Every Pete Townshend Solo Album Ranked: Worst To Best

6 min read Post on May 23, 2025

Every Pete Townshend Solo Album Ranked: Worst To Best

The Bottom Tier: Albums 7-5

These albums, while not entirely without merit, generally land towards the lower end of most fans' rankings. They often exhibit inconsistencies in songwriting or production that prevent them from reaching the heights of Townshend's best work. However, even these "weaker" entries offer glimpses of his creative brilliance and experimental spirit.

Empty Glass: 1980 – A Detailed Look

Empty Glass, released in 1980, often finds itself at the bottom of many Pete Townshend solo album rankings. While showcasing Townshend's evolving musical style and incorporating elements of new wave, it suffers from uneven songwriting and a somewhat muddled production.

Style: A mix of synth-pop, art rock, and new wave influences, reflecting the prevailing musical trends of the time.
Criticisms: Some tracks feel underdeveloped, lacking the punch and memorability of his best work. The production, while characteristic of the era, occasionally obscures the nuances of Townshend's songwriting.
Positive Aspects: The album features moments of lyrical brilliance and displays Townshend's willingness to experiment beyond his established sound. Tracks like "Let My Love Open the Door" hint at the emotional depth that would be more fully realized in later works. It's perhaps an underappreciated entry in his catalogue.

White City: A Novel: 1985 – A Detailed Look

White City: A Novel is a concept album based on a science fiction story, a bold but arguably flawed endeavor. While ambitious, the execution is sometimes uneven.

Style: Synth-heavy, art rock with a narrative focus.
Criticisms: The concept, while interesting, can feel overwhelming at times, and the songs don’t always stand independently. Some feel the album is too experimental for its own good.
Positive Aspects: The album displays Townshend’s adventurous spirit and willingness to push boundaries, showcasing a flawed genius at work. The ambitious nature of the project is certainly admirable.

Psychoderelict: 2015 – A Detailed Look

This later album, though more commercially viable than some previous experimental efforts, is often considered one of his weaker efforts.

Style: A rock opera, but lacking the cohesion and punch of some of his other, more successful concept albums.
Criticisms: The album feels uneven in its execution and at times over-reliant on electronically processed sound.
Positive Aspects: Some tracks showcase his songwriting talents, and the album displays a continued willingness to experiment. It also contains some of his more introspective lyrics, a reflection of his aging process and career retrospectives.

The Middle Ground: Albums 4-2

These albums represent the solid core of Townshend's solo output. They showcase his songwriting prowess and musical diversity but may lack the consistent brilliance or lasting impact of his very best works.

All the Best Cowboys Have Chinese Eyes: 1982 – A Detailed Look

All the Best Cowboys Have Chinese Eyes is often praised for its diverse range of musical styles and its poignant lyrical content. However, it lacks the thematic unity and overall consistency to elevate it to the top tier.

Style: Eclectic mix of rock, pop, and folk, showcasing Townshend’s diverse musical talents.
Criticisms: The album's eclectic nature can feel disjointed at times, preventing it from achieving a cohesive overall sound.
Positive Aspects: It features several strong tracks, showcasing Townshend's songwriting maturity and emotional depth.

Face Dances: 1981 – A Detailed Look

Similar in style to Empty Glass, but with more consistent quality.

Style: New Wave-influenced rock, featuring a smoother production than Empty Glass.
Criticisms: Despite the improved production, it still doesn't reach the heights of his most memorable work.
Positive Aspects: A step up from Empty Glass, containing catchy and well-written songs.

The Iron Man: The Musical: 1984 – A Detailed Look

A theatrical rock album, less successful in stand-alone form, but notable for its theatrical ambition.

Style: Theatrical rock with a focus on narrative and storytelling.
Criticisms: Less successful as a pure album experience than as a theatrical performance.
Positive Aspects: Displays Townshend's creativity, though better experienced within the theatre setting.

The Top Tier: Albums 1 & 2

These two albums represent the pinnacle of Pete Townshend's solo work. They are consistently praised for their songwriting, musicality, and lasting impact on rock music.

Rough Mix: 1982 – A Detailed Look

Often cited as one of his finest works, Rough Mix is a beautifully raw and intimate collection of acoustic songs. It reveals a side of Townshend rarely heard elsewhere – heartfelt and reflective.

Style: Primarily acoustic, showcasing Townshend's songwriting talent in a stripped-down setting.
Positive Aspects: The album is a masterpiece of intimate songwriting, showcasing his vulnerability and emotional depth. It remains influential to this day.
Criticisms: Its minimalistic approach may not appeal to all listeners.

Scoop: 1983 – A Detailed Look

This album showcases Townshend's rock and roll edge, often considered a classic by many fans.

Style: A vibrant mix of rock and roll energy with a dynamic and punchy production.
Positive Aspects: This album is highly regarded for its energy, catchy melodies, and strong songwriting. It’s a classic example of his rock prowess.
Criticisms: Some might find it less introspective than Rough Mix.

Conclusion

This ranking of Pete Townshend solo albums highlights the diverse and often surprising landscape of his post-Who career. From experimental synth-pop to raw acoustic masterpieces, Townshend consistently challenged himself and his listeners. This journey through his solo discography reveals a musician constantly evolving, pushing boundaries, and delivering both best albums and occasionally, worst albums in the context of his diverse body of work. Remember, this is a subjective list, and ultimately, the "best" Pete Townshend solo album is a matter of personal taste.

What do you think? Share your own Pete Townshend solo album ranking in the comments below! Let's discuss the best and worst of his impressive solo discography. Share your thoughts on social media using #PeteTownshend #SoloAlbums #TheWho #ClassicRock.