Quadrophenia”.”
13. The Punk and the Godfather
“I never knew what the hell this was about. Something about tension between older and younger generations, with each dismissing the other? I think that might be it. Reminds me of my happiest childhood birthday. All my friends and family were there and it was magical.”
12. The Dirty Jobs
“In “The Dirty Jobs” the “seal” sounds are still missing immediately after the line “you men should remember how you used to fight”, that is the most obvious way of telling this is not the original mix, along with various guitar and piano parts that used to be louder and up front are buried in the mix, exactly like the 1996 remix.”
11. Drowned
“The piano/guitar boogie opening of “Drowned” has to be one of many fave tunes on the album – “set me free” Daltrey screams with such passion. One of the most underrated songs from The Who’s entire discography”
See more: The Who Albums: Top 5 Ranked
10. Helpless Dancer
“An often underrated tune, that emphasises Jimmy’s thoughts of helplessness, and injustice in relation to the rest of the world, a great theme, once again Roger shines on this track.”
9. Doctor Jimmy
“My favourite Song on the album, has two great contrasting themes to it. Jimmy is dealing with his Drug addiction, and begins to realise that he is a different person whilst under the influence. He questions himself and decides he whats to change his life.”
8. Bell Boy
“immy runs into a “Face”, a trendsetter who used to start the fashions and dances of the “Mod” culture. He once again becomes disillusioned when he discovers that the “Face” isn’t who he thought he was, and in doing so begins to question himself. Not a bad little tune, it showcases Keith Moon nicely, his vocal is hilarious.”
7. I’ve Had Enough
“Jimmy internalises all the problems in the greater world in such a way that he feels that he can’t take it anymore. His true self surfaces for a few seconds, with the love reign o’er me theme. However the stress becomes to much to bear and he crashes his scooter. A mixture of many themes, great song.”
See more: The Who Songs Ranked
6. The Rock
“Another Great instrumental, all four main theme are brought together in a final powerful instrumental. Jimmy heads out to a rock in the middle of the ocean, to face his demons. One self must prevail. Pete Townshend’s guitar playing is amazing on this song, despite lacking a bit in the mix.”
5. I’m One
“The perfect contrast to the previous song, “I’m One” is a great acoustic song, with a slight country feel. Jimmy makes the realisation that despite having elements of both “Mod” and “Rocker” archetypes, he is still just the one identity. Introduces Jimmy’s search for Love.”
4. Sea and Sand
“Upon reaching the Ocean, Jimmy reflects on his life and once again dreams about being in love and having a good life, he realises that perhaps he has made the wrong choices. His perspective begins to change. A great slow tune, very melodic, the Guitar really rings through nicely on this one.”
3. 5:15
“Jimmy decides to gets doped up on drugs, and then boards a train. His unconscious thoughts surface as he tries to wash it all away with drugs. An amazing song, I love the horn section of this song, and once again the bass and drums are amazing”
2. The Real Me
“John Entwhistle’s bass playing is the highlight of this song, the little runs are fantastic. This Song deals with Jimmy’s concern at being able to find himself, as he is unsure of who he is. Great tune.”
1. Love, Reign O’er Me
“It begins to Rain, and Jimmy decides that he wants to be the “Mister Jimmy” facet of his identity, a “Romantic, and a Hypocrite”. The ending is still unclear as to whether Jimmy dies, but such is the nature of interpretation. At any rate this song is brilliant, and Roger’s performance is amazing, it is possibly his best vocal.”