A Wizard, a True Star

by Todd Rundgren

Overview

Something/Anything? proved that Todd Rundgren could write a pop classic as gracefully as any of his peers, but buried beneath the surface were signs that he would never be satisfied as merely a pop singer/songwriter. A close listen to the album reveals the eccentricities and restless spirit that surges to the forefront on its follow-up, A Wizard, A True Star. Anyone expecting the third record of Something/Anything?, filled with variations on "I Saw the Light" and "Hello It's Me," will be shocked by A Wizard. As much a mind-f*ck as an album, A Wizard, A True Star rarely breaks down to full-fledged songs, especially on the first side, where songs and melodies float in and out of a hazy post-psychedelic mist. Stylistically, there may not be much new -- he touched on so many different bases on Something/Anything? that it's hard to expand to new territory -- but it's all synthesized and assembled in fresh, strange ways. Often, it's a jarring, disturbing listen, especially since Rundgren's humor has turned bizarre and insular. It truly takes a concerted effort on the part of the listener to unravel the record, since Rundgren makes no concessions -- not only does the soul medley jerk in unpredictable ways, but the anthemic closer, "Just One Victory," is layered with so many overdubs that it's hard to hear its moving melody unless you pay attention. And that's the key to understanding A Wizard, A True Star -- it's one of those rare rock albums that demands full attention and, depending on your own vantage, it may even reward such close listening. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Product Details

Release Date:	12/10/2021
Label:	Friday Music
UPC:	0829421921332
Rank:	102640

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Todd Rundgren   Primary Artist
Michael Brecker   Guest Artist
Randy Brecker   Guest Artist
David Sanborn   Guest Artist
Rick Derringer   Guest Artist

Technical Credits

Betty Comden   Composer
Curtis Mayfield   Composer
Thomas Bell   Composer
Jule Styne   Composer
Warren "Pete" Moore   Composer
Renaldo Benson   Composer
Al Cleveland   Composer
Adolph Green   Composer
Thom Bell   Composer
Donald Storball   Composer
William "Poogie" Hart   Composer
Smokey Robinson   Composer
Todd Rundgren   Composer
William Hart   Composer,Composer