When talking about the Who, the fierce competition between Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend is often brought up. Both powerhouses in their own right, the two legends of rock ‘n’ roll have had an undeniable impact on the history of music. Townshend’s songwriting and musical abilities have made him stand out in the world of rock, with iconic hits such as ‘Baba O’Riley’ and ‘Pinball Wizard.’
On the other hand, Roger Daltrey, the charismatic frontman of the Who, has a remarkable solo career filled with songs that could easily compete with Townshend’s. His powerful voice and engaging stage presence have made him a rock icon in his own right. Let’s dive into five such songs that showcase Daltrey’s immense talent and musical prowess.
1. Early Morning Cold Taxi (1967)
Outtake from ‘The Who Sell Out’ (later appearing as a bonus track on deluxe editions), ‘Early Morning Cold Taxi’ is a product of the writing partnership between Daltrey and David ‘Cyrano’ Langston. A rare and obscure gem of a song by the Who, it features classic harmonies and a great bass line. Keith Moon’s controlled snare playing adds a unique touch to the track, making it an amazing tune. ‘Early Morning Cold Taxi’ remains obscure primarily because the record company chose not to promote it, and the band rarely played it live. Nevertheless, it stands as a testament to the Who’s ability to produce a seemingly endless array of great songs.
2. Days of Light (1992)
‘Days of Light’ is a song from Roger Daltrey’s eighth solo album, ‘Rocks in the Head.’ Written by Daltrey and Gerard McMahon, the lyrics evoke anticipation for the weekend. The song was inspired by Daltrey’s early career working in a sheet-metal factory. The track showcases the pure energy that Daltrey is capable of producing and is reminiscent of Bruce Springsteen. It’s hard to believe this song wasn’t a massive hit, with Daltrey’s powerful voice driving it forward.
3. Take Me Home (1987)
‘Take Me Home’ is a 1987 single by Roger Daltrey, adapted from ‘Cargo,’ a song recorded by French singer Axel Bauer. Released on Daltrey’s solo album, ‘Can’t Wait to See the Movie,’ the single didn’t chart in the UK but peaked at number 46 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Chart. It describes feelings of solitude that many people can relate to, but Daltrey’s unique delivery infuses the songs with optimism and hopes that everything will work out in the end. This song, much like the others, demonstrates Daltrey’s ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level.
4. The Pride You Hide (1985)
‘The Pride You Hide’ is a song from Roger Daltrey’s sixth solo album, ‘Under a Raging Moon.’ Written by Alan Dalgleish, Nicky Tesco, and Daltrey, this forlorn ballad showcases a slower side of Daltrey, though he unleashes his powerful vocals on the bridge. The album serves as a tribute to the Who’s former drummer, Keith Moon. Unfortunately, the single failed to chart upon its release in 1985, but its heartfelt lyrics and emotional delivery continue to captivate listeners.
5. Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere (1965)
‘Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere’ was the second single released by the Who in 1965, featuring call-and-response lyrics and some of the first-ever recorded guitar feedback. Uniquely, the song was composed by both Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend, the only time they wrote together. While Townshend wrote most of the track, Daltrey made a few alterations to the original version and got half the credit. This track stands out with its distorted synthesizer, bluesy piano, and Keith Moon’s priceless drumming, resulting in an irresistibly catchy tune.
Roger Daltrey’s solo career and contributions to the Who showcase his undeniable talent and ability to stand toe-to-toe with Pete Townshend. These five songs are just a glimpse into the impressive catalog of music that Daltrey has created over the years. So, to all rock music lovers out there, it’s time to dive into Daltrey’s work and appreciate the incredible talent that he brings to the table.
