Roger Daltrey – As Long As I Have You

Veteran rocker’s solo return

When it comes to rock music, Roger Daltrey is a lot more than just a veteran. As the founder and lead singer of The Who, Daltrey helped change the face of the music world along with the rest of the band. Since the big days of The Who, Daltrey has also released multiple solo albums, and As Long As I Have You is his newest endeavor. This album is Daltrey’s first completely solo release since Rocks in the Head in 1992, and it’s a great album to earn that title. Daltrey’s voice hasn’t aged much since the ’60s and ’70s, making this album nostalgic, while remaining a great new addition to Daltrey’s repertoire.

The album begins with the title song “As Long As I Have You.” It’s a fast-paced song, and Daltrey’s vocals are incredible. His vocals have elements of a blues sound to them, giving the song a unique sound. The lyrics are creative as well, despite the fact that this is a fast and upbeat song, it’s also a song about love and using love to accomplish goals. “Even when they scare me out of my shoes/ But let I tell you girl/ You ain’t see nothing yet/ Ain’t nothing in this world/ That I can’t get/ As long as I have you.” The next song on the album is “How Far,” and from the start, it’s a song that sounds like The Who could easily have recorded it back in the ’70s. The guitar riff is catchy, and Daltrey’s voice sounds just as young as ever. The lyrics speak true to his own experiences: “Most of my life/ I’ve been living on the road/ Then I realized that the suitcase ain’t my home.” For any classic rock fan, this is arguably one of the strongest songs on the album, and one worth listening to over and over again.

As Long As I Have You is a decent sized album, so it’s hard to name every notable song. Two songs of note, however, are slow but incredibly different from each other. “I’ve Got Your Love” is in the form of a typical rock ballad, with Daltrey crooning out to the subject of all of these love songs he has been singing. “Into My Arms” on the other hand shows a side of Daltrey’s vocals that isn’t showcased often. His vocals are very low and full of emotion, with a piano accompanying him. It’s a beautiful song and shows just how multi-talented Daltrey is.

There are many other songs worth checking out on this album, including “Get Out Of The Rain,” Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind” and “Certified Rose.” As Long As I Have You ends with “Always Heading Home.” It’s another one of the few slow songs on the album, and Daltrey continues to show the range of his vocals. It’s a great way to close out the album, as it’s very unique, and the title alone gives a sense of resolution to the album. The Who and Roger Daltrey on his own have tour dates throughout the summer, and As Long As I Have You can be purchased now.