The Who’s 1973 rock opera Quadrophenia is one of the most iconic albums in rock history. It has been praised for its ambitious concept and powerful music, and it is often cited as one of the best double albums ever made. But is it actually a double album? Let’s take a look at the evidence.
The Music
The first thing to consider when determining if an album is a double album is the length of the music. Quadrophenia clocks in at just over 79 minutes, which is longer than most single albums but still shorter than many classic double albums like The White Album and Exile on Main Street. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that it isn’t a double album; some double albums are shorter than 79 minutes, such as Led Zeppelin II and Pink Floyd’s The Wall.
The Concept
Another factor to consider when determining if an album is a double album is its concept. Quadrophenia tells the story of Jimmy, a young mod who struggles to find his place in society. The story is told over two discs, with each disc representing one side of Jimmy’s personality: Disc 1 (Side A) represents his rebellious side while Disc 2 (Side B) represents his more introspective side. This duality makes Quadrophenia feel like two distinct albums in one package, which could be seen as an indication that it was intended to be a double album from the start.
The Legacy
Finally, we can look at how Quadrophenia has been perceived by critics and fans over the years. It has consistently been praised as one of The Who’s best works and has been cited as one of the greatest double albums ever made by publications such as Rolling Stone and Pitchfork. This suggests that many people view Quadrophenia as a double album despite its relatively short length.
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether or not Quadrophenia should be considered a double album comes down to personal opinion. Its ambitious concept and powerful music certainly make it feel like two distinct albums in one package, but its relatively short length may lead some people to view it as a single album instead. Whatever your opinion may be, there’s no denying that Quadrophenia is an iconic work of art that deserves to be celebrated for years to come.
Is Quadrophenia a Double Album?