The Great Debate: Pink Floyd's 'Animals' vs. The Who's 'Tommy'
Throughout the annals of rock history, two iconic albums vie for the title of the most influential rock concept albums: Pink Floyd's Animals and The Who's Tommy. Both albums have left an indelible mark on music, each representing a unique and groundbreaking approach to rock music storytelling. In this article, we delve into the characteristics, impact, and lasting legacies of these two masterpieces, ultimately debating which album is the better overall.
Setting the Stage: Pink Floyd's 'Animals'
Released in 1977, Animals is a dark and dystopian album that delves into a bitter social commentary. The album, inspired by George Orwell's dystopian novel Animal Farm, presents a vision of humanity as a collection of animals, each representing different societal roles and vices like greed, fear, and domination. The album's blend of haunting lyrics and industrial soundscapes create a powerful and somber atmosphere.
The Album's Concept and Impact
Animals marked a significant departure from Pink Floyd's previous works, shifting away from the experimental soundscapes and live sound experiences of albums like Dark Side of the Moon and Fans. Instead, the band embraced a more straightforward narrative centered around the human condition, exploring themes of greed, corruption, and the dehumanization of society.
Personal Reflections and Legacy
My own experience with Animals was initially one of surprise. As a Christmas gift from my mother in 1977, I was struck by how different it was from Pink Floyd's previous works, like Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here. The dark and brooding nature of the album resonated with me in a profound way, cementing its place in my list of favorite Pink Floyd albums.
Reflecting on The Who's 'Tommy'
In contrast, The Who's Tommy, released in 1969, is a seminal concept album that has transcended the boundaries of music and theater. The story, based on a novel by Pete Townshend, centers around a deaf, dumb, and blind boy named Tommy, who gains fame and obsession, ultimately leading to a tragic ending. The album's wide-ranging appeal and its ability to be adapted into a successful stage musical are testament to its enduring legacy.
Dividing the Band: The Pre-'Tommy' and Post-'Tommy' Who
The Who's journey can be divided into two distinct periods: before and after Tommy. Prior to Tommy, The Who were known for their high-energy performances and iconic singles like "My Generation" and "Behind Blue Eyes." However, with the release of Tommy, the band's focus shifted, and their music became more introspective and poetic.
Roger Daltrey and the Emergence of Tommy
The album's impact is not only musical but also personal. Roger Daltrey's performance as Tommy on stage and in recordings became a defining moment in his career, and his powerful vocals and emotive delivery helped to solidify The Who as a band with deeper artistic intent. The songs in Tommy, with their complex storytelling and emotional depth, continue to resonate with listeners across generations.
Townshend's Influence and Musical Storytelling
The inspiration behind Tommy came from Pete Townshend's personal experiences, particularly his abuse during childhood and his spiritual journey with Meher Baba. This personal narrative gave the album a universal appeal, as it touched on themes of freedom and self-discovery that resonated with many.
Comparing the Two Albums
Both Animals and Tommy stand out as profound and influential albums, but for different reasons. Animals is a powerful protest album that tackles social issues with a surreal and haunting narrative, while Tommy is a heart-wrenching personal story that has touched the hearts of countless fans.
Concept Album vs. Operatic Storytelling
Tommy surpasses the typical "concept album" with its operatic storytelling, complete with a full narrative arc and memorable musical numbers. In contrast, Animals takes a more direct and industrial approach, presenting a bleak and unyielding vision of society. Both albums, however, have their unique strengths, and the debate over which is better is subjective and personal.
Legacy and Impact
Strangely enough, Pink Floyd's Tommy is a favorite of mine, and it ranks among my top 10 Pink Floyd albums. On a purely technical and musical level, Who's Next is song-for-song one of the best rock albums ever recorded. However, Tommy stands in a category of its own, a masterpiece of rock storytelling that has continued to influence and inspire musicians and audiences alike.
Ultimately, the choice between these two albums is a matter of personal preference and the type of experience one seeks in a music album. For those who appreciate a dense, industrial protest album with a dark and dystopian vision of society, Animals is a definitive choice. For those who want a personal, operatic story that oscillates between the mundane and the tragic, Tommy is the more fitting choice.
In the grand scheme of rock music, both Animals and Tommy stand as monuments to the power of storytelling in music, each offering a unique and compelling narrative that continues to influence and inspire music enthusiasts worldwide.