10 Best Songs By The Who

2. Baba O'Riley - Who's Next

The Who's fifth album was originally meant to be Lifehouse, a rock opera in a similar vein to Tommy that dealt with themes of oppression and individualism. However, this never came to be, as the project took its toll on Pete Townshend, who suffered a nervous breakdown trying to bring it to life.

It was then decided that the next album would be a more straightforward rock record, with the result being the classic Who's Next, released in 1971. The album opens with Baba O'Riley, a song written about the band's time at Woodstock, and from that first song, it is clear to see that The Who are still able to knock it out of the park.

With its synth-riff intro, roaring guitars and drums, and the inclusion of a violin solo at the end, this is a song that echoes that freedom and clarity that the band experienced at Woodstock, and merged those feelings to create one of the best album openers of all time.