On this day September 4 1982, It’s Hard, the tenth studio album by The Who, was released. Marking the final album with drummer Kenney Jones and the last studio album before the band's long hiatus, It’s Hard reflected a band at a turning point. Coming off years of internal tension and changing musical landscapes, The Who returned with a collection of songs that blended arena rock power with mature introspection.
The album included the hit Athena, a track originally written for actress Theresa Russell, as well as Eminence Front, a synth driven song that has since become a staple of the band’s live performances. Despite mixed reviews at the time, It’s Hard found success on the charts and represented the closing chapter of The Who’s classic era.
80s insight: Released at a time when new wave and synth pop were dominating the charts, It’s Hard proved that classic rock icons were still adapting and competing in the 1980s music world.
The album included the hit Athena, a track originally written for actress Theresa Russell, as well as Eminence Front, a synth driven song that has since become a staple of the band’s live performances. Despite mixed reviews at the time, It’s Hard found success on the charts and represented the closing chapter of The Who’s classic era.
80s insight: Released at a time when new wave and synth pop were dominating the charts, It’s Hard proved that classic rock icons were still adapting and competing in the 1980s music world.
