"A Quick One" is the second studio album by the British rock band The Who. Released in 1966, the album is a landmark in the band's career as it was the first to feature songs written by all four members, spearheaded by Pete Townshend as the primary songwriter. This also marked Townshend's first foray into writing more complex, mini opera song structures that would later become a Who hallmark, particularly showcased by the nine-minute title track "A Quick One, While He's Away".
The album represents The Who's response to the prevailing trends of the time like R&B and Pop, by intermingling elements of pop art and the band's unique brand of rock. Other notable tracks in this album include "Boris the Spider", and "So Sad About Us". Despite receiving a mixed critical response at initial releases, later reviews have praised the album for its imaginative songwriting and innovative concepts.
The album charted at No.4 in the UK and peaked at No.51 in the United States. It was eventually certified gold by the RIAA for selling over 500,000 copies. The album's cover art, designed by pop artist Alan Aldridge, has also become an iconic image in pop culture.
In addition to their music, "A Quick One" is significant in showcasing the band's humour and storytelling prowess, particularly as seen in "Cobwebs and Strange" and "Whiskey Man," thereby setting the stage for The Who’s future conceptual works.
