Todd Rundgren Albums Ranked Worst to Best
Todd Rundgren, a multi-faceted artist and producer, has released a diverse range of albums over the years, each showcasing his innovation and musical prowess. Here’s a ranking of his albums from worst to best, acknowledging that even his “worst” are better than many other artists’ best.
1.”A Cappella” (1985)
Perhaps his most innovative work where he uses only his voice to create both melody and rhythm; it exemplifies Rundgren’s boundary-pushing ethos and cements his legacy as a true pioneer in music production.
2.”Something/Anything?” (1972)
A double album filled with hits like “Hello It’s Me” and “I Saw the Light.” A quintessential Todd experience – prolific, diverse, individualistic.
3.”A Wizard, A True Star” (1973)
A kaleidoscopic venture into psychedelic rock and soul, which stands as one of his most adventurous works to date.
4.”Runt” (1970)
His debut as a solo artist is raw yet promising, displaying both vulnerability and musical dexterity that would define his career.
5.”Runt: The Ballad of Todd Rundgren” (1971)
This sophomore release shows early signs of brilliance with heartfelt songwriting and versatile musicianship.
6.”Todd” (1974)
An eclectic mix that characterizes Rundgren’s restless creativity, weaving together rock, pop, and experimental elements into a unique tapestry.
7.”Nearly Human” (1989)
Rundgren’s return to a more pop-oriented sound resulted in an underappreciated gem that features soulful performances and robust production.
8.”Faithful” (1976)
Half original material and half painstakingly accurate covers, “Faithful” reflects Rundgren’s reverence for rock history while also highlighting his own songwriting skills.
9.”Healing” (1981)
“Healing” is an introspective and complex album that showcases Rundgren’s talent in blending diverse sonic textures with thought-provoking lyrics.
10.”Hermit of Mink Hollow” (1978)
This album marks a return to classic songwriting form after some experimental releases and includes the hit “Can We Still Be Friends?”
11.”Liars” (2004)
On this album, Rundgren tackles themes of truth and reality with his usual musical flair—though it doesn’t reach the heights of some of his more celebrated records.
12.”Initiation” (1975)
A record with great moments, especially for fans of prog-rock, but its lengthy tracks can be challenging for listeners seeking the catchy hooks Rundgren is known for.
13.”The Individualist” (1995)
This album features Rundgren exploring digital recording techniques. Some fans appreciate the experimentation, while others long for his earlier work’s organic feel.
14.”State” (2013)
Rundgren experiments with electronica and progressive sounds. It’s a polarizing album that veers away from his classic style.
15.”Global” (2015)
An ambitious project that didn’t quite hit the mark as others did. It includes forward-thinking themes but is sometimes considered inconsistent.
Please note this ranking is subjective; opinions on Todd Rundgren’s discography vary widely among fans and critics alike due to the eclectic nature of his work.