Rundgren, Todd: Global

Never afraid to tackle something a little different, Rundgren has always been a chameleon of sorts, delving into different genres and styles headlong, with seemingly no hesitation whatsoever. This might be good or bad depending on your point of view. For prog fans this is probably a good thing as he rarely delivers the same record twice. And you know what they say, variety is the spice of life. In the case with Global, Rundgren's latest musical foray, he revisits the electronic vistas he began with his previous effort State.

Like that album Rundgren pretty much does it all, although this is mostly computer generated music. The EDM (Electronic Dance Music) tag had certainly made me a bit weary as I must admit I am not the world's biggest fan of the genre but one always must listen with open ears and an open mind. I was surprised how much I actually like this disc. Say what you want about this album but there is no denying Rundgren has released an electronic pop album that will satisfy fans of the genre. Rundgren has never had problems writing catchy tunes and Global is no exception. The first track "Evrybody" is a case in point. A rousing number almost in the vein of "Bang The Drum All Day" albeit with a big electronic groove and robotic vocals. The ear candy of "Flesh & Blood" includes shimmering electronics and Rundgren's confident vocals. The chorus is as catchy as anything on the album. The pulsing electronics and smooth vocals of "Rise" makes for another catchy ditty. One of the album's best songs is the soulful "Blind" with nice sax work from Bobby Strickland, scrumptious keyboards and wonderful lead vocals. The most irresistible earworm has to be "Skyscraper" with its honey dipped vocal arrangement and floating synthscapes.

Would I have wanted to hear Rundgren's under-rated guitar work? Of course, but that is not what this album is about. If you enjoy electronic pop music I suggest you give Global a try. If not, well, there is always next time.

Track Listing:
1. Evrybody
2. Flesh & Blood
3. Rise
4. Holyland
5. Blind
6. Earth Mother
7. Global Nation
8. Soothe
9. Terra Firma
10. Fate
11. Skyscraper
12. This Island Earth

Added: September 4th 2015
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 1875
Language: english

[ Printer Friendly Page ]
[ Send to a Friend ]