My Generation

When The Who released their first album, My Generation, in 1965, they had already gone through several changes. They had been called The Detours and even The High Numbers before consolidating with the name we all know. This album, recorded at IBC Studios in London, captures a raw energy, a sound that was defined as "Maximum R&B" and which, for the time, was quite powerful. The album was released in the UK under Brunswick Records and in Australia with Festival Records, while in the United States it was known as The Who Sings My Generation, with a different cover and a modified track order.

Year: 1965
Songs: 12
Duration: 36 min 13 seg

Listen to the album ★

13 song|s

Song list

# Title Available ⏱

I Can't Explain

Out in the Street

Intermediate

2:32 00

I Don’t Mind

Intermediate

2:33 00

The Good’s Gone

Intermediate

4:00 00

La-La-La-Lies

2:18 00

Much Too Much

Easy

2:45 00

My Generation

3:21 00

The Kids Are Alright

3:10 00

Please, Please, Please

Intermediate

2:46 00

It’s Not True

Intermediate

2:34 00

I’m a Man

3:23 00

A Legal Matter

2:54 00

The Ox

Intermediate

3:57

Genres

Classic rock Rock Hard rock art rock freakbeat

Details

Year: 1965
Songs: 12
Duration: 36 min 13 seg

About the album

My Generation, according to DoReSol

The recording took place just after the success of singles like "I Can't Explain" and "My Generation". The band itself later acknowledged that they felt it was a rushed job, and that it didn't fully reflect the intensity of their live performances. Although it didn't reach the sales of their later works, peaking at number 5 on the UK charts, over time critics have re-evaluated it as a fundamental rock album. Its hard sound, uncommon for that time, and how it anticipated styles like punk and heavy metal are highlighted. In fact, in 2008 it was included in the National Recording Registry, being the first recording by The Who to receive that recognition.

Several songs from My Generation had their own life as singles. "My Generation", which was released before the album, reached number 2 in the UK. "A Legal Matter", "La-La-La Lies", and "The Kids Are Alright" were also released. The latter did not have the same commercial impact, partly because the band was already working with a new label. However, "The Kids Are Alright" was a success in Sweden, reaching number 8. Both "My Generation" and "The Kids Are Alright" have become widely covered songs by other artists. While "My Generation" is a direct and aggressive track, a precursor to movements like punk and heavy metal, "The Kids Are Alright" shows a more melodic facet, with resonant guitars and vocal harmonies, but without losing the band's characteristic energetic rhythm. The album is also considered an important antecedent of the "power pop" genre.