It’s Not Enough

The Zoo Crew is spinning "It’s Not Enough" by The Who from their 2006 album Endless Wire, and the Zoo Freaks are vibing to this classic rock gem. One juicy piece of trivia about this track is that it was initially pegged as the first single from the album, creating buzz before its official release. A version of the song dropped online at artistdirect.com, and by October 3, 2006, it was available on iTunes, giving fans an early taste. It even climbed to number 37 on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart as a B-side to "Black Widow’s Eyes." The song’s polished, almost Fleetwood Mac-esque gloss, as noted by Pitchfork, contrasts with The Who’s rawer roots, showing their willingness to experiment later in their career. Another tidbit: the album’s art direction, including for this track, used Visual Harmony software by Dave Snowdon and Lawrence Ball, adding a trippy, tech-savvy layer to the project’s aesthetic.

Pete Townshend, the song’s writer, shared insights into his creative process during this period via his website, offering fans a window into the album’s development. He described how songs like "It’s Not Enough" evolved from acoustic sketches to full-blown rock tracks, a process he found transformative when paired with Roger Daltrey’s vocals. In a 2006 interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, Townshend reflected on the long gap since their last album, saying he adopted a “Zen-like” mindset to let the music flow naturally, a nod to the band’s enduring creative spark despite the 24-year hiatus. The song’s aggressive delivery and art-house references, like Jean-Luc Godard’s Le Mépris, give it a cerebral edge, though some critics, like PopMatters, noted its early ‘80s guitar tone felt slightly dated.

The Who’s journey kicked off in 1964 in London, born from the ashes of a band called The Detours. Roger Daltrey, the golden-voiced frontman, was the catalyst, recruiting John Entwistle on bass and later Pete Townshend on guitar. The lineup solidified with drummer Keith Moon, and their explosive live shows—think Townshend’s windmill guitar strums and Moon’s chaotic drumming—made them legends. Their early days were fueled by mod culture, playing raw, rebellious anthems like “My Generation.” By the late ‘60s, they were crafting ambitious works like Tommy, the rock opera that redefined the genre. Despite personal clashes and Moon’s death in 1978, followed by Entwistle’s in 2002, Townshend and Daltrey kept the band alive, driven by a shared passion for music that still resonates in tracks like "It’s Not Enough."

Fans can dive deeper into The Who’s world through their official channels: the band’s website at thewho.com, their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts keep the Zoo Freaks updated on tours and releases. For those craving community, fan-run spaces like The Who Forum offer lively discussions, reviews, and polls about albums like Endless Wire. There’s also a dedicated Facebook group for The Who fans, where devotees share memorabilia, concert stories, and love for the band’s legacy. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new Zoo Freak, these hubs are perfect for connecting with the spirit of The Who.