Top 10 Todd Rundgren Songs

Our Top 10 Todd Rundgren Songs list looks at the career of one of rock and roll’s most influential artists. As a songwriter and producer, Todd Rundgren has been involved in some of classic rock history’s most influential albums and rock tracks. No other artist can go from singing some of the most sweet and beautifully crafted pop songs to intense guitar-driven heavy psychedelic jams. A brilliant vocalist, an utterly underrated guitarist, and a magnificent producer, Todd Rundgren defined the term genius.

Todd Rundgren’s first album, entitled Runt, was released in 1970. He followed that album up in 1971 with The Ballad of Todd Rundgren. However, in 1973, when Todd Rundgren released his double record Something/Anything? he became a household name.

The Something/Anything? album contained two of Todd Rundgren’s biggest hits of his career, “Hello It’s Me” and “I Saw The Light.” From that point on, Todd Rundgren released records almost yearly. Todd Rundgren has released twenty-six solo albums. That number does not include the albums he released with his band Utopia and his 1960s band Nazz. Between solo albums and band releases, Todd Rundgren served as a producer on albums such as Meat Loaf’s Bat Out Of Hell, The Rascals Felix Cavaliere’s solo album, Patti Smith’s Wave, and so many more.

With an artist that owns such a deep catalog of albums as Todd Rundgren, it becomes challenging to choose only ten songs. However, these lists are designed to serve as an introduction to an artist’s works that young people may not know. So, we hope you don’t mind if we missed your favorites. These are just a handful of Todd Rundgren songs that everyone should hear. There are so many more.

# 10 – Bang The Drum – The Ever Popular Tortured Artist Effect

This is a perfect way to get this party started. “Bang the Drum All Day” was released on the LP The Ever Popular Tortured Artist Effect. It is one of Todd Rundgren’s most instantly recognizable songs—a jubilant, infectious anthem that perfectly captures the spirit of rebellion against the daily grind. Released in 1982, this song became an unexpected classic, often embraced by sports arenas and radio stations as the ultimate celebration of leisure and defiance against the drudgery of the workweek.

Recorded at Rundgren’s Utopia Sound Studio in Lake Hill, New York, the track showcases Rundgren’s flair for catchy melodies and tight production. As the sole producer of The Ever Popular Tortured Artist Effect, Rundgren played all the instruments on the album, highlighting his versatility as a multi-instrumentalist and his skill in crafting memorable pop-rock tunes. The album itself, released in February 1983, marked a return to a more straightforward pop sound after several experimental ventures, and “Bang the Drum All Day” quickly emerged as its standout track.

The song’s lyrics, with their light-hearted, tongue-in-cheek rebellion, struck a chord with many listeners. “I don’t want to work / I just want to bang on the drum all day” became a rallying cry for anyone who’s ever felt stifled by their 9-to-5. With lines that paint vivid pictures of childhood innocence—pounding on a coffee can with a stick—and frustrations of adult life—imagining the drum as the boss’s head—the song resonates universally. It’s no surprise that “Bang the Drum All Day” has become an enduring favorite, often played at sporting events and celebrations as a symbol of carefree fun and letting loose.

While “Bang the Drum All Day” may not have achieved high chart success initially, it has become a cultural touchstone over the years, often used in commercials, movies, and TV shows. This track stands in contrast to other songs on this list like “Hello It’s Me” and “Can We Still Be Friends,” which delve into more introspective and emotive territory. Instead, “Bang the Drum All Day” represents a lighter, more playful side of Rundgren’s catalog—a song that refuses to take itself too seriously and, in doing so, has found a permanent place in the soundtrack of joyful rebellion against life’s demands.

# 9 – Marlene – Something/Anything?

If you don’t fall in love with this song instantly, then don’t even bother checking out the rest. It’s simple; it’s incredibly innocent sounding. The instrumentation sounds almost “toy-like,” which only lends to the song’s innocence. Something/Anything? is considered Rundgren’s magnum opus, a double album that spans an eclectic mix of rock, pop, R&B, and experimental sounds. Amidst this ambitious collection, “Marlene” stands out as a tender, understated ballad that reveals Rundgren’s knack for storytelling and his ability to channel emotion with a simplicity that resonates deeply with listeners.

Recorded at I.D. Sound Studios in Los Angeles, “Marlene” is a solo effort by Rundgren, who played all the instruments and produced the track himself. The song’s minimalist arrangement—featuring a gentle piano, subtle guitar lines, and Rundgren’s plaintive vocals—creates a sense of intimacy, as if the listener has been invited into a private moment of reflection. The lyrics tell a story of youthful infatuation and the complications that arise when falling for someone with societal obstacles, such as age or parental disapproval. “Marlene, you’re the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen / Do you care for me at all?” Rundgren sings, capturing the delicate balance of hope and vulnerability that defines young love.

“Marlene” may not have reached the commercial heights of other tracks from Something/Anything?, such as “Hello It’s Me” or “I Saw the Light,” but its emotional impact is undeniable. While “Hello It’s Me” explores themes of heartbreak and reconciliation and “I Saw the Light” delivers a radiant pop melody, “Marlene” strips away the production gloss to reveal a raw and earnest expression of adoration. It’s a song that feels timeless in its simplicity, capturing the universal experience of longing with a sincerity that still resonates.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsOmABqfDvo

# 8 – Love of The Common Man

Listening to these incredible Todd Rundgren songs makes one realize that this artist should have gotten much more credit than he received. “Love of the Common Man” was released on Todd Rundgren’s 1976 album Faithful. That album presented fans with a side of cover songs by The Beatles, Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page, The Beach Boys, Jimi Hendrix, and Bob Dylan. Side two of the record featured all original songs written by Todd Rundgren.

Recorded at Bearsville Studios in Woodstock, New York, “Love of the Common Man” reflects Rundgren’s knack for self-production, where he played most of the instruments himself, a hallmark of his career. The song opens with a warm acoustic strum, soon accompanied by a melody that balances the line between folk and pop. As it progresses, the track is layered with lush harmonies and dynamic instrumentation, reminiscent of the craftsmanship displayed in “Marlene” from Something/Anything? but with a more direct and urgent lyrical message. The song’s straightforward structure and rich, inviting sound make it accessible to a broad audience, something Rundgren achieved by design.

Lyrically, “Love of the Common Man” resonates with the themes of empathy and humility. Rundgren urges listeners to “turn the world around” and embrace a simpler, more inclusive mindset, contrasting sharply with the era’s prevailing cynicism. This message of unity is underscored by lines like “Everyone needs the love of the common man,” which cut through the layered production to deliver a universal truth. The song’s optimistic tone aligns it more closely with other upbeat tracks from Rundgren’s catalog, such as “Bang the Drum All Day,” while retaining a depth that elevates it above mere pop fare.

# 7 – All The Children Sing

While Todd Rundgren’s Something/Anything? album contained the biggest hits of his career, our favorite Todd Rundgren record has always been 1978’s Hermit Of Mink Hollow. Every song on the record defined an emotional roller coaster of thought and feeling that penetrated the soul in a way that only truly great art can. Both the Something/Anything? album and The Hermit Of Mink Hollow albums provide this top 10 Todd Rundgren songs list with seven songs from the combined albums making our top 10. For the number 10 spot, we have chosen the album’s uplifting opener, “All The Children Sing.”

# 6 – This Is Not A Drill – White Knight

Closing out White Knight with a ferocious intensity, “This Is Not A Drill” delivers a searing jolt of high-voltage rock that demonstrates Todd Rundgren’s unrelenting creative spirit, even after over fifty years in the business. Released in May 2017 on Cleopatra Records, White Knight is Rundgren’s twenty-sixth solo studio album, a collaborative project that showcases his remarkable ability to adapt and innovate across genres. “This Is Not A Drill” stands as a testament to his knack for assembling an all-star lineup, featuring guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani, bassist Kasim Sulton, and drummer Prairie Prince, all of whom add their distinctive flair to this explosive track.

Recorded at Rundgren’s own studio in Kauai, Hawaii, “This Is Not A Drill” is a masterclass in tension and release. The track opens with a terse, spoken-word introduction that immediately sets a militaristic tone: “This is not a drill, pass it down the line.” As the drums and bass kick in, Prairie Prince’s precise drumming and Sulton’s muscular bass lines lay a rock-solid foundation, while Joe Satriani’s incendiary guitar solo cuts through the mix like a blade, pushing the track’s intensity even higher. The lyrics, which depict a scenario of impending battle and existential urgency, are delivered with a snarl by Rundgren, whose vocal performance captures both the urgency and the rebellion of the song’s narrative.

In comparison to other tracks on White Knight, such as the pop-tinged “Wouldn’t You Like to Know” or the atmospheric “Sleep,” “This Is Not A Drill” is a full-throttle rocker that harkens back to Rundgren’s edgier material, like “Black Maria” from Something/Anything? and “Love of the Common Man” from Faithful. While the album as a whole explores a wide array of styles—from soul and funk to electronic experimentation—this track is unapologetically direct, offering a no-holds-barred critique of the modern socio-political climate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_puYcGEzLA

# 5 – A Dream Goes On Forever

No other line in musical pop history probably resonates more in the hearts of a struggling artist or a hopeful romantic than Todd Rundgren’s “A Dream Goes On Forever.” This beautiful song of hope was released on Todd Rundgren’s album Todd.  The album was released in 1974 and was the second two record set that Todd had released in just two years. From 1970 to 1974, Todd Rundgren released five albums, with two of them being two record sets. The only other single artist to release that much material in such a short span of time was Elton John.

Recorded primarily at Secret Sound Studio in New York, Todd was self-produced by Rundgren, who played most of the instruments on the album. The song’s airy synth textures and minimalist arrangement highlight Rundgren’s introspective vocals, giving it an ethereal yet deeply personal quality.

“A Dream Goes On Forever” is often noted for its delicate balance between melancholic reflection and a hopeful outlook. Lyrically, Rundgren weaves a narrative about the permanence of dreams amidst the impermanence of reality: “A million old soldiers will fade away, but a dream goes on forever.” The song speaks to the timeless human experience of holding onto something ideal, even as life continues to move forward. The use of gentle piano chords and a subtle synth melody creates a dreamy atmosphere, inviting listeners into Rundgren’s contemplative space. It’s a poignant contrast to more upbeat tracks from Todd like “Heavy Metal Kids,” demonstrating Rundgren’s ability to shift seamlessly from hard rock to balladry, a versatility that has defined much of his career.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAezJqZYHkU

# 4 – I Saw The Light – Something/Anything?

“I Saw The Light,” the opening track from Todd Rundgren’s seminal 1972 double album Something/Anything?, stands as one of his most enduring hits. Recorded in late 1971 at I.D. Sound Studios and Sunset Sound Recorders in Los Angeles, Rundgren took a DIY approach, playing every instrument himself on this track. As both producer and performer, he crafted a song that combined the infectious melodies of classic pop with a contemporary rock edge, resulting in a radio-friendly hit that climbed to No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100. “I Saw The Light” not only showcases Rundgren’s prowess as a multi-instrumentalist but also highlights his ability to create a commercially appealing sound without sacrificing his artistic integrity.

Musically, “I Saw The Light” draws upon the timeless pop traditions of the 1960s, echoing the influence of artists like Carole King and The Beatles, while infusing a distinct Rundgren flair. The song’s lush arrangement, anchored by a smooth rhythm section and shimmering keyboards, is the perfect vehicle for its lyrics, which describe the moment of realization when one falls in love. Lines like “It was late last night / I was feeling something wasn’t right” immediately set the stage for a narrative that is both intimate and universally relatable. This song captures the essence of love’s immediacy and uncertainty, a theme that resonates throughout much of Something/Anything? and is also reflected in the wistful “Marlene” and the upbeat “Love Of The Common Man.”

Critics and fans alike praised “I Saw The Light” for its sophisticated pop sensibility. It is often considered one of Rundgren’s quintessential tracks, a song that defined his style during the early 1970s and cemented his reputation as a master of the three-minute pop song. While other songs on the album, such as “Hello It’s Me,” also garnered significant attention, “I Saw The Light” remains the most immediate and radio-friendly, characterized by its memorable hook and breezy melody. Rundgren’s performance on the track reflects both technical precision and emotional depth, a combination that continues to endear the song to listeners over five decades later.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5zPHZ3i_FU

# 3 – We Gotta Get You A Woman – Runt

What we always loved about Todd Rundgren was his sense of humor. There is no better closing line in popular music history than what Todd Rundgren sings to his friend at the end of “We Gotta Get You A Woman.” Todd Rundgren’s sense of counterpoint in melody between the song’s verses and chorus should become the standard in teaching pop songwriting 101.

While “We Gotta Get You A Woman” lacks the complex studio wizardry of Rundgren’s later works like “A Dream Goes On Forever” or “I Saw The Light,” it showcases his early ability to fuse pop sensibilities with rock elements. The song’s easygoing vibe and direct approach make it stand out on Runt, a record that otherwise delves into a variety of experimental sounds and genres. In many ways, the song laid the groundwork for Rundgren’s future exploration of the pop-rock format, a path that would eventually lead to the lush, multi-layered productions of Something/Anything? and beyond.

This was not just a pop masterpiece but one of the most addicting songs ever released. “We Gotta Get You A Woman” was issued on Todd Rundgren’s first solo album Runt. It was Todd Rundgren’s first solo single of his career. The song reached Number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1970. A true GEM!

# 2 – Hello It’s Me – Something/Anything?

“Hello It’s Me,” from Todd Rundgren’s seminal album Something/Anything?, stands as one of the most defining songs of his career. Released in 1972, this track cemented Rundgren’s status as a master of the soft rock genre, effortlessly blending introspective lyrics with smooth, soulful melodies. The song, recorded at I.D. Sound Studios in Los Angeles and produced entirely by Rundgren, became his biggest hit, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. This success was instrumental in propelling Something/Anything? to gold status, establishing Rundgren as a formidable solo artist.

Originally written in 1968 while Rundgren was still with his earlier band, Nazz, “Hello It’s Me” first appeared on Nazz’s debut album in a more psychedelic, rock-oriented form. However, the version Rundgren re-recorded for Something/Anything? transformed the song into a lush, soul-tinged ballad that captured the emotional nuance of its lyrics. The track is characterized by its warm Rhodes electric piano intro and Rundgren’s heartfelt vocal delivery, which conveys a sense of longing and reflection. The new arrangement, enhanced by backing vocals and a mellow rhythm section, added a depth that was missing from the original version, revealing Rundgren’s growth as both a songwriter and producer.

Lyrically, “Hello It’s Me” delves into the complexities of a breakup, framed through the introspective lens of a narrator reaching out to an ex-lover. Rundgren’s lyrics—”It’s important to me that you know you are free / ‘Cause I never want to make you change for me”—reflect a mature, bittersweet understanding of love’s impermanence. The song’s conversational tone and earnest expression of vulnerability resonated with a wide audience, setting it apart from other tracks of the era. Unlike “I Saw The Light,” another hit from the same album that explores the joy of newfound love, “Hello It’s Me” confronts the sadness of loss with a gentle, yet profound touch.

The critical acclaim surrounding “Hello It’s Me” stems not only from its commercial success but also from its sophisticated blend of pop, rock, and soul elements. Rundgren’s production choices on this track, such as the use of multi-tracked vocals and layered instrumentation, became hallmarks of his style, influencing the direction of his later works like “A Dream Goes On Forever.” The song remains a fan favorite, often featured in Rundgren’s live sets, where its plaintive melody and universal theme continue to evoke strong emotions. As a staple of 1970s rock and a testament to Rundgren’s musical prowess, “Hello It’s Me” stands as a timeless piece that reflects both the artist’s inner world and the collective heartache of his listeners.

# 1 – Can We Still Be Friends

Todd Rundgren understood what all great songwriters know. One of the secrets of writing successful pop songs is delivering songs with universal meanings everyone can relate to. Anyone who has ever been in a relationship has probably heard the words at one time or another: can we still be friends? Todd took that universal and painful question and wrote a melody and series of chord changes that made that question feel more natural and, yes, more painful. But hearing someone else dealing with the same issues usually only eases the pain. And in the end, music is all about therapy.

Music is supposed to relieve the pain in some ironic way. “Can We Still Be Friends” is Todd Rundgren’s most important song because it communicates most directly to the fan, to the gist of heartbreak and redemption, to an understanding that we all go through the same nonsense and we all can celebrate and despair together. That connection between the music that Todd Rundgren composed and the voice he sang with is what makes Todd Rundgren one of our most cherished artists.

Professional Sources, research, experience, and citations

Charting information used in the analysis and research of the commercial success of these songs comes from Billboard Magazine Charts

https://www.billboard.com/charts/

The Story Of Classic Rock

Other sources for important factual information include the band’s website

https://toddrundgren.bandcamp.com/

Further analysis is provided by the writer Brian Kachejian’s experience as a professional musician and music collector for over 50 years and his experience as a New York State certified educator and professional music journalist with the New York Press.

Updated September 16, 2024

Top 10 Todd Rundgren Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024