My brother's friend, Martin Ballard starting dissing the concept of this new WHO album without giving it a try. I do get it. I'm old and they're much older than me. They said farewell in the '80s but kept coming back for the nostalgia tours. I resisted until last summer when I found myself on a lawn enjoying Roger and Pete unapologetically presenting WHO music with an orchestra. It gave me a little hope when they announced a new LP.
This new album is as good as anything they did after "Quadrophenia". Pete took 13 years between attempts but gave us an album with no filler. Even the bonus cuts, though they are obvious Pete Townsend solo tracks are welcome additions. Rog is in fine pro tools form but still sounds like Roger Daltrey. Zak Starkey and Pino Palladino at least recreate the Kenney Jones/John Entwistle rhythm section. I give it 3 stars.