First listen to Todd Rundgren - Just One Victory (REACTION) 

If you come back to Todd, please check out "The Last Ride". It is his masterpiece, very passionate, incredible singing and playing

Todd is brilliant, and no matter what one's tastes are like, he's got something to satisfy them. You'll probably want to continue to discover his stuff and do a deep dive, but I'll recommend a few of the essentials: Can We Still Be Friends, A Dream Goes on Forever, Love of the Common Man, I Saw the Light, and We Gotta Get you a Woman are the first to come to mind as some of his most radio-friendly tunes. Want of a Nail is an upbeat rocker (saw him recently do this one live, opening for Daryl Hall - it crushed), and It Wouldn't have Made any Difference is a beautiful ballad. But take any path you like - different styles and different genres - they're all worthwhile!

DANIEL, you need to hear the Todd Rundgren song “Love Is The Answer” for a perfect example of his amazing lyrics. He released it in 1977 but it wasn’t a big hit for him, but in 1979 the duo of England Dan & John Ford Coley (who had a string of massive hits in the 70’s) recorded it and had a huge worldwide hit with it. Todd might be the most underrated artist ever.

A life changing album. Just a gem. Goofy prog, show tunes, soul songs, rock love songs, etc.

Yes, every sound on this album was created, produced, and engineered by Todd, decades before digital tools existed. Pure genius, distilled.

Loved his album A WIZARD, A TRUE STAR. Todd is so talented and creative. Songs like HELLO ITS ME, I SAW THE LIGHT and INTERNATIONAL FEEL highlights his talent and writing skills.

You are headed down a mind-opening road with this guy

"I Saw the Light" with Todd Rundgren and Daryl Hall (at Daryl's house) taped in Hawaii (at Todd's place) is *beyond awesome!* I hope you check it out! So proud of you, Daniel! ⭐️ 🌠 ⭐️ 💜💫✌🏼🎵

Although very loosely interpreted, most of his solo work is pop/rock but his work with his band "Utopia" is rooted in progressive rock.

An anthem for the ages.

Just One Victory is a great song. May I also recommend Todd's epic song THE VERB TO LOVE. What does it mean to love? Magnificent. John TRUE FILM FAN. P.S. Yes Todd often plays all the instruments. He's incredibly talented and versatile! I interviewed him for a radio show, very nice guy. No pretense.

Take on an epic Todd song: "The Ikon". Don't wait. Rundgren was genius and as much an "no f**ks to give" musician as Frank Zappa in his way. Also: the version of "Just One Victory" from "Utopia Another Live" is absolutely fantastic. Todd is a deeeeeep well. Drink deeply and often. Blessings.

This song is the national anthem of Utopia. Todd closed out every concert with this gem.

This is one of those albums that was best served by the invention of the CD, as it could be played in its entirety. It is an experiment in flow of consciousness, and is one of my favourite Rundgren presentations. Only the album Todd rivals it in my opinion.

Todd is so freaking talented. Great singer, amazing guitarist, all-round fine instrumentalist, brilliant producer, and strong composer. This was an excellent number. (Todd, btw, lives on the north shore of glorious Kauai.)

I was lucky to see Utopia live. Todd had the skills of like ten people. I think everyone liked him, he had a knack for hitting those spots that were universally appealing while putting so much thought and feeling into some pretty elaborate musical constructs. Great choice.

Absolutely can not wait to see Todd here in Portland, Maine, in October. Soundtrack of my childhood.

I love that you loved this Daniel. Prince openly said this album was a huge inspiration for him❤️

"A Dream Goes On Forever"

"Real Man" and "Fade Away", two great examples of Todd's music.

He's so good and this song really helps to pull you out of any negativity. You may be losing now but just one victory and things just may change. I was hooked ever since Hello It's Me!

You have now heard part of THE greatest album of all time. This is the trip of all trips.

Finally! You have no idea how much I love Todd. I have seen him in concert more than anyone. Every tour that brought him to NYC from 1970 on. Solo a few times throughout the decades and including a couple years ago, including the first time I saw him, at iconic Max’s Kansas City. His first 5 or 6 albums are so fantastic. He plays so many instruments. He was pretty much a teenage whiz engineer. As you mentioned, he has produced so many albums. At least 70 at his Bearsville Studios (in Kingston, near Woodstock) and at least 16 of his own. Todd! I love you so much! Keep on performing!

Back in 76, I made this album cover in my art class. Blew it up 3’ x 3’ & mounted on wood. It’s in my dining room now!! ✌️💜🎶

Maybe try his song “Love is the Answer”.

Very happy you found Todd. This album is a total delight!

A very up Lifting song.

I'm almost 70 yo and in my Olimpo i have the Beatles, Jimy Hendrix and Todd Rundgren, since the 70s.

Todd went the opposite way of many who delved into prog, he started in pop/rock and eventually formed Utopia, who had several amazing prog albums. Produced and played for many artists, including Hall and Oates and Meat Loaf. If you want to sample a couple of short rockers try "Love in Action" or "Jealousy." Also, Utopia's long prog works are epic.

From his album Second Wind- Change Myself. Recorded live in front of an audience in a studio session setting over a two week period. The video is also an amazing achievement.

Todd Rundgren is truly a legend from the 70s! I was fortunate to see him in concert in 1974 during his Utopia tour -- Unforgettable! Thanks for this reaction, Daniel! Once again, you've stirred some great memories for me.

Love to see your reaction to one of the best ever. How fun to see someone's first time. A song I've loved all my life.

I agree about “The Last Ride” being a must to hear! Todd is the best!

Daniel "Sometimes I Don't Know" is one of his songs that typically doesn't get the attention but is incredible on so many levels to the trained ear. Enjoy your Todd journey, 50 years here!

TR - "If nominated I will not run, if elected I will not serve".... so Philadelphia!

Love him! Thanks.❤

Tod may be the best musician we have seen. He knows how to make great music. Love this song!

Love just one victory

Robert Palmer does a version of Todd's "Can We Still Be Friends" on an album called Secrets. Don't miss it

My general impression of Mr. Rundgren's music was that it was "Progressive Lite"...which might explain the "Pop" tag. He was a gateway into prog, as he was actually played on the radio. Close to the Edge was never on the radio. Nor was "Firth of Fifth" or "Echoes". I've seen him, and while I enjoyed it, it was not a transformative experience, as was the case with the archons of prog. It may be that he is American, and we don't seem to be as deep as the Brits, when it comes to music, unless your name is Frank Zappa, who is, after all, Capricorn, like Ali. :) He deserves that place of honor for making better music at home here.

Besides his music, his production skills are world-class--he produced the legendary first album by Meat Loaf.

How I envy you. To discover Todd all over again. The Rundgren Rabbit hole is deep and forever satisfying. Enjoy the journey. Some great suggestions already given but you might like Eastern Intrigue, Healer, Pulse, Chant, Lockjaw. From Utopia try Abandon City, Hiroshima and Hammer in My Heart.

I just read on your Twitter post tonight. Hot damn Daniel you uploaded your 1,100th video on the Dissectional channel. WOOOOW! That’s incredible. Congratulations!! ❤️❤️❤️

Rundgren describes this album, A Wizard, A True Star, as his departure from the pop sound of his first album. It marked the beginning of the rest of his career. Based on the commercial success of his first album, Something/Anything, Todd built a top notch studio at his home, which is where this album was largely put together.

The most amazing part of A Wizard, A True Star (the album this is from), is that all of the production, performances, were all Todd Rundgren. If you've ever seen him live, it's an experience not to be missed.

This album was made to listen in one sitting. Its quite a trip. Side one is more experimental, side two is more philly soul in style. He did not release any singles from this album for that reason. In any event, it shows he is truly a wizard, a true star ❤❤❤

I saw that concert of Todd and Joe Jackson, in Central Park. Two of my favorite musicians for sure, but I thought it was an odd pairing. First one sang many great songs, then the other. At the end they sang a couple songs together. Both such accomplished pianists/composers. They really sounded nice together, but still... an odd coupling. Better still however: my two favorites in one night. Can’t beat that!

This album is a masterpiece from start to finish.. In the uk he is unheard of almost..

Just found this reaction. Just One Victory is one of the best rock song ever written. Musically and lyrically!

Fun reaction. Todd Rundgren is an amazing artist. I'd recommend Lysistrata, probably my favorite TR solo song. And as a producer, wow. There's almost too much to mention. But I know you've been enjoying Skylarking by XTC. Todd also produced a Canadian Band at about the same time, called The Pursuit of Happiness, who credit Todd with defining their sound as a band. Check out I'm an Adult Now, or She's So Young. (BTW, I checked out House of Sin. Very cool!)

Daniel, keep those headphones on and listen to the entire album. It’s just incredible!

incredible talent!

The Want Of a Nail 1989 from the album Nearly Human, an album that was recorded 'live' in studio, but with an audience present (who had to remain silent until each track was finished so as not to be on the recording.) The combination of all musicians playing together at the same time in studio, but with the energy that comes from playing in front of an audience created one of his best albums.

Great reaction, thanks - just loved seeing the smile on your face as the track played 🙂 This is one of my all-time favourite tracks by any artist - when the whole world seems to be against us, this is the track I play to drag myself out of the abyss; "just one victory and we're on our way..." The whole "A Wizard, A True Star" album is TR in microcosm - everything from heavy metal to pop to peerless rock balladry, deep soul, even showtunes, and a few jokes too... he toured the album in 2010 playing it in its entirety, but slightly altering the tracklisting (he says it's how he would have sequenced it if CDs had been around at the time...) Tremendous stuff...

Be sure to check out "The Night the Carousel Burned Down". (previous album: "Something/Anything") Great melody and chords--and sonic mixing wonderment. (the song becomes the carousel in the middle)

This is my favourite Todd album. This particular song is empowering. Just builds from the beginning to the wall of sound at the fade out.

This entire album is pretty awesome. So is Initiation.

I'm sensing a new fan!

The Bearsville studio was legendary. 🎶

Daniel I would love for you to hear the Eagles song LYING EYES . can't wait to hear you play it .

There is a great 4 part documentary on Todd’s life here on RU-vid fyi

The man is so talented.👍

“Parallel Lines” from Nearly Human is another masterpiece.

All those layered harmonies, perfectly timed and pitched, all mixed on analog tape. And it's s beautiful song too. He's a genius.

There's a recent Todd tune called "This is Not a Drill" with Joe Satriani

This is like psychedelic Hall & Oates (both acts are from Philadelphia). Great reaction Daniel.

I can safely say that this song saved my life. More than once.

I've only heard a little by Todd Rundgren. He seems to be a very diverse artist. I believe he has a Prog Epic that's like 20 minutes long. I believe he's covered a wide variety of music, but overall I don't know all that much about him. He sure has a great name though, doesn't he : )

Todd is a genius who has continued writing, performing, teaching to this day. His songs are far more complex than most. I never get tired of Toddd!

Great album, one of his best. And great feelgood song but entirely derived from Laura Nyro. You should listen to her work, she's one of the foundations of modern music.

I LOVE seeing you young bucks getting into Todd. Reminds me of when I discovered him back in high school. I suggest you hear this song stripped down and live the way I first heard it. Check out "Utopia Live at the Royal Oak" or "An Evening with Utopia"...both available on You Tube. I found the Wizard version too over produced...but live...that's where the MAGIC is. I hope you feel the "rushes" I felt at the time and still feel today. Shine On. ☮🎸♥

Dang. I thought Genesis had layers of sound. Amazing and brightly funky. Nice lyrics (thinking of Ukraine!). That Jackson and Rundgren would have been a great concert!

Tom Scholz is on record for having modeled the Boston concept after Todd Rundgren, i.e. primarily, making the records himself. Fact.

LOVE that inserted keyboard as reaction. (123)

Most amazing of all regarding this album: every vocal, every instrument, every keyboard, drum and percussion instrument, every aspect of this album -- from writing to performance to arrangement to recording to mixing -- was the product of one singular genius, Todd Rundgren, truly a wizard and a true star. He has never stopped producing phenomenally excellent and challenging music in the four decades that followed this masterpiece album, whether entirely solo (give a listen to A Cappella from the mid-1980's!), as part of a band (Utopia was the best power-pop prog-rock group, full-stop), as leader of a big-band live ensemble (Nearly Human, Second Wind), as a producer for other artists (Hall & Oates, Patti Smith, inxs, Meatloaf, to name but a few), as writer of songs and lyrics for a Broadway show (Up Against It, for legendary producer Joe Papp), as a pioneer of computer graphics and video production (he developed or refined many of Apple's early-generation platforms), and as benevolent guru to decades of faithful admirers. He has always "done it his way" (no offense to Mr. Sinatra intended) and has never given a sh*t about popularity, profits, or public opinion. Todd Rundgren is a singularity in the entertainment universe. Now well into his eighth decade, he's still performing, producing and touring, with vocal cords almost intact, guitar virtuosity undiminished, and energetic athleticism to spare. If one of his tours fits your schedule, by all means see him in live performance!

This particular song was incredibly popular with Todd's broad base of fans. In my experience at the many concerts I attended, he used it often as a closing anthem for his concerts for the audience to join in, often times the very last song of the the encore... Great song to end the evening on.

Something to fall back on from the album A Capella if you really wanna blow your mind.

A genius, a true star. Fantastic guitar player. Please react to Black Maria from Something/Anything! Thanks for the great review!

Love Todd’s music!

Great reaction Daniel! This album came out when I was in my second year of college and I remember my roommates got sick of hearing it because I played it all the time. Same thing happened with Bowie's Ziggy Stardust and Velvet Underground's Loaded. I'm sorry they got tired of hearing them over and over but I still play them to this day. Todd has always been a favorite of mine, thank you for reviewing this song. Others to explore: A Long Time, and a Long Way to Go, Boat on the Charles, I Saw the Light, Sweeter Memories, Couldn't I Just Tell You, Dust in the Wind, Sometimes I Don't Know What to Feel... I could go on and on. Again, thanks for the song!

Great Todd song!! You should check out "Black Maria" or "Black & White".

yep

Check out an older Version of Todd on Live At Daryls House in Hawaii...which is really Todd's Hawaiian home. Beautiful duets with Daryl....as life long friends!

D, you might try Bob Dylan again. These songs or really anything from the albums they’re on: "Desolation Row" "It's Alright Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)"

If you liked the stereo on that, lay down on the floor, use the headphones and listen to Night The Carousel Burned Down. Enjoy

This is one of my favorite *songs*, full stop, not just of Todd's catalog (which is immense and varied and VERY difficult to narrow down to the top choices). They don't come much more hopeful than this, even while acknowledging the work it takes to make true progress and improvement. So psyched to see this video when I opened RU-vid today. I've seen Todd in concert four times (the first of which I was six and blew a chance to meet him, which remains one of my great regrets, and the *best* of which was just him and a piano). If you ever get the chance, DO IT. Todd himself isn't terribly enthused about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but I for one think he wholly deserved the acknowledgement. I think this whole album is one where he played/sang everything himself - he's said it was easier to learn new instruments and do it himself than try to explain what was in his head to another musician. Hermit of Mink Hollow is another, as is about three-quarters of Something/Anything.

You know, I've heard this song before, back in the day, and thought it was just okay. But this time, per your comments, I pulled out my headphones and gave it another listen. You're right, Daniel, the headphone stereo makes all the difference. Love what you do.

Love his solo stuff, and his band Utopia is great, too! They range from prog to 80s power pop. I saw him live many times, once performing together with Joe Jackson!

Todd is God. I saw him in the 80’s and a couple of years ago. He’s timeless. ❤️😁

I like “Sons of 1984.” I sounds like he recorded it live with a church choir along with the audience singing (at least that’s what it sounds like.) Kind of a similar vibe to this song you just played. 👍😊. Also, he recently collaborated with the guy from Weezer on a duet called “Down with the Ship.” It’s interesting. Sounds like a Ska pirate song. 🤷‍♂️

You get it!

Love this tune, amazing vocal arrangement. Never get sick of this track. Also seeing Todd twice this month in concert. FYI - sometimes Todd plays all instruments, but he does have others on this album. Not sure about track specifics.

Zen Archer

Wiw, all those categories - art rick, prog rock, psychedelic - and here I was thinking gospel-influenced blue-eyed soul. Maybe even a little island-ish?

Don’t know if you have a style you listen to but check out “ Al Dimeola Race With the devil on a Spanish highway “. From the album Elegent Gypsy !

Todd, RRHOF inductee, has no plans to attend the ceremony. Understandable. Just one of perhaps 50-100 bands/performers/producers/all of the above ignored for decades, glossed over for acts that have little to no connection to anything rock...

You should check out a live version, most have Utopia backing him up. It translate really well live.

You picked a gem. Great great great.

Yes he plays all the instruments AND does all the vocals. Besides being and amazing musician and singer, he is just a great human being. STRONGLY suggest you check out the story of the relationship between him and Liv Tyler.

So my advice to you is, at the risk of sounding totally patronising, is get in there quick cos in 15 days time he'll be 76, so go and see him while you still can if you can. Greatest gig ever ? Norwich UK November 2008 and this was his encore back then. Thanks for your analysis.