The Tragic Doldrums of The Who’s 80s Experiment: Going Mobile

When The Who unleashed their 1983 album It’s Hard, fans were met with a curious album juxtaposed with their much-loved 70s hits. One song particularly stands out as an oddity and an unwelcome foray into a lesser-known genre: “Going Mobile.” While it may not be the worst song The Who has ever put out, it epitomizes an 80s pop experiment far removed from the band's identity.

Sticking to One's Roots

The primary issue with “Going Mobile” is that it doesn't fit comfortably within The Who's musical legacy. Released at the height of the trend towards country rock, the song attempts to veer into this genre, an endeavor that, despite being neither bad nor entirely unlistenable, seems somewhat out of place. Imagine The legendary Brits trying to envision a road trip on a country road in the Deep South in a Ford pickup truck, tossing beer cans out the window; it paints a picture that is almost laughable from that perspective.

Experimenting, but in Vain

While other bands, such as The Beatles, also dabbled in country rock, The Who's attempt seems to be a less successful venture, akin to listening to Jefferson Starship’s “We Built This City.” Even Peter Townsend, known for his virtuoso guitar skills within The Who, attempted something new without the band's support structure. The song starts with a rather long, experimental jazz intro that evolves into an almost black gospel church music in an 80s pop sort of way. This bizarre evolution is not lost on listeners, making the song feel like a disjointed, experimental track.

A Misstep in Classic Rock Radio

Classic rock radio stations often rotate The Who's discography to keep the airplay fresh for fans. If a disc jockey were to play “Going Mobile” instead of a more iconic track like “Baba O’Riley,” it would likely cause outrage among fans. The spirit of The Who's early rock sound, characterized by aggressive guitar riffs and powerful lyrics, holds a special place in rock history, making the 80s transition feel like a jarring shift in musical identity.

Unforgivable Sights

Adding insult to injury, there is yet another offbeat song that further derails The Who's musical path: “Squeeze Box.” This track is not just an oddity but a sonic mistake that defies the band's usual style. Sifting through the 80s rock scenes, one can’t help but be intrigued by the band's attempts at innovation, though “Squeeze Box” stands out as a particularly egregious misstep.

Conclusion

The Who's 1983 foray into country rock with “Going Mobile” is undeniably an experiment, but one that, despite its experimental nature, does not quite hit the mark. While Peter Townsend's extended intro attempts to add depth to the song, the overall effect is more jarring and less successful than intended. This experiment ultimately serves as a reminder of the dangers of deviating too far from your musical roots, even when you're exploring new trends.