The first single released from The Who’s album Quadrophenia was “5:15.”
The single appeared in the UK on 5 October 1973, shortly before Quadrophenia’s release later that month. It reached number 20 on the UK Singles Chart and was backed by “Water,” a song originating from earlier Who recording sessions. The song was written by Pete Townshend and produced by The Who.
Within Quadrophenia’s story, “5:15” follows Jimmy, the troubled young protagonist, as he travels by train to Brighton. The lyrics connect his confused thoughts and memories with the Mod culture central to the rock opera. The distinctive train whistle was reportedly captured after Townshend’s driver persuaded a railway driver to sound it.
The main regional complication is that “5:15” was not released as a US single at the time. American releases instead used “Love, Reign o’er Me” and “The Real Me,” which can make those songs seem like the album’s first single depending on the market being discussed.