Who's Greatest Hits by The Who
Following their "farewell tour," MCA released yet another Who collection, the first one ever titled Greatest Hits. The compilers don't take the title literally. Sure, many of the group's biggest hits ("Substitute," "My Generation," "Magic Bus," "Pinball Wizard," "Won't Get Fooled Again," "Love, Reign O'er Me," "Squeeze Box," "Who Are You") are here, but nearly as many are missing, including "Behind Blue Eyes," "Pictures of Lily," "See Me, Feel Me," "Join Together" and "I Can See for Miles," their biggest American single. So, it's a random selection, which may not be that frustrating to a casual fan, since what is here is very good. Nevertheless, it should not be seen as a definitive collection or even as a good introduction -- it's just an entertaining sampler.
One Direction’s fourth album finds the band at a crossroads: attempting to push against the musical restrictions of being one of the biggest bands in the world without losing their appeal. So out goes the joyous sugar rush of their early singles (even lead single “Steal My Girl” feels relatively muted), replaced instead with the contemplative slow burn of the lovely “Night Changes” and the Ed Sheeran-assisted “18”. There's still youthful exuberance (the lustful “Girl Almighty”), but this more pensive, thoughtful side suits them well.
