Tommy

by The Who

Tommy cover art

Conceived by guitarist Pete Townshend under the influence of spiritual teacher Meher Baba, 'Tommy' is a pioneering rock opera that chronicles the life of a 'deaf, dumb, and blind' boy who endures trauma to become a messianic figure. The ambitious double album blends acoustic and electric instrumentation with complex, multi-part song structures, utilizing studio overdubs and instruments like piano and French horn to build its narrative. The project revitalized The Who's career through its extensive and acclaimed live performances, cementing its status as a landmark recording that was later adapted into both a film and a Broadway musical.

Genres

  • Rock Opera
  • Art Rock

Tracklist

  1. Overture
  2. It's A Boy
  3. 1921
  4. Amazing Journey
  5. Sparks
  6. Eyesight To The Blind (The Hawker)
  7. Christmas
  8. Cousin Kevin
  9. The Acid Queen
  10. Underture
  11. Do You Think It's Alright?
  12. Fiddle About
  13. Pinball Wizard
  14. There's A Doctor
  15. Go To The Mirror!
  16. Tommy Can You Hear Me?
  17. Smash The Mirror
  18. Sensation
  19. Miracle Cure
  20. Sally Simpson
  21. I'm Free
  22. Welcome
  23. Tommy's Holiday Camp
  24. We're Not Gonna Take It