Faithful (Todd Rundgren album)

Faithful is the eighth studio album by American musician Todd Rundgren, released in 1976. The album is notable for its first side, which consists of near-perfect reproductions of classic rock and pop songs from the 1960s, including tracks by The Yardbirds, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, and The Beach Boys. These covers were meticulously recreated by Rundgren in his home studio, often using the same recording equipment and techniques employed by the original artists.

The second side of Faithful features original songs written and performed by Rundgren. These songs showcase his diverse musical styles, ranging from power pop to experimental rock. The stark contrast between the meticulously crafted covers and the original material led to mixed reviews upon its initial release. Some critics lauded Rundgren's technical skill and the ambition of the project, while others questioned the purpose of the covers and found them to be somewhat sterile or lacking in originality, preferring the raw energy of the original recordings. Nevertheless, Faithful has since been recognized as a significant and influential work in Rundgren's extensive discography, highlighting his production talents and showcasing his diverse musical interests.