4 Songs for People Who Say They Don’t Like Pete Townshend

Pete Townshend has enjoyed a fairly successful solo career outside of The Who. He’s a talented songwriter and guitarist whose influence has inspired whole generations of rock musicians today. If you don’t particularly like Pete Townshend’s solo music, you may have just heard hits like “Face The Face” or “A Little Is Enough”. If that sounds like you, check out these four underrated (though still quite successful) Townshend tracks and see if we’ve changed your mind!

1. “Rough Boys”

“Rough Boys” was a big hit for Townshend in 1980. One of the first singles from Empty Glass, the song boasts all of the best elements of Townshend’s talent, from his iconic guitar riffs to his trademark rebellious energy. It’s a notably punk-sounding track about sex, power, and rage. So, if you’re looking for something more edgy in Townshend’s discography, this is the song to give a shot.

2. “Let My Love Open The Door”

Another big hit for Townshend, “Let My Love Open The Door” has a vibrant pop-focused energy to it that stands out from the raunchier, darker themes on Empty Glass. It’s quite a romantic song as well. The lyrics explore the importance of love and people coming together. And that chorus will definitely get stuck in your head for a while. This song is by far one of Townshend’s most addictive tracks.

3. “Give Blood”

One of Townshend’s more political tracks, “Give Blood” was released in 1985 on the album White City: A Novel. The song is your typical passionate rage fit against injustice and societal indifference, but it has Townshend’s iconic sound that distinguishes it from other 1980s politically charged tracks. It’s a solid anthem, and definitely a great Pete Townshend song to listen to if you don’t like his music in general.

4. “Misunderstood”

“Misunderstood” is one of Townshend’s more haunting songs from the 1977 album Rough Mix. It’s a more intimate song with a smaller production; all you get is Townshend’s voice, an acoustic guitar, and some synths. But it works beautifully. It’s Townshend at his most vulnerable, and “Misunderstood” will stick with you if you’ve ever felt isolated or (obviously) misunderstood.

Photo by Michael Ochs Archives

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