The Who: Greatest Hits

iTunes Review

The Who have released many “Greatest Hits” collections over the years. Considering the magnitude of their talent and the wonderful precision of their hits, it’s virtually impossible to go wrong. Hardcore fans own the studio albums, where the band explored the possibilities of the concept album and eventually the rock opera. However, their singles were every bit as important. Like each of their “hits” collections, this one includes some obvious (“I Can’t Explain,” “My Generation,” “Pinball Wizard”), some not-quite essentials (the obscure bonus cut “Real Good Looking Boy” and “It’s Not Enough” from the band’s last studio album, Endless Wire) and plenty of incredible tracks (“Pictures of Lily,” “I Can See for Miles,” “Baba O’Riley,” “Who Are You.”).  Roger Daltrey’s growl, Pete Townshend’s windmill powerchords, John Entwistle’s hypermelodic bass and Keith Moon’s riotous drums made them an exemplary rock ‘n’ roll band in every sense of the word. They defined classic rock with many of the classics available here.