The Who - It's Hard (1982): Complete Album Guide
Artist: The Who
Album Type: Studio
Release Date: September 3, 1982
Label: Polydor Records
Genre: Rock, Hard Rock, Pop Rock
Producer: Glyn Johns
Album Credits
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Vocals: Roger Daltrey
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Guitar & Keyboards: Pete Townshend
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Bass Guitar: John Entwistle
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Drums: Kenney Jones
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Producer: Glyn Johns
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Engineer: Glyn Johns
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Artwork: Richard Evans
Note: This is the second studio album recorded after Keith Moon’s passing.
Tracklist
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"Athena"
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"One at a Time"
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"It's Your Turn"
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"Dangerous"
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"I've Known No War"
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"Eminence Front"
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"Cry If You Want"
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"I've Had Enough"
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"How Can You Do It Alone"
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"Music Must Change"
Most Popular Tracks
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Eminence Front – Funk-influenced anthem and one of The Who’s most enduring songs from the 1980s.
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Athena – Hit single that reached the Top 40 in both the UK and US.
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It's Your Turn – Rock track with a driving rhythm and Townshend’s signature guitar riffs.
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One at a Time – Reflective ballad showcasing Daltrey’s vocal range and the band’s melodic style.
Fun Facts
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It’s Hard was recorded at Olympic Studios in London with Glyn Johns producing.
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The album explores themes of personal struggle, war, and social issues, mixed with classic rock energy.
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“Eminence Front” is notable for its synth-heavy arrangement, foreshadowing Townshend’s later solo work.
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The album reflects The Who’s transition into the 1980s, blending rock with contemporary production trends.
Trivia
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Pete Townshend admitted that the album was partially inspired by his frustrations with the music industry and world events.
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Kenney Jones’ drumming continues the more restrained style established on Face Dances, replacing Moon’s chaotic energy.
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The album’s reception was mixed, but several tracks have become live staples in The Who’s concerts.
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It’s Hard includes social commentary on conflict, loneliness, and personal responsibility, making it more introspective than earlier albums.
Did You Know?
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“Eminence Front” became a live favorite, often extended with improvisation during concerts.
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The title track “It’s Hard” was never released as a single but reflected the band’s struggle to stay relevant in the changing 1980s music scene.
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John Entwistle contributed to the album with innovative bass lines, especially on “Athena” and “One at a Time.”
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It’s Hard was the last studio album before The Who went on a hiatus in the mid-1980s, marking the end of an era.
