Utopia answered the question of what would happen if you transplanted a pop singer’s brain into a prog band’s body.

In the mid 1970s, Todd Rundgren caught the prog bug and decided the best remedy was to form a progressive rock band, which he named Utopia. True to its name, the band was a springboard for everyone’s ideas rather than just a Rundgren vehicle, although he remained the main draw throughout the band’s career. The initial lineup featured Jean-Yves (M. Frog) Labat, Mark (Moogy) Klingman, Ralph Shuckett, John Siegler—all of whom had appeared with Rundgren on A Wizard, A True Star—plus Kevin Elliman on drums. Their first album, simply called Todd Rundgren’s Utopia, was an ambitious affair featuring only four songs including the 30-minute track, “The Ikon.” The second album, Another Live, featured a mix of originals and covers in a live setting and now included Roger Powell and (Willie) John Wilcox replacing Labat and Elliman.

By the recording of their third album, Ra, Utopia had dropped Rundgren’s name from the title and settled on a quartet including Powell, Wilcox and bassist/vocalist Kasim Sulton. From here on, the band’s songs became progressively shorter; by the release of Adventures in Utopia, the group had comfortably moved into the new wave camp. After the eponymous Utopia, the group released a few more albums but the project had plainly run its course. I’ve enjoyed everything from Another Live to Swing to the Right and would recommend you start somewhere in there if approaching the band for the first time.

The Discography

TODD RUNDGREN’S UTOPIA (1974)
Utopia Theme / Freak Parade / Freedom Fighters // The Ikon. Released on elpee in October 1974 in the US and Canada (Bearsville, BR 6954), the UK (Bearsville, K55501) and Japan (Warner/Pioneer, P-8521W). Reached #34 on the US charts. Re-issued on elpee, cassette and compact disc on August 24, 1988 in the US (Rhino, RNLP/RNC/RNCD 70865). Re-issued on compact disc on September 21, 1995 in Japan (Pony Canyon, PCCY-00835). Re-released on remastered compact disc in Japan (Bearsville, VICP-60271). Re-issued on remastered compact disc in Europe (Essential, ESMCD-755). Re-packaged with Another Live on 2-for-1 compact disc in 2012 in Europe (Bearsville/Edsel). Re-released on K2 remastered compact disc in 2013 in Japan (Bearsville, VICP-63453).

ANOTHER LIVE (1975)
Another Life / The Wheel / The Seven Rays // Intro/Mister Triscuits / Something’s Coming / Heavy Metal Kids / Do Ya / Just One Victory. Released on elpee in October 1975 in the US (Bearsville, BR 6961) and the UK (Bearsville, K 55508) with lyrics insert. Reached #66 on the US charts. US and UK versions feature unique covers. Re-issued on elpee, cassette and compact disc in the US (Rhino/Bearsville, 70867). Re-released on remastered compact disc in Japan (Bearsville, VICP-60272). Re-issued on compact disc in Europe (Essential, ESMCD-756). Re-packaged with Todd Rundgren’s Utopia on 2-for-1 2CD in 2012 in Europe (Edsel).

RA (1977)
Overture / Communion with the Sun / Magic Dragon Theatre / Jealousy / Eternal Love / Sunburst Finish // Hiroshima / Singring and the Glass Guitar. Released on elpee and cassette on February 4, 1977 in the US (Bearsville, BR 6965), the UK (Bearsville, K/K4 55514), Germany and the Netherlands (Bearsville, 200 755) and Japan (Warner Bros., P-10251W) with lyrics innersleeve and insert. Reached #79 on the US charts and #27 on the UK charts. Re-issued on elpee, compact disc and cassette in 1987 in the US (Bearsville/Rhino, RNLP 70869). Re-released on remastered compact disc in Europe (Essential, ESMCD 757). Re-released on K2 remastered compact disc on June 25, 2008 in Japan (Bearsville, VICP-64211). Re-packaged with Oops! Wrong Planet on 2-for-1 2CD on October 3, 2011 in Europe (Edsel).

Communion with the Sun (1977)
b/w Sunburst Finish. Released on 7-inch single in February 1977 in the UK (Bearsville, K-15531). Also released as promotional 7-inch single in 1977 in the US (Bearsville, BSS-0317) with A mono on flip.

OOPS! WRONG PLANET (1977)
Trapped / Windows / Love in Action / Crazy Lady Blue / Back on the Street / The Marriage of Heaven and Hell // The Martyr / Abandon City / Gangrene / My Angel / Rape of the Young / Love Is the Answer. Released on elpee and 8-track in September 1977 in the US (Bearsville, BR/M8 6970), the UK (Bearsville, K 55517), Italy (Warner Bros., W 55517) and Japan (Warner Bros., P-10404W) with lyrics innersleeve. Reached #73 on the US charts and #59 on the UK charts. Re-released on direct metal mastered elpee and compact disc on July 7, 1988 in the US (Bearsville/Rhino, RNLP/RNCD 70870) with lyrics innersleeve. Re-issued on compact disc in 1988 in Japan (Bearsville, VDP-28023). Re-packaged with Adventures In Utopia on 2-for-1 2CD in 1988 in France (Castle, TFO 9 1/2). Re-released on remastered 24k gold compact disc in 1995 in the US (Mobile Fidelity, UDCD 637). Re-issued on compact disc in Europe (Essential, ESMCD 758). Re-packaged with Ra on 2-for-1 2CD on October 3, 2011 in Europe (Edsel). Re-released on K2 remastered compact disc in 2013 in Japan (Bearsville, VICP-63458).

Love Is the Answer (1977)
b/w The Marriage of Heaven and Hell. Released on 7-inch single in October 1977 in the UK (Bearsville, K-15536). Also released as promotional 7-inch single in 1977 in the US (Bearsville, 0321) with A mono on flip.

ADVENTURES IN UTOPIA (1980)
The Road to Utopia / You Make Me Crazy / Second Nature / Set Me Free / Caravan // Last of the New Wave Riders / Shot in the Dark / The Very Last Time / Love Alone / Rock Love. Released on elpee and cassette in January 1980 in the US, Canada and Singapore/Malaysia/Hong Kong (Bearsville, BRK/M5-6991), the UK (Island, ILPS 9602), Germany (Bearsville, 201 254) and Japan (Bearsville, 25AP 1755) with gatefold cover and picture innersleeve. Also released on red vinyl elpee in 1980 in Australia (Bearsville, L37154) with gatefold cover. Reached #32 on the US charts and #57 on the UK charts. Re-packaged with Oops! Wrong Planet on 2-for-1 2LP in the UK (That’s Original) with gatefold cover. Re-issued on compact disc in 1993 (Rhino, RNCD 70872). Re-mastered on compact disc in Japan (Bearsville, VICP-60275). Re-mastered on compact disc on June 20, 2000 in the UK (Essential, ESM CD 761). Re-issued on 180g silver vinyl in 2020 in Europe (Music on Vinyl, MOVLP2518).

Set Me Free (1980)
b/w Umbrella Man, The Road to Utopia (NET). Released on 7-inch single in February 1980 in the US and Canada (Bearsville, BSS 49180), the UK (Bearsville, WIP 6581) and the Netherlands (Bearsville, 101.690). Also released as promotional 7-inch single in 1980 in the US (Bearsville, BSS 49180PR) with A mono on flip. Reached #27 on the US charts (charted on 2/23/80 for 12 weeks).

The Very Last Time (1980)
b/w Love Alone. Released on 7-inch single in May 1980 in the US (Bearsville, 49247). Reached #76 on the US charts (charted on June 7, 1980 for 3 weeks).

DEFACE THE MUSIC (1980)
I Just Want to Touch You / Crystal Ball / Where Does the World Go to Hide / Silly Boy / Alone / That’s Not Right / Take It Home // Hoi Polloi / Life Goes On / Feel Too Good / Always Late / All Smiles / Everybody Else Is Wrong. Released on elpee, cassette and 8-track on September 24, 1980 in the US and Canada (Bearsville, BRK/M5/M8 3487), the UK (Island, ILPS 9642), France (Bearsville/Carrere, 67593) and Germany (Bearsville, 202 994) with picture innersleeve. Reached #65 on the US charts. Re-issued on elpee, cassette and compact disc in the US (Rhino, RNLP/RNC/R2 70873). Re-issued on compact disc in Japan (BMG, VICP-60276). Re-issued on compact disc in the EU (Essential, ESMCD 760). Re-issued on remastered compact disc on June 28, 2006 in Japan (Bearsville, VICP-63463).

Second Nature (1980)
b/w You Make Me Crazy. Released on 7-inch single in October 1980 in the US (Bearsville, BSS-49545). Also released as promotional 7-inch single in 1980 in the US (Bearsville, BSS-49545PR) with A mono on flip.

I Just Want to Touch You (1980)
Always Late (AUSL) + Silly Boy, Life Goes On, All Smiles + That’s Not Right, Take It Home, Feel Too Good, Everybody Else Is Wrong. Released on 7-inch single in 1980 in Australia (Bearsville, K-8074) with picture sleeve. Released on 4-track 7-inch EP in November 1980 in the UK (Island, IEP 12). Also released as 7-inch promotional single in 1980 on the US (Bearsville, BSS-49579) with A mono on flip. Also released as 5-track promotional 12-inch single in 1980 in the US (Bearsville, 908).

SWING TO THE RIGHT (1982)
Swing to the Right / Lysistrata / The Up / Junk Rock (Million Monkeys) / Shinola // For the Love of Money / Last Dollar on Earth / Farenheit 451 / Only Human / One World. Released on elpee on February 24, 1982 in the US (Bearsville, BRK-3666), the UK (Avatar, AALP/BRK-3666) and the Netherlands (Bearsville, 204.523). Reached #102 on the US charts. Re-issued on elpee in the US (Rhino, RNLP-70875). Re-issued on compact disc in the US (Rhino, 70875). Re-issued on compact disc in 1995 in the UK (Essential, ESMCD-759) and Japan (Bearsville, PCCY-00841). Re-issued on compact disc in 1998 in Japan (Bearsville, VICP-60277).

One World (1982)
b/w Special Interest (US), Junk Rock (Million Monkeys) (UK). Released on 7-inch single in April 1982 in the US (Bearsville, BSS-50062) and the UK (Avatar, AAAB-126). Also released as promotional 7-inch single in 1982 in the US (Bearsville, BSS-50062) with A mono on flip.

Lysistrata (1982)
b/w Lysistrata (mono). Released as promotional 7-inch single in June 1982 in the US (Bearsville, 7-29947).

UTOPIA (1982)
Libertine / Bad Little Actress / Feet Don’t Fail Me Now / Neck on Up / Say Yeah // Call It What You Will / I’m Looking at You But I’m Talking to Myself / Hammer in My Heart / Burn Three Times / There Goes My Inspiration + Princess of the Universe / Infrared and Ultraviolet / Forgotten But Not Gone / Private Heaven / Chapter and Verse. Released on elpee + bonus EP in September 1982 in the US (Network, 9 60183) and Japan (CBS, 25AP-2472) with innersleeve. Reached #84 on the US charts.

Hammer in My Heart (1982)
b/w Hammer in My Heart (mono). Released as promotional 7-inch single in September 1982 in the US (Network, 68930). Also released as promotional 12-inch single in 1982 in the US (Network, 0-67935) feat. A only.

Feet Don’t Fail Me Now (1982)
b/w There Goes My Inspiration. Released on 7-inch single in November 1982 in the US (Network, 7-68959). Reached #82 on the US charts. Also released as promotional 7-inch single in 1982 in the US (Network, 7-68959) with A mono on flip.

OBLIVION (1984)
Itch In My Brain / Love with a Thinker / Bring Me My Longbow / If I Didn’t Try / Too Much Water // Maybe I Could Change / Crybaby / Welcome to My Revolution / Winston Smith Takes It on the Jaw / I Will Wait. Released on elpee, cassette and compact disc in January 1984 in the US and Canada (Passport, PB/PBC/PBCD-6029), the UK and Germany (WEA, 250.685) and Japan (WEA, P-11487). Reached #74 on the US charts. Re-issued on compact disc in 1997 (Unidisc, 2050). Re-packaged with P.O.V. and two bonus tracks as Oblivion, P.O.V. and Some Trivia on 2CD on April 9, 1996 in the US (Rhino, 72287).

Crybaby (1984)
b/w Winston Smith Takes It on the Jaw. Released on 7-inch single in May 1984 in the US (Passport, PS 7923) and the UK (WEA, 8520) with picture sleeve. Also released as a promotional 7-inch single in 1984 in the US (Passport, PS 7923) feat. A mono on flip.

Love with a Thinker (1984)
b/w Welcome to My Revolution. Released on 7-inch single in July 1984 in the UK (WEA, YZ11).

P.O.V. (1985)
Play This Game / Style / Stand for Something / Secret Society / Zen Machine // Mated / Wildlife / Mimi Gets Mad / Mystified / More Light. Released on elpee and cassette in January 1985 in the US (Passport, PB/PBC-6044) and the UK (Food for Thought, GRUB-5) with lyrics insert. Reached #161 on the US charts.

Mated (1985)
b/w Man of Action. Released on 7-inch single in June 1985 in the UK (Food for Thought, YUM-107) and the Netherlands (Roadrunner, RR-5512) with regional picture sleeve.

TRIVIA (1986)
Fix Your Gaze / Hammer in My Heart / Feet Don’t Fail Me Now / Bad Little Actress / Princess of the Universe / Too Much Water // Crybaby / Style / Mated / Play This Game / Monument. Released on elpee and cassette in 1986 in the US (Passport, PB/PBC-6053).

THE COLLECTION (1988)
Utopia / Where Does the World Go to Hide / Freedom Fighters / All Smiles / Lysistrata / Always Late / Love in Action / Rock Love / Set Me Free // The Seven Rays / Trapped / Swing to the Right / Fahrenheit 451 / One World / Heavy Metal Kids / The Very Last Time / Crazy Lady Blue / Feel Too Good / Love Alone / Love Is the Answer. Released as 2LP/2CS in June 1988 in the UK (Castle, CCSLP/CCSMC 181) with gatefold cover.

ANTHOLOGY (1974-1985) (1989)
Crybaby / The Very Last Time / Mated / Set Me Free / Love in Action / Love Is the Answer / *You Make Me Crazy / *Trapped // Lysistrata / Play This Game / Feet Don’t Fail Me Now / I Just Want to Touch You / The Wheel / One World / *Overture: Mountaintop and Sunrise/Communion with the Sun / *Freedom Fighters. Released on elpee, cassette and expanded compact disc(*) on May 30, 1989 in the US (Rhino, R1/R4/R2 70892). Re-issued on expanded, remastered compact disc on Jun 20, 2000 in the UK (Essential, ESMCD-732).

REDUX ’92: LIVE IN JAPAN (1993)
Live tracks: Fix Your Gaze / Zen Machine / Trapped / Princess of the Universe / Abandon City / Hammer in My Heart / Swing to the Right / The Ikon / Hiroshima / Back on the Street / Only Human / Love in Action / Caravan / Last of the New Wave Riders / One World / Love Is the Answer. Released on compact disc on May 18, 1993 in the US (Rhino, R2-71185).

CITY IN MY HEAD (1999)
Freak Parade / Freedom Fighters / The Wheel / The Seven Rays / Mountaintop and Sunrise/Communion with the Sun / Magic Dragon Theatre / Eternal Love / Trapped / Love in Action / My Angel / Love Is the Answer // Second Nature / Set Me Free / Caravan / Love Alone / I Just Want to Touch You / Alone / Life Goes On / Feel Too Good / Everybody Else Is Wrong / Swing to the Right / Fahrenheit 451 / Only Human / One World / Utopia Theme. Released on 2CD in 1999 in the UK (Castle, ESDCD 732).

OOPS! WRONG PLANET TOUR (2001)
Live tracks: Intro / Trapped / The Marriage of Heaven and Hell / Abandon City / Love of the Common Man / Back on the Street / Black and White / Crazy Lady Blue / Love in Action / Death of Rock ‘n’ Roll / Communion with the Sun / When the Shit Hits the Fan-International Feel / The Last Ride / Gangrene // My Angel / The Seven Rays / Heavy Metal Kids / Singring and the Glass Guitar-Utopia Theme / Love Is the Answer / Couldn’t I Just Tell You / Just One Victory. Released on 2CD on April 25, 2001 in Japan (Rhino, CRCL-7709/10).

DEFACE THE MUSIC TOUR (2001)
Live tracks: I Just Want too Touch You / Where Does the World Go to Hide / Silly Boy / Feel Too Good / Road to Utopia / Set Me Free / Love of the Common Man / Crazy Lady Blue / One World / Back on the Street / Crystal Ball / All Smiles // Shot in the Dark / Caravan / The Very Last Time / Alone / Always Late / Take It Home / That’s Not Right / Everybody Else Is Wrong / I Saw the Light / Trapped / Love in Action / Couldn’t I Just Tell You / Love Is the Answer. Released on 2CD on April 25, 2001 in Japan (Rhino, CRCL-7711/12).

BOOTLEG SERIES: KSAN 95FM LIVE ’79 (2002)
Live tracks: Trapped / Abandon City / Love of the Common Man / Last Ride / Shot in the Dark / The Seven Rays / Can We Still Be Friends / Gangrene / The Wheel / Love Alone / Last of the New Wave Riders / The Death of Rock / Just One Victory. Released on CD+DVD on July 10, 2002 in the US (Sanctuary/Silverline, 284505-2) with bonus DVD of album in 5.1 surround sound.

LAST OF THE NEW WAVE RIDERS (2003)
Box set: OBLIVION TOUR / DEFACE THE MUSIC TOUR / OOPS! WRONG PLANET TOUR / LIVE IN TOKYO ’79. Released on 7CD box set on October 20, 2003 in the UK (Sanctuary, CMXBX735/1-4).

LIVE AT THE CHICAGO THEATRE (2019)
Live tracks: Utopia // The Ikon / Another Life / Do Ya // Freedom Fighters / The Wheel / Back on the Street / Something’s Coming // Monument / Overture Communion with the Sun / Last of the New Wave Riders. Released on limited edition green vinyl 2LP in the US (Purple Pyramid, CLO 1194).