"Who's Next" is the fifth studio album by English rock band, The Who. It was released on August 02, 1971, by Track and Decca Records in the United Kingdom and Decca Records in the United States. The album features nine songs, with various bonus tracks and outtakes.
The background story of this album is quite interesting. It stemmed from an abortive multi-media rock opera written by the band's guitarist and primary songwriter Pete Townshend, known as "Lifehouse". The project was too complex and collapsed due to many factors. However, the band salvaged some of the songs, which were repurposed and recorded for the Who's Next album.
"Who's Next" became a critical and commercial success. It has been frequently cited as the band's best work, and one of the greatest rock albums ever made. The album contains songs like "Baba O'Riley" and "Behind Blue Eyes", which have become staples of classic rock radio, along with the rock anthem "Won’t Get Fooled Again".
Songs in this album largely explore issues surrounding genuine interpersonal relationships and reflect the effects of the professional pressures and growing fame on the band. These themes are prominent in the album's classic rock staples, such as "Bargain" and "My Wife". The album's overarching explorations of personal integrity and authenticity echo the struggles the band faced while managing success.
For its 40th anniversary in 2011, the album was celebrated with a re-mastered version, and it continues to be regarded as one of the pinnacle achievements in rock music.
