Todd
Todd Rundgren · 1974
66 min · 17 tracks · hard rock
A kaleidoscopic blend of rock, pop, and experimental sounds that defies genre boundaries.
Top tracks — play these first
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I Think You Know Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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A Dream Goes On Forever — This track captures the album's emotional depth through its lush arrangements and introspective lyrics, representing Rundgren's ability to blend melody with profound themes.
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Everybody's Going To Heaven / King Kong Reggae — The seamless transition between two distinct styles showcases Rundgren's eclectic approach and mastery over musical genres while addressing societal themes.
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Lord Chancellor's Nightmare Song — With its theatrical presentation and intricate lyrics, this track exemplifies Rundgren's unique storytelling ability and his embrace of progressive rock elements.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases diverse styles and ambitious compositions, making it a notable work in Rundgren's discography.
What we noticed
- The album features a wide range of styles, with tracks shifting from rock to pop to experimental within single songs.
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as 'An Elpee's Worth of Toons,' which is a medley of short pieces.
- The use of varied instrumentation, including synthesizers and orchestral elements, creates distinct sonic textures across the album.
- The running time exceeds 70 minutes, with some tracks extending beyond typical lengths for rock music.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- dynamic journey with peaks
- kaleidoscopic sound explorations
- engaging two-halves listening experience
- playful twists and turns
- thought-provoking lyrical content
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Showcases Rundgren's ambitious artistry and innovative sound, often cited as a high point.
- Career context
- Released in 1974, 'Todd' is Todd Rundgren's fifth studio album, following the commercial success of 'Something/Anything?' from 1972. At this point, Rundgren was establishing himself as an innovative producer and a solo artist with a diverse musical palette, pushing creative limits after his earlier hits.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Brian Eno· Roxy Music· David Bowie
Tracklist
- 1 How About a Little Fanfare? 1:03
- 2 I Think You Know Start here 3:04
- 3 The Spark of Life 6:23
- 4 An Elpee's Worth of Toons 2:09
- 5 A Dream Goes On Forever 2:21
- 6 Lord Chancellor's Nightmare Song 3:32
- 7 Drunken Blue Rooster 3:00
- 8 The Last Ride 4:48
- 9 Everybody's Going To Heaven / King Kong Reggae 6:38
- 10 Number 1 Lowest Common Denominator 5:12
- 11 Useless Begging 3:40
- 12 Sidewalk Cafe 2:15
- 13 Izzat Love? 1:55
- 14 Heavy Metal Kids 4:16
- 15 In and Out the Chakras We Go 5:47
- 16 Don't You Ever Learn? 6:06
- 17 Sons of 1984 4:33
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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