[2] "Relay" was released as a single in late 1972, backed with the Keith Moon-penned track, "Waspman".

The single charted in the Top 40 in both the UK and US, reaching #21 in the United Kingdom and #39 on the Billboard Hot 100 (and #33 on Cashbox).

He said of this: I've got to get a new act together for the Who... we've got to get something fresh.In order to promote the single, "Relay" was performed on two British television shows, Russell Harty Plus and The Old Grey Whistle Test, in early 1973.

"Relay" begins with a strong guitar line fed through the sample and hold-controlled VCF of an ARP-2600 synthesiser,[4] which persists throughout the song.

Record World said that it "begins with an Isaac Hayes sound and breaks into a heavy rocker again envincing Townshend's humanistic consciousness.