Photo: Heinrich Klaffs / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)
Our Top 10 Pete Townshend Solo Songs looks back at the solo material Pete Townshend released in between the albums he released with his legendary band The Who. Pete Townshend has never been an artist to consistently release albums on a yearly basis as a solo artist or with the Who. The records he released with The Who stand as some of the greatest rock recordings in classic rock history. Tonwshend’s tendency to release rock operas that resulted in The Who’s Tommy and Quadrophenia carried over into his solo career. Albums titled White City: A Novel (1985) The Iron Man: The Musical by Pete Townshend (1989) and Psychoderelict (1993) were musical records based on stories.
Pete Townshend also released a series of solo albums that were not based on rock operas or musicals. His first solo album entitled Who Came First was released in 1972. He followed that album up with a record with Ronnie Lane called Rough Mix in 1977. In 1980, Pete Townshend released the album Empty Glass which would become his most successful solo album release. His last solo album not based on a musical or any sort of concept record was issued in 1981 entitled All the Best Cowboys Have Chinese Eyes. His next three records would include the concept albums we listed in the last paragraph.
Through the years, Pete Townshend has also released a large amount of live albums and compilations. Many demos, outtakes, Who songs, Who outtakes and various other collaborations have been issued on Pete Townshend records making for a fabulous catalog of music outside the spectacular Who catalog.
Our Top 10 Pete Townshend songs list picks 10 songs from his studio albums and some other stuff to highlight his solo work. They are personal favorites but have also been chosen to fuel an interest in his solo catalog and offer some surprises.
# 10 – Empty Glass
We wanted to open up this top 10 Pete Townshend songs list with a killer cut. We think “Empty Glass,” fits that description quite well. The song served as the track track for Pete Townshend’s second solo album, or third if you count the record with Ronnie Lane. “Empty Glass,” was also recorded by The Who and released as a bonus track on the reissue of the Who’s last album with Keith Moon entitled Who Are You which was released in 1978. The song “Empty Glass,” was never released as a single, but it stands as one of the highlights of Pete Townshend’s solo album.
# 9 – Face The Face
Continuing with our top 10 Pete Townshend songs list we turn to one of Pete Townshend’s most overlooked albums of his career entitled White City: A Novel. The brilliant record was released in 1985. The song “Face To Face,” was released as the album’s debut single. The song became a top 30 hit in the United States. The album White City: A Novel is Pete Townshend’s only other Gold album of his solo career besides 1981’s Empty Glass.
# 8 – It Must Be Done
This is a great piece of music that most fans probably missed. “It Must Be Done,” was a collaboration between Nathan Barr and Pete Townshend for the great FX TV series The Americans. Take a listen to this one, it’s a pretty epic piece of music. And of you haven’t seen The Americans, all we can say it is probably our favorite television show of all time!
# 7 – Misunderstood
The track “Misunderstood,” was released on the Pete Townshend and Ronnie Lane album entitled Rough Mix. The album was released in 1977. There is just something so wonderful and brilliant that lies in the simplicity of this very cool grooving blues song.
# 6 – English Boy
As we move into the second half of our top 10 Pete Townshend songs lost we turn to the last solo studio album Pete Townshend has released as of this writing in 2020. Pete Townshend’s Psychoderelict was a Pete Townshend rock opera album released in 1993. Its hard to believe that its been twenty seven years since Pete Townshend has released a solo album. Even with The Who, Pete Townshend has not released a lot of music over the past 40 years. There has only been two Who albums released in the last thirty eight years. And most people don’t even realize that the Who released a new album in 2019. Anyways, at number five on this top 10 Pete Townshend songs list we present the opening track from the Psychoderelict album entitled “English Boy.”
# 5 – Give Blood
“Give Blood was released on Pete Townshend’s brilliant solo album entitled White City: A Novel. The song featured Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour on guitar. It also included bassist Pino Palladino who would eventually replace John Entwistle in The Who when he passed away in 2006. On drums was the great Simon Phillips. This is a roaring rock tune that is so interesting to listen to as it was released right in the middle of big 80s style productions which is so evident in the recording. Yet, it still retains that 70s spirit of Townshend’s iconic vocal style
# 4 – Slit Skirts
Pete Townshend’s “Slits Skits,” is a pure lesson in how to build a song from a slow opening, into amoderate moving sleek verse into a brilliant full out rocking chorus full of substance and wonder. This is such a brilliant piece of music. The song “Slit Skirts,” was released on his solo album entitled All the Best Cowboys Have Chinese Eyes.
# 3 – Let My Love Open The Door
Pete Townshend’s “Let My Love Open The Door,” was the writer’s most successful solo release. The song became a top 10 hit in the United States in 1980. The song was released as the third single from his 1980’s Empty Glass album. I always felt that this song inspired Eddie Van Halen to write “Jump.” It has a very similar chord pattern and opening riff. Just a hunch.
# 2 – Pure and Easy
This incredible piece of music was initially intended to be released by the Who as part of the Lifehouse project that was shelved. Pete Townshend would then release the song “Pure and Easy” on his first solo album, Who Came First. The album was released in 1972.
# 1 – Rough Boys
“Rough Boys” was the title track from Pete Townshend’s excellent 1980 album Empty Glass. Many fans and critics would argue that Pete Townshend’s Empty Glass album was a far superior effort than The Who’s 1981 release Face Dances. It would have been interesting to hear the Who record the track “Rough Boys.” Nonetheless, this is a killer track. The great video for the song was placed in very heavy rotation on MTV in the early years.
Updated November 11, 2023
Top 10 Pete Townshend Solo Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023
Classicrockhistory.com claims ownership of all its original content and Intellectual property under United States Copyright laws and those of all other foreign countries. No one person, business, or organization is allowed to re-publish any of our original content anywhere on the web or in print without our permission. All photos used are either public domain Creative Commons photos or licensed officially from Shutterstock under license with ClassicRockHistory.com. All photo credits have been placed at the end of the article. Album Cover Photos are affiliate links and the property of Amazon and are stored on the Amazon server. Any theft of our content will be met with swift legal action against the infringing websites.
![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
My two cents – thanks for including English Boy. But Face The Face is garbage and how could you possibly ignore Sea Refuses No River? It might be his best song ever.
I wholeheartedly agree Sea Refuses No River is a must on this list.