About this album
Sound:
"A vibrant mix of blue-eyed soul and pop rock, infused with playful lyricism and catchy melodies."
Where they were
Released on June 1, 1970, 'Runt' was Todd Rundgren's debut solo album after leaving the band Nazz. At this point in his career, he had already gained notoriety as a skilled songwriter and producer but sought to explore his own artistic voice outside of the band's confines.
Why it matters
'Runt' is significant for its commercial success, particularly the hit single 'We Gotta Get You a Woman,' which peaked at number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. This album established Rundgren as a promising solo artist while showcasing his ability to blend genres, influencing the sound of the early 1970s rock scene.
Essential tracks
- "We Gotta Get You a Woman" — This track stands out as an infectious anthem that encapsulates Rundgren's knack for catchy hooks and relatable storytelling, marking his first major hit.
- "Broke Down and Busted" — The opening track sets a lively tone for the album while highlighting Rundgren's soulful vocal delivery and clever lyrics about personal struggles.
- "Baby Let’s Swing / The Last Thing You Said / Don’t Tie My Hands" — This multi-part suite showcases Rundgren's experimental side, blending different musical styles and demonstrating his artistic ambition early in his solo career.
Release Date
June 1, 1970
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 Broke Down and Busted 4:32
- 2 Believe in Me 2:04
- 3 We Gotta Get You a Woman 2:52
- 4 Who’s That Man? 2:59
- 5 Once Burned 2:09
- 6 Devil’s Bite 3:53
- 7 I’m in the Clique 4:57
- 8 There Are No Words 2:12
- 9 Baby Let’s Swing / The Last Thing You Said / Don’t Tie My Hands 5:28
- 10 Birthday Carol 9:14
