Utopia (5) – Ra (2015 US Vinyl LP Reissue – Bearsville / Rhino Records – BR 6965)

Todd Rundgren

New & Mint Cut Out

Step into the mystical, theatrical world of progressive rock with Utopia's legendary concept album Ra — a bold, immersive sonic journey led by visionary artist Todd Rundgren. Originally released in 1977 and reissued in 2015 by Rhino Records and Bearsville, this DMM (Direct Metal Mastering) vinyl edition captures the full scope of Ra’s epic musical and conceptual ambition.

From lush symphonic arrangements to explosive rock passages and fantasy-driven storytelling, this album is a must-have for fans of prog rock, art rock, and musical mythology.

🌄 About the Album:

Ra is Utopia’s third studio album and arguably their most theatrical and cohesive concept project. It fuses mythology, science fiction, and spiritual symbolism into a prog-rock masterpiece that includes multi-layered harmonies, dazzling instrumentation, and one of the most ambitious compositions in Rundgren’s discography: the nearly 19-minute epic “Singring and the Glass Guitar (An Electrified Fairytale).”

This reissue stays true to the original design concept and includes stunning visuals, conceptual elements, and deluxe mastering from Rhino’s archive series.

🎵 Tracklist:

Side A – The Rise of the Sun God:
0. Overture: Mountaintop And Sunrise – Written by Bernard Herrmann

1. Communion With The Sun – 7:15
   • Lead Vocals: Todd Rundgren
   • A spiritual, soaring opening that sets the tone with synth-heavy orchestration and cosmic lyrics.
2. Magic Dragon Theatre – 3:28
   • Lead Vocals: Todd & Kasim Sulton
   • A playful, theatrical piece featuring sax, piano, and whimsical rock storytelling.
3. Jealousy – 4:43
   • Lead Vocals: John “Willie” Wilcox
   • A darker, groove-driven track examining human emotions with intricate rhythms.
4. Eternal Love – 4:51
   • Lead Vocals: Kasim Sulton
   • A heartfelt and melodic love song layered with rich synth textures.
5. Sunburst Finish – 7:38
   • Lead Vocals: Kasim, Roger, Todd
   • One of the album's highlights — powerful, vibrant, and bursting with sonic color.

Side B – The Electrified Fairytale:

1. Hiroshima – 7:16
   • Lead Vocals: Todd (1st verse), Kasim (2nd verse)
   • A haunting tribute that balances gravity and melody through carefully layered production.
2. Singring and the Glass Guitar (An Electrified Fairytale) – 18:24
   • Featuring solos by each band member representing the elements (Earth, Fire, Water, Wind)
   • Narrated by John Holbrook as “The Olde Faerie Storyteller”
   • A towering composition that encapsulates Utopia’s grandest ambitions — an essential listen for prog rock fans.

🎸 Personnel & Production Credits:

• Produced by: Todd Rundgren

• Engineered by: John Holbrook

• Recorded by: Eddie Offord (of Yes/ELP engineering fame) on select tracks

• Musicians:

  • Todd Rundgren – Guitar, Vocals
  • Roger Powell – Keyboards, Synth, Vocals
  • Kasim Sulton – Bass, Vocals
  • John “Willie” Wilcox – Drums, Percussion, Vocals

• Design Concept: Utopia

• Photography: Ron Slenzak, Norman Seeff

• Calligraphy: Hal Fiedler

• Mastering: DMM (Direct Metal Mastering) – for enhanced clarity and sound preservation

💿 Product Details:

• Artist: Utopia (5)
• Title: Ra
• Label: Bearsville / Rhino Records
• Catalog #: BR 6965
• Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue, DMM
• Country: US
• Released: 2015
• Genre: Rock
• Style: Prog Rock
• Barcode: 08122-70869-16
• ASIN: B00008FODN
• Condition: Brand New

🌟 Why Buy From Lost Nite Entertainment?

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• All products are brand new, factory direct, never used or opened
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• 100% satisfaction guaranteed – Full refund if unopened and returned in original condition

Own this definitive reissue of Utopia's Ra and explore a mythic realm of rock mastery and sonic storytelling. Add it to your collection today and experience one of progressive rock’s most ambitious albums!