The Who - Classic Album: Who's Next

The Who - Classic Album: Who's Next is a 1999 expose on the iconic English rock band, The Who, known for their energetic performances and for originating the rock opera. It constitutes a deep dive into their 1971 record-breaking album, 'Who's Next', providing a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look into its creation, release, and ultimate success.

Starring the band's original members, Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend, and John Entwistle, along with prominent sound engineer Bob Pridden, the movie engages with the tremendous talent, raw creativity, and unparalleled teamwork that shaped one of the most influential albums in the history of rock music.

The film delineates a captivating storytelling journey, fixated on the transformational period of The Who, primarily between 1970 and 1971. During this period, the band’s focus was set on creating a fresh soundtrack for a conceived film project "Lifehouse". However, as life intervened, this project ended up morphing into what would eventually be known as 'Who's Next', a paramount record that redefined the band's position in the music industry.

The movie captures the unique personal dynamics within the band, presenting each member distinctly. Roger Daltrey's thumping lead vocals, Pete Townshend's extraordinary songwriting and furious guitar playing, and John Entwistle's thunderous bass lines are brought to the fore, creating a vivid landscape of individual talents uniting to create something extraordinary. Supported by Bob Pridden's meticulous sound engineering, the movie unravels the collusion of vision, innovation and raw talent that makes 'Who's Next' a genre-defining classic.

The Who - Classic Album: Who's Next offers viewers a front-row seat to the creative process of the band, featuring pioneering insights into the recording process, the writing sessions, and the very development of iconic tracks like 'Baba O’Riley' and 'Won’t Get Fooled Again'. It details the distinctive methods in the invention of entirely new sounds, including the use of a synthesizer, which was a rarity in rock music at that time.

The documentary-style film also ventures into the context in which 'Who's Next' was created - a world where rock music was rapidly evolving and a younger generation was questioning its place in society. The Who managed to capture this shift in its music, and the movie gives a fascinating glimpse into how they achieved this.

Central to this documentary is the groundbreaking creative partnership between The Who and the influential record producer, Glyn Johns. The film details this transformative collaboration, highlighting Johns’s fundamental role in shaping 'Who's Next'. It showcases how Johns, along with the band, embarked on an innovative expedition that ultimately revolutionized the sound and perception of rock music.

The Who - Classic Album: Who's Next is a work of meticulous research and in-depth interviews, illustrating the ups and downs The Who faced during the making of the album. Above all, it depicts their unwavering commitment to their art, which made them one of the most enduring rock and roll bands.

In essence, the movie is not just a thorough exploration of the album 'Who's Next', but a riveting dossier on The Who's journey during a crucial phase of their career. It not only stands as a tribute to their enduring influence but also captures the spirit of rock and roll at its most inventive and thrilling.

The film acts as an invitation to revisit 'Who's Next', offering viewers an intimate understanding of the album's lasting impact. As such, it addresses not just fans of The Who, but anyone interested in understanding the transformative power of music, and the extraordinary measures artists undertake in their quest to challenge, inspire, and enthrall.

Overall, The Who - Classic Album: Who's Next is a compelling exploration of one of the most influential chapters in the history of rock music. It provides an enlightening experience for those who are keen to understand the greatness, genius, and gritty realities behind the creation of an exceptional music album. A must-watch for any fan of The Who or anyone yearning to delve into the rich history of rock music.