A Wizard, a True Star
Todd Rundgren · 1973
55 min · 19 tracks · hard rock
An avant-garde collage of sounds that defies genre boundaries, merging rock, pop, and experimental elements into a vibrant sonic tapestry.
Top tracks — play these first
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International Feel Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Zen Archer — This track stands out for its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, embodying the album's experimental nature while seamlessly blending different musical textures.
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Just One Victory — As an uplifting anthem, this closing track encapsulates themes of resilience and hope, making it one of Rundgren's most enduring songs.
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When the Shit Hits the Fan / Sunset Blvd. — This ambitious medley showcases Rundgren's flair for theatricality and shifting musical dynamics, illustrating his ability to weave complex narratives within song.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's experimental nature and innovative production techniques set it apart in its genre.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate abrupt shifts in tempo and style, such as transitioning from rock to orchestral arrangements within the same song.
- Rundgren employs a wide range of instruments and sound effects, often layering them to create complex textures that challenge traditional song structures.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- kaleidoscopic sonic exploration
- dynamic peaks and valleys
- short tracks for quick bursts
- immersive in-order listening experience
- whimsical and playful atmosphere
Maybe skip if you
- seeking straightforward song structures
- prefer longer, cohesive tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Represents a significant artistic shift with avant-garde sound and eclectic style.
- Career context
- Released on March 2, 1973, A Wizard, a True Star followed Todd Rundgren's commercial success with his previous album, Something/Anything? This record marked a significant artistic shift as Rundgren embraced a more experimental approach, blending diverse musical styles and recording techniques. At this point in his career, he was already recognized as a pioneering figure in the music industry, capable of both producing and performing at a high level.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Brian Eno· Roxy Music· David Bowie
Tracklist
- 1 International Feel Start here 2:50
- 2 Never Never Land 1:35
- 3 Tic Tic Tic It Wears Off 1:14
- 4 You Need Your Head 1:02
- 5 Rock and Roll Pussy 1:08
- 6 Dogfight Giggle 1:06
- 7 You Don’t Have to Camp Around 1:03
- 8 Flamingo 2:35
- 9 Zen Archer 5:36
- 10 Just Another Onionhead / Dada Dali 2:24
- 11 When the Shit Hits the Fan / Sunset Blvd. 4:03
- 12 Le Feel Internacionale 1:47
- 13 Sometimes I Don’t Know What to Feel 4:16
- 14 Does Anybody Love You? 1:31
- 15 Medley: I’m So Proud / Ooh Baby Baby / La La Means I Love You / Cool Jerk 10:35
- 16 Hungry for Love 2:18
- 17 I Don’t Want to Tie You Down 1:56
- 18 Is It My Name? 4:01
- 19 Just One Victory 4:59
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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