Todd Rundgren – Something / Anything ? (2xLP)

Something/Anything? is a landmark double album released in 1972, showcasing Todd Rundgren’s extraordinary versatility as a songwriter, musician, and producer. The first three sides of the record were performed almost entirely by Rundgren alone, blending pop, rock, soul, psychedelia, and avant-pop into a rich and varied tapestry of sound. The final side shifts to a live-in-the-studio band setting, adding yet another dimension to the album’s scope. It’s a bold, ambitious work that highlights Rundgren’s mastery of melody and production, widely regarded as one of his finest achievements.

From the chart success of “I Saw the Light” to the enduring appeal of “Hello It’s Me,” the album brims with instantly memorable songs while also venturing into experimental territory. Something/Anything? has stood the test of time as both a commercial and critical triumph, often cited as one of the most accomplished pop records of the 1970s. Its blend of accessibility and innovation ensures its place as a touchstone for generations of listeners and artists alike.

Reviews

“Listening to Something/Anything? is a mind-altering trip in itself, no matter how many instantly memorable, shamelessly accessible pop songs are scattered throughout the album.” – AllMusic

“The many good songs span styles and subjects in a virtuoso display... And the many ordinary ones are saved by Todd’s confidence and verve.” – Village Voice

“Rolling Stone found the songs ‘perfectly composed’ while deeming the record Rundgren’s ‘best-selling, most-enduring work born of desperation’, one that ‘demonstrates his command of the studio, unfurling his falsetto over a kaleidoscope of rock genres’.” – Rolling Stone