10 Rock Albums That Artists Want You To Forget About
9. It's Hard - The Who
From the minute that My Generation graced across the airwaves, you knew that there is something more going on with the Who than just a few simple power chords. With rock operas like Tommy and Quadrophenia under their belt, these four musicians had expanded the parameters of what rock music could be, with sweeping narrative structures and a focus on music having some deeper meaning than just a catchy tune. Once the '80s rolled around though, the facade of camaraderie was paper thin.
Given that most of the group's goodwill had fallen by the wayside after the tragic death of drummer Keith Moon, It's Hard is a vain attempt to make everything look good on the surface. From the first few tracks, there seems to be nothing too wrong, with the synths having a more commanding presence as per usual of the group's later output. However, this is one of the first albums that seems like it's daring you not to listen to it.
When you reach the track Eminence Front, we see Pete Townshend taking the lead describing some unknown put-on that people are blindly implored to follow. Though the vague lyrics can be equated to nearly anything, it's hard not to look at this as the sorry state of the Who themselves, as Townshend cautions people not to be fooled by any put-on that these guys might be serving up. Given that It's Hard remains one of the last gasps of the Who's classic lineup, you can at least give Townshend points for at least cautioning the public of the cheap excuse for rock on display.