The Who-Tommy (1969)

We are faced with one of the fundamental works of the 20th century, considered the first rock opera in history, one of the most influential on subsequent generations, and one of the best-selling albums in the history of rock music, with over 25 million copies sold worldwide. An ambitious and epic album, intense, with opulent musical structures, sublime developments, and the immense instrumental and vocal talent of the four members of The Who. However, this impressive work, created almost entirely by Pete Townshend, also generated some controversy regarding its subject matter: a tearful and cruel story about a blind and deaf-mute boy who learns to play pinball. Beyond the controversial concept, musically there are great moments of energetic rock, forays into pop, and a progressive musical feel that pervades the entire double album, mainly due to the long instrumental interludes, which give it that clear progressive rock feel. From the opening "Overture" with its orchestrated grandiosity, the album unfolds through fluid and overflowing music, such as the simple acoustic tracks "It's A Boy" or "Tommy Can You Hear Me", which are the perfect counterpoint to the medieval sounds of "Welcome", the complex arrangements of "Eyesight To The Blind" and "Christmas", the sad "Cousin Kevin", the mournful "1921", or the powerful rock tracks "Pinball Wizard" and "Go To The Mirror".