Who by Numbers Songs Ranked
The Who by Numbers is the seventh studio album by English rock band the Who, released on 3 October 1975 in the United Kingdom through Polydor Records, and on 25 October 1975 in the United States by MCA Records. It was named the tenth-best album of the year in The Village Voice Pazz & Jop critics poll. The Who by Numbers peaked at number 7 on the UK Albums Chart and number 8 on the Billboard 200 album chart in the US. “Squeeze Box” was also a Top 20 hit in both Britain and America, although the US follow-up, “Slip Kid”, failed to chart. The Rolling Stone review of The Who by Numbers stated: “They may have made their greatest album in the face of [their personal problems]. But only time will tell.” In an interview from Thirty Years of Maximum R&B, Townshend declared “Dreaming from the Waist” and “Sister Disco” (from Who Are You) as his least favourite songs to play on stage. In contrast, Entwistle declared in the same series of interviews that “Dreaming from the Waist” was one of his favourite songs to perform live. Daltrey referred to the album as his favourite in his memoir. Here are all of Who by Numbers songs ranked.
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10. Imagine a Man
“Imagine a Man” might not be as tear-jerking as the band was going for. I dunno, the vocal melody was really powerful and lyrically meaningful at first, but other than the line about going down a road and looking back to realize you can’t see where you’ve began along with the REALLY emotional “You will see the end” line, the song fails to *really* wow me. Still a very good song due to these two moments however.”
9. Dreaming From the Waist
Dreaming From the Waist” has a rockin’ build up during the awesome line “I’ve got that wide awake give and take 5 o’clock in the morning feeling!” that is another perfect example of classic Who with Daltrey’s sincere and forceful vocal style and Keith Moon’s drumming. Oddly I can relate to most of the lyrics throughout the song. It’s strange I’ve never noticed how Keith Moon’s drumming is exceptional on this track.”
8. Squeeze Box
“Squeeze Box!” Everyone has mixed feelings with this song. Some love it, others hate it. Well to be honest I always thought the lyrics were about… you know… she goes in and out and in and out and in! Yes as you’ve probably guessed I’m quite the immature guy and I think like only the most immature person on the planet sometimes (make that a LOT of times!) but you gotta admit the lyrics really match… *that* particular inappropriate subject. 🙂 The song itself is SUPER catchy! It’s like the British version of Loggins & Messina’s “Your Mama Don’t Dance” (and your daddy don’t rock n roll!) At least I’ve always compared the two.”
See more: The Who Albums: Top 5 Ranked
7. However Much I Booz
“However Much I Booze has a memorable chorus. The verse melody is really delicate and makes you pay attention to the lyrics in only a way Roger Daltrey can do. Great song with important lyrics about the dangers of drinking alcohol. Makes me think about people I know who’ve become closet drinkers but don’t want to quit or seek help. They refuse to quit.”
6. Slip Kid
“Slip Kid” is AWESOME! How can you not love the riff? du-dun, du-dun “It’s a hard hard world” du-dun, du-dun! So crunchy and melodic. Meh, my words fail to express how crunchy it is. The guitar solo is amazing, but I think we all agree that the “There ain’t no easy way to be free” line just screams classic Who. It has the distinctive sound we identify with the band in one simple line, but the great news is that the entire song rules. “I’ve got my clipboard, textbook, lead me to the station yeah I’m off to the Civil War!”
5. In a Hand or a Face
“In a Hand or a Face” is a decent way to close out the album. I love the “I am going round and round” which reminds me of classic 60’s Who.”
4. How Many Friends
“‘How Many Friends’ is a fantastic track and certainly one of my favourite songs by the Who and perhaps one of their most underrated tracks. For me it epitomises the Who’s music, with a great guitar sound in the background – for me it is the strongest effort on the album.”
See more: The Who Songs Ranked
3. Blue Red and Grey
“On “Blue Red and Grey”, ukelele is used for lead guitar, to much less funny effect than you might expect. It deserves to be on all those Who best-of compilations more than “Squeeze Box”; it could take Lennon on on his Sparse Confessional ground and hold its own, no problem.”
2. They Are All in Love
“At first I thought “They Are All In Love” was kind of a mushy unsuitable ballad but lately I realize the vocal melody is too incredibly moving to not fall in love with it. We should all be in love with it! This song is clearly another highlight. Amazing since originally my feelings were that this album was a weak affair! My how opinions change a lot overtime!”
1. Success Story
“Even John Entwistle’s “Success Story” shows some resignation in the whole record-and-image making process. Keith Moon was always his happiest when he was with the band; his own personal life in shatters, he would unfornately prove Pete’s lyrics to be true.”