20 Exquisitely-Produced Songs That MUST Be Played Loud As Hell

3. The Who €“ "Baba O'Riley"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2KRpRMSu4g "Baba O'Riley" is the single greatest road trip rock song ever written. From Pete Townshend's otherworldly synthesiser intro to the frantic violin solo at the song's climax, to frontman Roger Daltrey's rebellious vocal performance, to the blazing electric guitar hits that kick the song into high gear, "Baba O'Riley" is the kind of song that makes you want to get in the car, turn on the stereo, crank the volume to 11, and just drive. It doesn't even really matter where you go. All that matters is taking this song on the road and breaking a few speed limits - it just makes you feel alive. Suffice to say that producer Glyn Johns earns his pay here, and even if this had been the only track he ever manned the boards for, he would still be an industry legend for it. Johns somehow manages to blend all of the disparate elements €“ the synths, the guitars, the violin, Daltrey's lead vocal and Townshend's guest appearance on the bridge €“ into a cohesive and elemental sound. The song is such a force of nature, in fact €“ and such a remarkable opening track €“ that the rest of the terrific "Who's Next" can never quite match its power.