Utopia
Todd Rundgren & Utopia Lyrics

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City in my head, Utopia
Heaven in my body, Utopia
It's time for me, for me to go

City in my head, Utopia
Heaven in my body, Utopia
Into the sky, it rises now

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Todd Rundgren's Utopia's song Utopia Theme convey the idea of finding one's own utopia within oneself. The verses describe a city and heaven found in one's head and body respectively, suggesting that utopia is not just a physical place, but a state of being that one can reach within themselves. The lines "it's time for me, for me to go" and "into the sky, it rises now" indicate a sense of departure and ascent towards this utopian state of being.

The song can be interpreted as a call for self-discovery and self-improvement, urging listeners to look within themselves for their own personal utopia. It also suggests that utopia is not a fixed destination, but a continuous journey towards self-actualization.

Line by Line Meaning

City in my head, Utopia
Imaginary place that exists only in my mind called Utopia

Heaven in my body, Utopia
Utopia brings me immense joy and pleasure, as if I am experiencing heaven on earth

It's time for me, for me to go
I must leave my current reality and enter into the Utopia I have created in my mind

Into the sky, it rises now
My Utopia is coming to life and taking shape, ascending into a higher realm of existence

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: TODD HARRY RUNDGREN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

@GeoffreyFeldmanMA

6y↑282

I worked for EMS of America. I built the Synth for this album out of components of the EMS AKS Synthesizers. There were 4 Putney's and some other components. I was a student at Hampshire College of Amherst MA at the time - best college gig ever. I went on from this to more conventional parts of the electronics and computer industry. Not long after I worked for Computer Signal Processors Inc. (CSPI). we built advanced computers (replaced today by a computer sound chip). Our biggest customer was the NSA.

@scottcampbell1377xanadu

5y↑4

Geoffrey Feldman Geoff did you use a Fairlight from Australia?

@deebee8935

5y↑9

Geoffrey Feldman. I'll bet Moogy Klingman was glad. Me too.Great work..Geoffrey.Dee Bee....💜

@nickmaybes

3y↑10

That synth you made sounds incredible, those old EMS synths are still some of the best ever made !

@jackd.ripper3139

3y↑20

on behalf of the entire fan base of Todd R, THANK U FOR YOUR GENIUS IN COMPONENTS USED IN MAKING OF THIS WONDERFUL MASTERPIECE ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
God BLESS YOU SIR!!!!!

@jackd.ripper3139

3y↑2

Puts MIDI TO SHAME!!!❤️🙏🏻❤️

27 More Replies...

@wilrockq1065

3y↑52

Consider this: Todd was 26 when he made this album. What producer, musician, whatever - of any age- is composing music like this today? Nobody, only jazz guys are at this level. Justin Bieber? Ed Sheeren? The Weeknd? This is amazing stuff for a 26-yr old to compose and play

@jessesell8921

3y↑6

Tons, you just won't hear it on stupid commercial mass media. Your examples are of mindless contrived product for drolls. Do you think humanity just stopped being creative and inspired? You just haven't tried to keep up or search out anything new. I'm so tired of comments from dusty shut-ins complaining about "music today".

@wilrockq1065

3y↑6

@Jesse Sell you ignoramus, learn to read. I said jazz guys are doing it, which if you understood music theory and composition,you’d know why I compared Todd to them. Who is an example today? Jacob Collier is one. Do you know him? Probably not. But really, the criteria I cited are being in your 20s, composing on this level and also being popular. With that in mind who are your examples?

@jessesell8921

3y↑3

Also, this is basically a watered down version of Herbie Hancock or Zappa.

@wilrockq1065

3y↑5

@Jesse Sell watered down is strong. Zappa but Mahavishnu Orchestra even more- I think Todd R said this. And yes, it might not be quite as sophisticated, but to imagine a young self-taught musician to come up with this is pretty impressive. Lots of great stuff out there today, but musical tastes have changed so this progressive rock/fusion thing isn’t appreciated.

@peterhammer6915

3y↑3

I love this record but Genesis was barely 20 when they did Trepass....

12 More Replies...

@ChristopherDavis-uh1gq

2y↑27

Mind blowing. This is not a song. It is an incredible rock symphony.

@Freq412

2y↑21

The 70's were crazy times, a coming of age time for me. I was fully engulfed, engaged and enthralled with Todd's music. He kept me on a pretty even keel, no matter how wild and strange and troubling things got. It took me until this album, hearing him sing The Ikon, to fully realize that "Someone knows who you are, someone watches over you, someone knows how you feel and someone feels the same".
He saved my sanity. It didn't end there, in fact, my devotion to this music goes on and on, "Still we are here, we are still".

@usandthemakakelly2535

1y↑1

I love your comment. It's so TRue for me as well. I'm sure we're not the only ones. 🤙💓😘

@Freq412

1y↑2

@Us and Them, aka Kelly It's nice to find a kindred spirit like you.

@usandthemakakelly2535

@Doug you as well... 🤙💓😘

@simonettesimonette3226

35w

Same!

@simonjester0074

5y↑14

I'm surprised by the amount of positive comments 🙂 I bought this album when it came out and really liked it. Since then, I thought I was one of the few that even remotely remember it, but you all proved me wrong.
Good to see others also dug it too 🎶😁🎶

@MG-pb5jn

One of my all time favorite albums!

@paulwagoner7888

5y↑64

First concert I ever attended was Todd Rundgren's Utopia in Flint MI 10/30/74. I had no idea who he was. What an experience! Between the contact buzz (also my first) and the 3+ hours of music like nothing I had ever heard before, my life was changed. The next day I went to the local record store on my lunch break from school and bought this album. It's still one of my absolute favorites.

@mr.krinkle952

2y↑1

I was born in Flint MI in 05. Was that show good?

@pamela-1111

I attended the Utopia concert in Toledo in '74. It was my first rock concert. I was blown away by the performance. I remember the mirror ball spinning during The Ikon.

@hillshepherd9444

5y↑12

The song is 45 years old, I'm 62 & still love the Title cut.

@3125234302

I LIKE IT TOO AND I'M 68

@fourcats4448

7y↑235

Back in 1975 my boyfriend bought this album because a guy at his job told him to listen to it. We always thought of Todd as being "Hello It's Me" and that wasn't to our taste. This is one of the best rock albums of all time. Trust me. I'm 60 now and it still sounds like the masterpiece it truly is.

@kxp66

7y↑12

Have you watched That 70's Show, Hello it's Me is used a lot, even in the fist and last episode. Cool, been of a fan of Todd since the 70's.

@lesliejacob6842

5y↑8

wow my same story...cool

@DarylH56

5y↑14

I'm 63 now and saw Todd and Utopia on this tour in '74. I'd never seen anything quite like it before!

@me262talon2

5y↑13

A Wizard A True Star was pretty cool!

@MG-pb5jn

4y↑9

64 now and still listen to it. One of my all time favorites all tracks!

21 More Replies...

@alankennedy5842

6y↑160

Tod's best album of all... Decades ahead of it's time. An absolute classic album of the 20th century

@cathyricks4333

4y↑4

Ur profile pic. U look exactly like someone I know. 👽

@charlierussell3250

4y↑2

SIIIIIICK!!!!

@williamwallace5857

4y↑5

You mean Todd ?

@SDsailor7

4y↑3

Yes and how did he go from this masterpiece to that popy song "hello..I forget the rest.
Cheers

@SDsailor7

4y↑3

@Charlie Russell His best al u

13 More Replies...

@riffcrescendo1740

2y↑3

Lovely 70s hippy girlfriends, and a soundtrack of Todd and Hendrix.
What an absolute trip!
I honestly feel sorry for the youth of today.

@antyeardsley

5y↑6

How can anybody not love this work of musical art..
Todd rundgren is a genius..

@antyeardsley

5y↑1

I remember taking some really strong acid one night n this album blew my mind .

@stevek292

@antyeardsley I would imagine so

@Ironjack53

3y↑1

My Prog rock starts finishes with Floyd ,but now its Floyd and Rundgren (call me a late developer!!!) superb AND WHAT A GUITAR PLAYER!!

@waynemyers2469

1y↑4

When I enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1974 I was a complete, socially inept oddball: I wore thick glasses, had never been on a date and John Denver was my favorite "rock-and-roll" performer...just clueless.
One weekend we went into downtown Fayettville, North Carolina and there was a gigantic music store there, with a vast record section and since a friend had already bought a brand-new sound-system ( a Kenwood with four Bose speakers and a turntable.) We all decided to buy a couple albums each so we could party and listen to our own music...great plan, for the others, bad plan for me: The last album I'd bought was the sound-track for Kelly's Hero's by the Mike Curb Congregation...very uncool, unfashionable and unpopular. So while the others spread out around the store looking for their selections, stuff like Ted Nugent's, "Stranglehold" and Bad Company's self-titled debut album and the latest Van Halen album, I, full of anxiety, started flipping through the rock-and-roll albums but NOT the classic rock-and-roll stuff but more like progressive rock, Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Moody Blues, Yes, Spirit...stuff I'd never heard of but was drawn to because of the album-art and song- titles...very cool-sounding, esoteric titles. THEN, I flipped an album over and behind it was this album: Utopia. I bought it just for the cover, the eyes and the color and the name of the group, Utopia, the members of which were complete strangers to me then. Little did I know that after one listen I would become a lifelong fan, acolyte, admirer and fool for anything Utopia or Todd Rundgren...once again my boundless ignorance and fate had conspired together to present me with piece of the puzzle I didn't know I was solving until I was considerably older.
Anyway, not to go against convention or anything but the old saw about not judging a book by it's cover was bullshit at least once in 1974, when I did judge or, at least chose something for it's cover and it turned out to be the luckiest, most enriching mistake I've ever made.

@marktheelf53

2y↑8

I discovered Todd with this album...a true masterpiece..we must consider that is almost 50 years old! Who can play live and record , at those time, at such so hi level? A bunch of great musician..leaded by a genius!

@AllisthisAllisthat

4y↑64

Was tripping on acid by myself the first time I heard this. My dog's fur revealed the truth of the universe as clear today as it was then.

@cozmos6808

3y↑1

HaHa!

@AOK3x3

3y↑2

Oh yeah brother been there a few times myself!

@generaljj577

3y↑2

🐶🍄🌈

@godbluffvdgg

3y↑2

So what was the "truth"?...:) The one truth, for sure, is; this is a KILLER album!

@Cuzdcrow

Hell yeah you brought me the acid feel I'd eat up to 50 a day lol you got my acid veins popping

3 More Replies...

@paulcullen6662

7y↑57

Acid pop rock Genius, the most underrated guitarists, ever,

@roberthammett6182

4y↑5

Purple Micro Dot

@mitchellkarera

There's no such thing as acid pop rock.

@thebreadcraft4216

3y↑2

Most would call this, progressive rock. But I guess you could call it whatever you like.

@Thundergod-

3y↑1

@Robert Hammett Mellow Yellow Jello. Trippin'the light fantastic....

@suziemcmurray1358

3y↑1

7 Rays

@riviecc

39w↑1

Went to that show .Grew up in the Bronx . We used to go to central park schafer music fest and jump the fence to get in all the time . One of my best friends lost his front teeth jumping the the fence at Charlie Daniels concert when two security guards held him and a cop knocked his teeth out .The 70's were crazy good times . He later went on to be a homicide detective . His favorite album was Utopia . At that show we snuck behind the stage and Todd turned around and told security to let us in . We had front row . My buddy just passed last year and would have loved to have listened to this with him again over a bottle of scotch . This is the first time hearing this again since 70's . Good stuff .

@rodmcdonough6111

23w↑1

Wonderful story, and sorry to hear about your friend. But... you have shared his memory with all of us. We will tell others of your story, and will keep his memory alive. I was at a few Shafer concerts also (outside the fence of course) and can personally relate. Cheers mate!

@bohdandouglas8929

7y↑30

One of Todd Rungren's best albums EVER!!!!! This and his Utopia Another Live. Saw these in concert as a kid as well as the Singring and the Glass Guitar Tour. LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!! The players on this album became Rungren's Utopia band.

@georgerenton965

6y↑30

Saw them last night at Massey Hall in Toronto. Totally awesome just like I was 20 again at the same venue. Thanks for taking Utopia
on a road trip Todd. You guys are still vital !

@splubber

3y↑1

I got the call to drum tech that Massey Hall show. What an honour and pleasure it was.

@tommyq777

3y↑2

My older brother brought home a copy of this record in '74 and when he played it on my parents hi-fi this album took the top of my 11-year old head clean off of my shoulders especially 'Utopia'. That Christmas (1974) my uncle gave me my first guitar. Jesus DOES care, then and NOW.

@matthewroush3790

6y↑4

Saw Todd and Utopia Thursday night at Detroit's Fillmore theater. They opened with the first track off this album. Absolutely perfect. Rundgren is massively underrated as a guitarist. Can't believe he's not in the HoF. "...and the music plays forever, and it captures every ear..."

@dollydagger9282

I seem to remember Todd saying something publicly that the HOF people didn't like. That or I dreamed it

@wvdigrrr9509

4y↑6

My buddies and I were Todd freaks...can't count the number of times we saw him live in the 70's and 80's....good times!

@suziemcmurray1358

Us too!!

@arnoldchildress8053

4y↑24

I don't know about y'all but this is some of the best music in the world

@brutalspacetaco

4y↑4

I agree. Somewhere between the Allman brothers. Frank zappa. Mahavishnu orch. Rod argent. What can you say its the guy who changed recording technology over the last 50 yrs. Badfinger? Todd can play everything. Amazing guitarist.

@arnoldchildress8053

4y↑4

I agree but don't forget about Pink Floyd and Alan Parsons project

@JG-gg9wk

4y↑10

Sea of Tranquility (YouTuber) sent me. Todd Rundgren go figure he had this in him. This is amazing.

@JetEarlewood

Joe Gomez It was the 70's. Check out "Another Live"

@gregvincentbolinfarlow5813

Ídem

@SDsailor7

4y↑1

Totally different from "hello its me" song uh? I hated that song and then i found this album what a change!
Cheers

@Lawrence-wx5ln

7y↑10

Memories of my youth, well wasted and experienced some hearing loss at concerts back then, ears ringing. Tried to equal that in my car at 17 on an 8trk player, think this one jammed up, def a fav. Thx for this post, good times and music seldom aired on radio those daze.

@skipschnepp8445

5y↑1

Went to this concert in Port Huron mi, sat ring side couldn't believe there were only about 500 people in the hall they missed a great concert, it holds about 5000, years later I was talking to a friend and he said he was there to , Todd, great performer and righter, thanks for your years of music,

@davidlane1169

8y↑24

Outstanding! Never understood that this album pushed the time limits of a vinyl pressing & therefore had to withstand huge amounts of compression. It still sounded great!

@markwilson3941

6y↑1

David Lane - ya, back then you could get “imports” that were heavier vinyl pressings with no bass limiting. Too bad we couldn’t get this on import or others!
Thanks

@caswallonandflur692

I found those imports (heavy vinyl) were very prone to acquiring static.

@TruNordics14

9y↑75

Though little more than a lad I was a huge Yes and Genesis fan attending a plethora of anything and everything prog and fusion in those ancient times, from Yes Close To the Edge, Crimson's Larks/Starless, and Genesis Lamb and Trick tours. But to go into an acoustically tuned auditorium middle floor and have no idea who or what Utopia was in 1974 or what to expect and them open the show with this first tune was truly a stunning experience. The "not knowing what to expect" thing was always a factor in the glorious days of early prog but that element was doubly present in this case.

@edkolb9218

7y↑5

Similar experience. Saw Utopia in a benefit concert for $1 at a small college in Pennsylvania. Overwhelmed.

@Sertorius1000

7y↑9

Good stoner music!

@suds5214

7y↑1

TruNordics; My sister had this album, so as a kid I listened to it over and over. I saw King Crimson's Beat tour in 1982 at EJ Thomas Hall at Akron U - a perfectly acoustic auditorium built in 1973 - front row center and it was totally mesmerizing. I blew off a test to wait in line for tics (still graduated on time a few months later from AU). where did u see Todd in 74? Suds '82 proud Delt

@sirfrancisdrake4285

6y↑2

The Future was Yours in 1974.

@carlomirabasso7706

4y↑1

8:30 ♥️

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@josephwilliams9209

6y↑30

That guitar solo.....my God it gave me chills....and I don’t even listen to that much rock music. I’m going to really start having an open mind to all forms of music because wow, I have been missing out.

@riffcrescendo1740

2y↑1

Yep. Sings like an angel; and totally plays the fkn sht out of that guitar!

@saleconomos473

Solo in FF?

@pvkoz8698

3y↑34

Utopia is one of my favourite tracks ever. I used to listen to this in the 70s and loved it. So much going on, great prog rock. I don't care whether you think prog is a wank I love the towering nature of it. The vocals, the guitar, drumming, it's insanely good. Beautiful songwriting, arranging and construction. It's like modern day classical composing and playing.

@dancochrane5577

24w

Another one! It’s nothing like classical music. Thus the name…rock.

@neilparnell5712

16w

Kevin Ellman is one hell of a drummer ! Really earns his money on this track.
So does everyone else for that matter - truly epic song and blew my mind at 13 when I first heard the album.

@johnobryan4847

9y↑18

Got to catch Todd a few times when he would come to Memphis in the 70´s. What a musical genius. Thanks for the memories.

@stevesmith2197

Are you seeing him tomorrow night at the New Daisy? I can't wait!

@billkalivas9750

4y↑5

I stumbled upon this today. It's brought back so many good memories. I saw Todd in concert twice. Been so long I can't remember a lot. I do remember the pyramid stage, the songs City in my Head and Ra. That guitar solo still hives me chills! And I was traveling through O'Hare airport and I caught a sight of skinny a guy wearing a fur coat and had long hair. I thought it was Todd so I ran to catch up with him and it was Todd! He was very nice, I shook his hand and was off. Good memories!

@ronnyc8722

5y↑10

I bought this album on vinyl when it cam out 45 years ago, and was playing the CD version in my car a couple days ago. It remains one of my favorite prog recordings to this day. Thanks to, "The Icon" who is Todd Rudgren. He still is rocking it in his 70"s. Keep it rolling Todd

@john-zr7jb

3y↑2

came home (LA) on vacation from the air force in "7? (I think) and saw todd with utopia perform this album! the first half of the concert he performed some of solo stuff with the aid of a tape recorder! what an unforgettable show (if only I could remember the year, i'm getting old!)

@downthestretch85

4y↑7

Writing with headphones on.....WOW! Thank you Todd for blessing us with your gifted creativity and incredible edge!

@michaellawrencemaag7480

BEST WAY TO LISTEN TOOOOOO

@pieroaycart785

5y↑9

Este debe ser el mejor y más desconocido disco en los EEUU gran músico gran guitarra la verdad sea dicha debería ser más reconocido

@estebangermanvega2542

Ya lo reconoció Charly García y eso es como si te reconozca Jesús

@jewelszosburne-hh8zl

24w

Outstanding!!😂😮😅🎉

@pieroaycart785

24w

@@estebangermanvega2542 no Jesús pero si Socrates o Pitagoras

@pietbels6216

41w↑3

No other country will sometime soon, or ever, be able to create a composition of music like this, but America, what an amazing piece of music this is. You need the right frame of mind to listen to it, but when it's right, OM, this is so genius. It's pop, it's electronic, it's classic, it's philosophy, it's the human mind, period. I never ever tire of listening to this voyage. And technically, it's so perfect, this is from 1974, just imagine.

@andytaylor5476

2y↑2

Released 48 years ago today-10-4-1974. Utopia's best!

@timoteomigueldelaossa-kral9040

48w↑2

Brilliant. Had this when it came out. Memories. KZSU Stanford.

@siankhan3762

8y↑34

Thanks for posting...this is a great album...and the live show 42 years ago...my friends and I had no idea what was coming, they blew the crowd right out of the auditorium. Now...all I do is close my eyes, open my ears and I am there...Best played loud!

@deniswilliams2212

5y↑3

no...LOUD!!! was there too! nyc

@alarcher6965

3y↑1

DAMN RIGHT !!!!

@heathercunningham3040

4y↑3

My favourite album. Saw Todd Rundgren at a place called The Venue in London in the early 80’s. I gave him my watch 😊😊

@elijahdick9568

2y↑6

Picked up this record for $10 because it looked interesting. This thing far exceeded my expectations. Just dazzling

@JV-cp7lx

4y↑11

One of the best progressive's albums and years ahead of time. All group are marvelous not only Todd Rundgren. Wonderfull and powerful sound. Which group can sound like them live at that time ?. No comparison in their music. An A+ to them. Was the best of Utopia with Todd Rundgren without any question. An album to be in the hall of fame of all times.

@hoegis

9y↑41

Been listening to this since -78 and never got enough. Love this. Todd's finest.

@BluesLicks101

7y↑8

It really was a high water mark - wish he would have stayed doing progressive.

@markwilson3941

6y↑4

BluesLicks101 - hmmm yah he was all over the place ! BUT it was fun trying to keep up! Lol

@TheRabajohn

@Mark Wilson Yes, he went everywhere but where and how he took you was EARtopia!

@wagner622

4y↑18

This is Todd's masterpiece, his crowning achievement. In 1974, I learned about Todd Rundgren. This was the first of his music I heard. Only after that did I learn that it was Todd Rundgren who did "I Saw The Light". Like thousands of others, I thought it was Carol King. I ended up owning every album he ever made except for With a Twist, and Nazz III (and now there is some Woody's Truck Stop material out there that I don't have, too). This album belongs in the top 10 of progressive rock albums.

@josephgarrahan9945

I'd like to hear your top 10 prog rock list

@wagner622

@Joseph Garrahan Bands? Albums? Tracks?

@josephgarrahan9945

@David Wagner you had mentioned albums so that's what I was referring to. But feel free to indulge further.

I just listening to this fur the first time. At ther outset I I was thinking "masterpiece" then i felt it lost steam, felt kinda canned, nothing like the early Yes albums. But it was my first listen and I will listen to ther album in its entirety soon - based on youtube comments.

@wagner622

@Joseph Garrahan Okay, here goes. The Beatles are in a class by themselves. From there my top Progressive bands are Yes, Genesis, Pink Floyd, Emerson Lake and Palmer, Glass Hammer, King Crimson, Jethro Tull. Some favorite albums: Yes--everything up to and including Drama, and Keystudio; Genesis--everything up to and including Then There Were Three; Pink Floyd--everything up to and including The Wall; ELP--all. As for the rest, I don't have complete collections. Favorite tracks: Yes--Starship Trooper, Long Distance Runaround, complete Close to the Edge, The Revealing Science of God, Gates of Delirium, Awaken, On the Silent Wings of Freedom; Genesis--Seven Stones, Watcher of the Skies, Supper's Ready, Firth of Fifth, entire LLDOB, Squonk, Ripples, entire Wind and Wuthering, Pink Floyd: Echoes, entire DSOTM, entire WYWH. That's a short list.

@kathiharris

It was 1977, Mom and Dad were in Vegas, and my sister threw a party. It was epic. I remember this album blasting at 3 am. Been a fan ever since.

@MoonFairy11

5y↑78

The man is a genius. Way ahead of his time. Play it loud.

@kirbywilliamson2942

3y↑1

Now more than ever . . .

@aalbertbosschaart1270

.....WAUW ‼️☝🏼PEACE⚡⚡⛅🌤🌞🪐💫🌈☄ LIGHTNING 👌LOVE IT CINCE DAY ☝🏼1 ❣
👳‍♂️Magi☆A@lbert💫

@aalbertbosschaart1270

☝🏼👳‍♂️Magi☆A@lbert💫 👍
..Alle Mensen🕊VredeLicht🌞 Wensen ❣

@markcraven8386

2y↑1

Sadly, play back on Bluetooth has limitations. Now, if I just had the stereo components I owned in the 70's...that would be my Utopia !

@deebee8935

5y↑1

I was and stil am a big fan of Todd..This album along with about 200 others traveled with me. From Detroit to San Antonio Tx to Berlin to France then Ft Lauderdale FLA.to Cal to Yellow Stone Wyoming and finally to N.Idaho.Nice to have it along and share..Now record collection is in the thousands, and cherished.

@stevestarr5968

3y↑2

I bought this album when I turned 14 in 74 and wore it out by the time I was 17, before that I had his double Album, no one loves Todd's music more than me, I'm 61 years old now it's hard too believe I made it this far. Man those were the good old days especially listening to Todd after taking some 4 way window pane.

@marktarr4664

10y↑58

This album and "Another LIve," two of the best and most underrated prog rock albums, in my humble opinion.

@pieroaycart785

5y↑1

Absolutly agree

@MoonFairy11

Mark Tarr amen

@sunshineshine77

5y↑1

UNDERRATED.?.... RUSSIAN?

@sunshineshine77

5y↑1

UNDERRATED.?.... RUSSIAN?

@SunFellow941

5y↑2

It is underrated. It didn't even make Prog magazines list of the Top 100 Prog Albums of All Time.

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@RussaultGaming

3y↑2

The brilliance of Todd's compositions...matched with equally brilliant musicianship ... Just light years above any other music I've ever listened to. Such diversity, and mesmerizing sound that just flows through your bones. Thank you Todd , for a lifetime of awesomeness !!! BRAVO BRAVO !!!! I'm blessed to have actually met you an St Louis in 2004 at the Ambassador Theatre. My first show I saw Todd was at the Fox Theatre in St Louis, MO in 1973.

@annastewart816

4y↑2

When we were living in Lexington Meson Street Georgia I was just a 9yr old little girl and I was riding home in the green ford van and I was listening to the music and it was Todd Rundgren it was Utopia in the year of 2006.

@maxpin63

4y↑8

Never heard of them ... one of the best Albums of all Time !! I think ..., and live!! A real Gem ! Thanx for this inspirational progressive Rock Album of whatever it is .. Love it 🖤

@davidlawrence9091

25w↑1

It is colourful and enriched Album. Everything happening all at once. Truly, a Masterpiece!

@hanstimmermans2572

8y↑125

I was 16 and i like walking in the freakparade wat a great time this was Todd Frank Zappa .Roxy Music,Softmachine ,Gong,Betty Davis,Spirit,Hendrix enz enz im so happy that i was there GREAT music Fine People

@alonextroy

7y↑2

Yeah me too and I'm agree with you.

@alistairsharp8807

6y↑1

Quite a journey with these guys

@234cheech

6y↑5

am glad i lived in this era just for the music alone

@JimmyLeeVanDePutte

Absotutley! But David made glam rock first then by 75 he went Philly soul!

@dexterdog717

6y↑1

The Thin White Duke rules.

10 More Replies...

@chantalsylvain439

9y↑31

This album is amazing ! A great piece of creation....

@alandhopewell

3y↑2

Can you believe it? This first song was LIVE, at the Fox Theater, Atlanta!

@ModGirl-nu1xk

2y↑2

I was there!

@incognito7479

5y↑13

When this was first released I had a killer Sansui turntable and stereo and cranked the volume on the Utopia theme so loud my ears almost bled.
Fond memory.

@TheRabajohn

I bought a Sansui SR-929 turntable and Sansui stereo in ‘77. That 929 was spooky awesome and weighed 40 pounds. I sure miss it all!

@incognito7479

Randall Johnson Those were some good days. The 70’s were my favorite. Great music, Freedom loving people and great sound systems. I’m quite happy with the bluetooth thing.I can operate everything with my phone. Cool shit.

@pearl5420

33w↑2

The lyricism is impeccable. Struck a chord with me at the perfect moment. I needed to hear this. All is aligning, within the right timing

@zandapp

1y↑6

One of the most unique albums ever. I was 12 when this came out and it still rocks,

@RobTween

10y↑12

I remember being in awe the first time i heard this at my brother John's house iwas like im taking this LP home and im gonna at lest try and keep up with Kevin Ellmann on drums..Proud to say I did finally master this on drums..but the experience of hearing it on a 4 channel discrete system was beyond anything back then

@LordCraigGoldsberry

10y↑3

I love quadraphonics!!!

@craigroberts9890

8y↑39

What a soaring guitar solo after the vocal - it shows that speed is not always the bottom line. Excellent.

@stevek292

4y↑1

You said it...one of the most intense solos (title track) I've ever heard.

@patrickdelaney2299

Speed of light!

@oscarwilde6649

6y↑1

Took my first acid trip to THIS album, this song in 1975, during which I could not understand the English language (yes, I am American). No sentences, phrases, or words were intelligible. It was blissful. Sherrie Colamina, Mayfield Wildcats cheerleader, was instrumental in making sure that I had a nice trip. In the ungodly event that you stumble upon this commentary, Sherrie, I love you and hope your life has gone well💝

@2wentpostal

6y↑20

There are a few songs, that when I hear them, I think of exactly where I was and what I was doing. With this I think of 74, 75, being 18-19 years old and driving from PA to NJ with a bunch of guys in the car to drink on Fri. and Sat. nights. The drinking age in Jersey was 18 at that time. We had a blast.

@PopShoppekid

Tom. I can relate...we did that in Toronto in the mid-70's freedom to do what we wanted. Great music then!

@VickersDoorter

6y↑38

This is a monumentally good album - the Utopia Theme greatly influenced my music career from when I first heard it in 1975.

@frankmoraga8332

4y↑2

My older brother Richie took me and my two best friends (Deek and Doink) to this show at county college of Morris in NJ. I think in 1975. He was in his 20's us in our teens. It was my very first rock concert. I went on to see in excess of 500 concerts before meeting my Wife. The Who, Zeppelin, Clapton, Stones, Rush, Floyd, Skynyrd, Outlaws, Queen and on and on. My brother has passed since but this one concert is etched in my memory forever. One of the best shows ever. Todd was too diverse for many fans follow in the long run. However one of the very best musician / writer to ever live.

@glipabazza9994

6y↑27

This is just soooo thrillingly brilliant !

@dank7209

6y↑3

See them when they come to Your Town in 2018. You WILL NOT be disappointed! If you are sitting close, wear -33 Decibel ear plugs!

@ewald59

1y↑4

Thanks for uploading this album! Years ago I sold all my records in a rash mood. And now I can finally enjoy the music of this genius in this way again!

@doctorgarbonzo2525

2y↑3

Some of the most Creative constructed & imaginary Music ever created

@rickbours197

7y↑16

I will never ever grow tired of this. One of my favourite hard prog rock albums of all time!! It may be completely over the top for most people, but I say it´s nice 'n dense. Thumbs up for Todd.

@kxp66

7y↑2

First time I heard it, blotter, still love, have the vinyl, enjoy.

@wesleyclark4323

Todd Rundgren is such a genius way ahead of its time and he knew that

@sandybear61

3y↑5

Todd's been my hero since I was 12, in 1973. I know and love every note on this album.

@lfwpro

I was 16 when I first got this album!

@tonycushen9372

You don't have to be afraid. Took me till 1975. A progressive masterpiece!

@cathw61

6y↑2

Just got home from the Utopia concert! I was 13 when I first heard Something/Anything, Todd's 72 album (it was two years later but my older brother had it and I listened to it a million times) but had never heard the Utopia album. I was amazed at how many songs I actually knew, never realizing it was Utopia. I'm 56 and it has to be one of if not the best concert I've been to! Now I just have to hear him when he does his S/A songs :)

@joshgorby5545

9y↑37

I got this album about 4 weeks before it was released. A friend worked at a record store, and said look what I got! Such a great record.

@farnorthweaver7793

7y↑4

Josh Gorby I bought this album when it was just released. It's sublime, and I've loved it, and still do! I began listening to Todd Rundgren with "Something, Anything", another favorite!

@atlasking6110

6y↑7

I was only 10 when it came out but I bought the vinyl at a garage sale 3 or 4 years later, for 50 cents, and also grabbed Another Live for another 50 cents. Had never heard a note of Utopia and couldn't figure out what Rundgren might have to do with Prog, but I saw that 30 minute epic and had to have it. Best dollar I ever spent! (of course, I've re-bought it 3 times in various CD editions.)

@by-torandthesnowdog1647

26w↑1

I'm 60 and discovered this when I was 17 so ahead of it's time Todd is a Genius and all those who contributed to this project I'd definitely put this album in my top 5 other great albums Bruford one of kind, Eddie Jobson Zinc the green album grew up on Rush, Yes, and the list grew massive

@huhuhahahhh2915

1y↑2

The first time hearing this was in the eastern sierras in 1974... What a miraculous place, totally blew my mind! TR utopia, that one ur listening to, is absolutely amazing!

@cygnus53

6y↑2

Found this album watching video of favorite classic rock LPs. Man! What have I been missing. What a great album on par with ELP and King Crimson. Great find!

@MariaLeon-uc8tg

5y↑2

As a middle school & high school kid Todd gave me alot of ideas on how to deal with things from a petspective of someone 12 years older. This is something I can't thank him enough for along with his amazing music. As a 58 year old I wish the kids now could hear & appreciate him

@jeffhammel

1y↑2

First heard this at a friend's house one night when 4 of us were doing window pane. The song was perfect for that trip. Saw patterns for the first time. Wonderfully memories, thanks Todd.

@cygnus53

6y↑1

Just purchased a nice copy of this album. What a great prog rock album. Can't believe I missed this one but glad I have it now. part Yes, part ELP, part King Crimson. Great jams.

@Musicdudeyoutub

3y↑8

the passages from 20:40 on in Freak Parade is such legendary composition, sound design and creativity

@Iain_Pritchard

4y↑2

Back then I used to knock about with a band called White Spirit, part of the UK's "new wave of heavy metal". I think it was Malc who bought this on 8 track cartridge, and on the way to gigs (I used to help them set up and stuff) the first thing I would say after getting in his car was "put Todd Rundgren on". They eventually just referred to me as Todd, and it's been my nickname ever since.

@shawnfella

5y↑18

This album is best when you know every note and every beat because you have heard it over a thousand times, easily. I wore out about three of this particular album, on countless cartridges, back in the day.

@usandthemakakelly2535

😘

@randykowalik7357

8y↑5

Todd you been feelin the bill for many years !!!!!!!!!!!THANKS need some more musicians like you and yours .........DUDE thank you

@doctorgarbonzo2525

10y↑39

Sublime! One of the Greatest Musical Journey's of All Time.

@keithgiovaninni2887

1y↑2

Wow 🤯 I've listened to Utopia before though not this. I work at Bearsville theater now as a house assistant and learning and experiencing, hearing all of this master craftsmanship amazes me. I'm grateful to be on hallowed grounds.

@mrgordons

5y↑21

A true masterpiece. This is what you get when you pour a number of talented musicians into a record studio, press record end leave for the weekend.

@mikefox3939

5y↑11

I remember doing my homework to this in the ninth grade. Where the hell did those fourtyfive years go?

@terrywilliams5684

7y↑5

It is still ahead of it's time. Love when Kasim Sultan makes the bass laugh on Freak's Parade!

@SFCBenny57

7y↑6

Actually John Siegler was the first Utopia bassist. Kasim didn't come into the fold until 1977.

@brucegomez936

4y↑2

John "5 Fingers of Funk" Siegler is the bassist/cellist on this; was all the way through Initiation/Faithful. Kasim was bassist on the also mostly proggy "Ra" album and forward when they got more group VOCAL-oriented and down to a quartet.

@charlierussell3250

4y↑5

The genius of Todd is always humbling. A true wizard and human being!

@riffcrescendo1740

Todd: a Wizard.A true Star.

@dexterdog717

6y↑16

Great fucking news. TR and the boys getting back together to play a tour featuring this masterpiece of an album. How "special" is that!

@Terminator-di7qw

i saw them play this stuff live. todd had a bad cold and STILL dominated.

@obriend04

7y↑6

For an old guy: Best prog rock recording ever.

@michaelbeerbados3291

7y↑70

I traded my friend CLOSE TO THE EDGE for this album...but I never told him I had 3 copies of CTTE !! So I did well !!

@tonesetlegitime1872

4y↑5

There is a video clip of Todd working on some of his early video stuff, and his temp soundtrack for it is Close To The Edge

@robbrown6934

4y↑1

Why 3? Once is more than enuf. Pop quiz tomorrow anyone tell me what Mr. Anderson is ever singing bout?

@nicholasgardiner9601

4y↑1

@Rob Brown FO

@kevinkline7242

4y↑2

@Rob Brown Yes is one of my top 5 bands of all time. To this day I have no clue what the hell Jon Anderson is singing about. But I like the way it sounds. To me Yes is as deep as the Ramones but I like the sound of both. If you want to know what someone is saying they have books for that. Music not so much.

@kevinblimpson

im glad im not friends with you, piece of shit. why wouldnt you tell him that?

2 More Replies...

@mc76

7y↑5

Two records were released within two years of each other—this and 801 Live—that were so well played and recorded that I thought they were studio albums until people clapped.

@howlindonster6131

7y↑2

Stellar sounds as fresh today as it did in 74... I dug Todd back in 69 when I was a Senior in high school and now I'm a Senior in "High" school. Great post...

@robertholden3766

3y↑1

I saw Todd in 78 in Vets Memorial Coumbus Ohio....have vintage photos of him..it changed music forever

@aliensporebomb

5y↑3

Watching them play the Utopia theme in all 14 minutes of its glory on the recent tour was a dream come true. As for the record, a stunning achievement in recorded sound that doesn't get old.

@jeffsinclair9173

7y↑11

In my eyes the best album he ever did. Pushed the limits at that point in time

@user-yx1xy4fy2r

3y↑3

Todd Rundgren's Utopia -- 1974 (Парк Шевченко, Одесса, СССР ;-) Гениальная Музыка и тогда жила вне политики и легко перелетала границы, молниеносно переплывала через все моря и океаны. И сегодня этот шедевр звучит свежо и новаторски. Нетленка!

@ARGBlackCloud

2y↑5

Fabulous album , and really a tribute to his musical genius !!

@garrettbaker2320

6y↑19

Saw this performed live at the Fox in Atlanta in '74. They nailed it.

@vanwoodard6212

4y↑3

I was 12 yrs old , my sister took me everywhere , pop fest 1 and 2 too many to name , it was great to be alive and a budding musician in Atlanta !!! Todd blew my mind that night . I think we need more M. Frog !!!

@mysteriousguest6091

4y↑4

I was there, also-front row in the balcony. Actually, that is where the title song was recorded at.

@timbuckxxi9690

Ford Auditorium. Detroit..

@toddrobson9228

10y↑30

Best prog rock album of all time. Light years ahead of any competition. Plus Todd had the advantage over most prog in that he could write tunes & oh yes had one of the greatest, beautiful voices EVER.

@lfwpro

9y↑8

Todd Robson and one of the best guitarist.

@peterhammer6915

strong statement, but top10 for for sure for me as also Another Life. Close to the Edge, Selling England by the Pound, Trick of the tail, Hand.Cannot.Erase, Larks Tongues in Aspic. If you include Opeth, I would put Still Life/ Blackwater park there. I guess its more Prog metal though. edit also Dark side of the moon....