WHO

Released in 2019, WHO marked The Who's first studio album in thirteen years and only their second since the death of bassist John Entwistle. Despite Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey recording their contributions separately, the album achieved a cohesive, modern rock sound that critics noted for its vitality. Townshend's songwriting on this record is particularly meta, often commenting on the nature of the music industry and the band's own legacy, as seen in the opening track 'All This Music Must Fade.' Sonically, the album features the 'yanga-dang' guitar style Townshend is famous for, but integrates it with contemporary production, including sampled elements and orchestral arrangements by Rachel Fuller. It reached number two on the UK Albums Chart and the US Billboard 200, proving the band's enduring commercial relevance. The album serves as a definitive late-career document that balances their hard rock roots with art-pop sensibilities and honest reflections on aging.