Description
REO Speedwagon – The Hits – Vinyl Record
REO Speedwagon’s The Hits is a compilation album that brings together some of the most iconic tracks from the American rock band’s career. By the time this album was released, REO Speedwagon had already achieved immense success throughout the 1970s and 1980s, particularly with their blend of arena rock, power ballads, and pop rock. The Hits is a showcase of the band’s peak commercial years, especially highlighting their string of chart-topping singles during the early 1980s.
REO Speedwagon is synonymous with the arena rock sound, and The Hits showcases this through tracks that feature big, soaring choruses, anthemic guitar riffs, and emotionally driven lyrics. The album also includes several of the band’s most well-known power ballads, which were crucial to their success during the 1980s. While rooted in rock, the songs on The Hits incorporate a strong pop sensibility. Catchy melodies and smooth production help make the tracks accessible to a mainstream audience, which was key to the band’s success in both rock and pop charts.
Key Tracks
“Keep On Loving You”: One of REO Speedwagon’s signature songs, this power ballad was a major hit in 1980, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s combination of heartfelt lyrics, Kevin Cronin’s emotional vocals, and soaring guitar solos make it a staple of 1980s rock ballads.
“Can’t Fight This Feeling”: Another massive hit for the band, this track is a quintessential 1980s power ballad. Released in 1984, it became a chart-topping single, showcasing the band’s softer side with lush instrumentation and Cronin’s deeply emotional delivery.
“Take It on the Run”: Featuring lead guitarist Gary Richrath’s memorable riffs and a narrative about heartbreak and betrayal, this song became one of the band’s most enduring tracks. It combines REO’s rock roots with their evolving pop-oriented sound.
“Roll with the Changes”: A classic example of REO Speedwagon’s early rock sound, this upbeat track features a driving piano riff, powerful guitars, and an optimistic message about perseverance, making it a fan favorite.
Many of the tracks on The Hits explore themes of romantic relationships, particularly the emotional highs and lows associated with love and heartbreak. Songs like “Keep On Loving You” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling” capture the intensity of romantic longing and emotional vulnerability, while others like “Take It on the Run” delve into the pain of betrayal and loss. Alongside the romantic themes, REO Speedwagon’s music also carries messages of hope and perseverance. Tracks like “Roll with the Changes” and “Don’t Let Him Go” encourage listeners to push through difficult times, reflecting the band’s uplifting, optimistic approach to rock music.
Lead singer Kevin Cronin’s voice is one of the defining features of REO Speedwagon’s sound. His ability to shift between tender balladry and more powerful rock vocals is on full display throughout The Hits. Cronin’s emotional delivery is especially evident in songs like “Can’t Fight This Feeling” and “Keep On Loving You.” Lead guitarist Gary Richrath, who was with the band for much of their peak years, delivers memorable riffs and solos on several key tracks. His guitar playing balances the melodic and the powerful, contributing to the band’s unique sound that blends rock with pop sensibilities. REO Speedwagon is known for their tight arrangements and polished sound. The harmonies in songs like “Time for Me to Fly” and “Don’t Let Him Go” showcase the band’s ability to create richly layered tracks that combine melody with rock instrumentation.
REO Speedwagon, particularly through the tracks featured on The Hits, helped define the sound of 1980s rock. Their blend of rock and ballads, alongside bands like Journey and Foreigner, made them one of the biggest rock acts of the decade. The album highlights the power ballad genre, which became a hallmark of 1980s rock radio.
REO Speedwagon achieved significant commercial success during the early 1980s, and The Hits captures the pinnacle of their career. With multiple songs that topped the Billboard charts, the album serves as a reminder of their influence on rock and pop music during this era. Despite its release over 30 years ago, The Hits remains a staple for fans of classic rock. Songs like “Keep On Loving You” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling” continue to receive radio airplay, and the band’s influence can still be seen in the many rock and pop acts that followed.
The Hits by REO Speedwagon is a comprehensive collection that captures the band’s most successful and beloved songs, particularly from their heyday in the 1980s. With its mix of powerful rock anthems and emotionally charged ballads, the album is a showcase of REO Speedwagon’s ability to blend rock energy with pop melodies. From the chart-topping ballads like “Keep On Loving You” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling” to rock anthems like “Roll with the Changes,” The Hits serves as both an introduction to the band’s music and a celebration of their lasting legacy in classic rock.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
I Don’t Want To Lose You
Here With Me
Roll With The Changes
Keep On Loving You
That Ain’t Love
Take It On The Run
In My Dreams
Don’t Let Him Go
Can’t Fight This Feeling
Keep Pushin’
Time For Me To Fly
One Lonely Night
Back On The Road Again
Ridin’ The Storm Out
