Album Of The Week: Wasp by Shaun Cassidy

Shaun Cassidy’s *Wasp* isn’t just an album—it’s a bold leap into uncharted territory that deserves a reevaluation as a fascinating artifact of early new wave. Released in 1980, this Todd Rundgren-produced record represented a daring reinvention for Cassidy, shedding the teen idol persona of his earlier bubblegum pop hits in favor of an edgier, experimental sound.  

From the outset, *Wasp* declares itself as something entirely different. Cassidy tackles David Bowie's "Rebel Rebel" and The Talking Heads' "The Book I Read" with a raw energy that hints at his willingness to embrace the unconventional. These covers are not mere imitations but reimaginings, filtered through Rundgren’s quirky production and Cassidy’s surprisingly emotive vocals.  

The album’s original tracks, like "Cool Fire" and "Selfless Love," are equally adventurous, blending synth-driven melodies with introspective lyrics. Rundgren’s influence is palpable, giving the album a sonic complexity that feels more aligned with the new wave ethos of the time than with Cassidy’s prior chart-toppers.  

Commercially, *Wasp* was a failure—it confused fans expecting the feel-good pop of "Da Doo Ron Ron" and was dismissed by critics as an ill-fated experiment. But in retrospect, the album stands as a testament to Cassidy’s artistic bravery. It’s the sound of a performer willing to take risks, exploring the intersection of glam rock, punk, and new wave at a time when the music industry wasn’t ready to see him in this light.  

Today, *Wasp* resonates as a snapshot of early new wave’s experimental spirit. It captures the tension between mainstream pop and the avant-garde, making it a fascinating listen for anyone interested in the transitional period of late ’70s and early ’80s music. For fans of Rundgren’s eccentric production or those curious about forgotten gems from the new wave era, *Wasp* is worth rediscovering—and defending—as a creative triumph ahead of its time.  

While it may never escape the shadow of its commercial failure, *Wasp* proves that Shaun Cassidy was far more than a teen idol; he was an artist unafraid to take risks, even when the world wasn’t ready to listen.