Healing

Released in 1981, Healing represents Todd Rundgren's most explicit foray into spiritual and philosophical themes. Following the experimentalism of his work with Utopia, this solo effort saw Rundgren returning to his 'one-man band' roots, performing nearly every instrument and vocal part himself. The album is notable for its heavy reliance on the then-new Linn LM-1 drum machine and various synthesizers, which give it a distinct, proto-New Age quality while remaining firmly rooted in art rock. The second side of the original LP is dominated by the twenty-minute 'Healing' suite, a three-part conceptual piece that explores the metaphysical aspects of recovery and human connection. Critically, the album is viewed as a bridge between his 70s prog-rock ambitions and the more polished synth-pop of the 80s, though its lyrical sincerity remains unique in his catalog. It remains a cult favorite for its uncompromising vision and its early adoption of electronic textures for emotional, rather than purely dance-oriented, purposes.