Healing by Todd Rundgren

Healing

by Todd Rundgren

Released: January 28, 1981

New-age, pop rock, art pop

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Genre Shift.

01

The Album

Released in January 28, 1981, the album is a notable departure from Rundgren's work with progressive rock band Utopia, showcasing instead a more contemplative and electronic sound. Additionally, at the time of release, the album came bundled with a 7" single-sized picture disc featuring his biggest hit, "Time Heals" and the a cappella version of "Tiny Demons". "Healing" is the ninth album by American musician Todd Rundgren.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

The album contains two progressive rock suites on…

The album contains two progressive rock suites on side one, "Healing Parts I-III", along with a collection of pop-oriented tunes as the second side.

The epilogue track, "Time Heals", incorporates elements of…

The epilogue track, "Time Heals", incorporates elements of progressive rock and pop, embodying both sides of the album.

"Compassion," another prominent track, emphasizes the inspiration Rundgren…

"Compassion," another prominent track, emphasizes the inspiration Rundgren drew from spirituality and the concept of healing.

Prominently featuring synthesisers with diverse programming possibilities, Todd…

Prominently featuring synthesisers with diverse programming possibilities, Todd Rundgren was able to utilize this functionality, combining them with his excellent production skills and distinctive voice, to create a unique musical experience.

"Time Heals" was also one of the earliest…

"Time Heals" was also one of the earliest videos to be played on MTV that included computer generated imagery.

Then

Reception

Although "Healing" was not a significant commercial success upon its release, it has since gained recognition for its artistic vision and stylistic diversity. Despite the mixed critical reviews it initially garnered, over the years "Healing" has achieved a kind of cult status and is often referred to as ahead of its time, emphasizing Todd Rundgren's enduring influence in the world of music.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Healing" is the ninth album by American musician Todd Rundgren. Released in January 28, 1981, the album is a notable departure from Rundgren's work with progressive rock band Utopia, showcasing instead a more contemplative and electronic sound.

The album contains two progressive rock suites on side one, "Healing Parts I-III", along with a collection of pop-oriented tunes as the second side. The epilogue track, "Time Heals", incorporates elements of progressive rock and pop, embodying both sides of the album. "Compassion," another prominent track, emphasizes the inspiration Rundgren drew from spirituality and the concept of healing.

Although "Healing" was not a significant commercial success upon its release, it has since gained recognition for its artistic vision and stylistic diversity. Prominently featuring synthesisers with diverse programming possibilities, Todd Rundgren was able to utilize this functionality, combining them with his excellent production skills and distinctive voice, to create a unique musical experience.

Additionally, at the time of release, the album came bundled with a 7" single-sized picture disc featuring his biggest hit, "Time Heals" and the a cappella version of "Tiny Demons". "Time Heals" was also one of the earliest videos to be played on MTV that included computer generated imagery.

Despite the mixed critical reviews it initially garnered, over the years "Healing" has achieved a kind of cult status and is often referred to as ahead of its time, emphasizing Todd Rundgren's enduring influence in the world of music.

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