2nd Wind cover

2nd Wind

Todd Rundgren · 1991

54 min · 10 tracks · hard rock

A blend of soulful melodies and introspective lyrics wrapped in polished production that showcases Rundgren's eclectic artistry.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Change Myself Start here — The opening track sets a reflective tone for the album, featuring Rundgren's signature vocal style and introspective lyrics about self-improvement.
  • →
    Love Science — This track exemplifies Rundgren’s knack for blending complex arrangements with catchy hooks, presenting a playful yet profound exploration of love.
  • →
    The Smell of Money — With its sharp social commentary wrapped in a catchy melody, this song highlights Rundgren’s ability to critique capitalism while maintaining an engaging sound.
  • →
    Public Servant — This track stands out for its political undertones and rhythmic complexity, showcasing Rundgren’s engagement with contemporary issues.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

48 /100
Foothills
Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album showcases Rundgren's eclectic style but lacks standout tracks that elevate it significantly.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a more aggressive sound with heavier guitar riffs.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the melodic richness.
  • The album closes with a title track that features an extended instrumental section, allowing for a gradual build-up before concluding.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo progression
  • introspective moments of reflection
  • infectious melodies for sing-alongs
  • late-night contemplative listening
  • uplifting themes of self-discovery

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced listening experiences
  • seek standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A solid entry that showcases Rundgren's eclectic style but isn't widely recognized.
Career context
By the time '2nd Wind' was released in 1991, Todd Rundgren had already established himself as a versatile artist with a career spanning two decades. This album came after notable works like 'Nearly Human' (1989) and marked his continued exploration of pop and rock sounds while also reflecting on personal themes and societal observations.
Stylistic neighbors
Brian Eno· Roxy Music· David Bowie

Tracklist

  • 1 Change Myself Start here 5:22
  • 2 Love Science 5:24
  • 3 Who's Sorry Now 6:17
  • 4 The Smell of Money 4:06
  • 5 If I Have to Be Alone 3:52
  • 6 Love in Disguise 4:04
  • 7 Kindness 5:31
  • 8 Public Servant 5:40
  • 9 Gaya's Eyes 6:14
  • 10 Second Wind 7:30

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata