Utopia was a progressive rock band led by Todd Rundgren that was together from 1974 to 1986. After two recorded live albums in 1974 and 1975, Utopia became a four-man-band that, like The Beatles, rotated lead vocals and writing credits, though Rundgren was the undisputed leader. One distinctive feature of Utopia was its range, from psychedelic 70s rock to soul to blues to arena rock to heavy metal. Another was the band's unabashed optimism, as evidenced in its very name.
Though the band had satirical political songs, showcased on 1982's Swing to the Right and plenty of bitter heartbreak songs, it was best known for its hopeful, uplifting spirit, which is why its live shows often ended with the hit "Love Is the Answer" from the 1977 album, Oops! Wrong Planet. This theme resonated with its utopian fan-base--a mix of older Rundgren fans and Utopia's own starry-eyed followers, who tried to carry hippie idealism on through the barren early-1980s. "Love Is the Answer" later became a big hit...
Created by dipity on Jan 24, 2008
Last updated: 03/12/10 at 03:04 AM
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Track listing: Swing to the RightLysistrataThe UpJunk Rock (Million Monkeys)ShinolaFor the Love of MoneyLast Dollar on EarthFahrenheit 451Only HumanOne World
Track listing: LibertineBad Little ActressFeet Don't Fail Me NowNeck on UpSay YeahCall It What You WillI'm Looking at You but I'm Talking to MyselfHammer in My HeartBurn Three TimesThere Goes My InspirationPrincess of the UniverseInfrared and UltravioletForgotten but Not GonePrivate HeavenChapter and Verse
Track listing: I Just Want to Touch YouCrystal BallWhere Does the World Go to HideSilly BoyAloneThat's Not RightTake It HomeHoi PoloiLife Goes OnFeel Too GoodAlways LateAll SmilesEverybody Else Is Wrong
Track listing: The Road to UtopiaYou Make Me CrazySecond NatureSet Me FreeCaravanLast of the New Wave RidersShot in the DarkThe Very Last TimeLove AloneRock Love
Track listing: TrappedWindowsLove in ActionCrazy Lady BlueBack on the StreetThe Marriage of Heaven and HellThe MartyrAbandon CityGangreneMy AngelRape of the YoungLove is the Answer
Track listing: Overture: Mountaintop and Sunrise / Communion With the SunMagic Dragon TheatreJealousyEternal LoveSunburst FinishHiroshimaSingring and the Glass Guitar (An Electrified Fairytale)
Track listing: Utopia ThemeFreak ParadeFreedom FightersThe Ikon
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