Hey music fans! Let's dive deep into the incredible world of REO Speedwagon! For decades, these guys have been cranking out hit after hit, and their discography is a testament to their enduring talent and evolution as a band. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just starting to explore their music, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every album, highlighting key tracks and milestones. Get ready to turn up the volume and relive some rock history!

REO Speedwagon: The Early Years

REO Speedwagon's self-titled debut album, released in 1971, marked the beginning of a long and successful journey in the music industry. This album, often overshadowed by their later, more commercially successful works, offers a raw and authentic glimpse into the band's early sound. The lineup at this time featured Terry Luttrell on lead vocals, Gary Richrath on lead guitar, Gregg Philbin on bass, Alan Gratzer on drums, and Neal Doughty on keyboards. Their collective talent brought a unique blend of rock and roll that laid the groundwork for their future evolution.

The songs on "REO Speedwagon" are characterized by their blues-rock influences and guitar-driven melodies. Tracks like "157 Riverside Avenue" and "Lay Me Down" highlight Gary Richrath's exceptional guitar skills, with extended solos and riffs that capture the essence of early 1970s rock. Terry Luttrell's vocals added a soulful dimension to the songs, complementing the instrumental prowess of the band. While the album did not achieve mainstream success upon its release, it garnered a dedicated following and established REO Speedwagon as a promising act in the Midwest music scene.

One of the standout features of this debut album is its unpolished, live-sounding production. The recordings capture the energy and spontaneity of the band's live performances, giving listeners an authentic experience of REO Speedwagon's early concerts. This raw sound appealed to fans who appreciated the band's commitment to their rock and roll roots. Despite its lack of commercial success, "REO Speedwagon" remains an important part of the band's history, showcasing their talent and potential.

The album also provides insight into the band's songwriting process during their formative years. The lyrics reflect the themes and concerns of the time, with songs about love, life on the road, and the challenges of pursuing a career in music. These early compositions reveal the band's ability to connect with their audience on a personal level, a trait that would become a hallmark of their later work. The album's cover art, featuring a simple design with the band's name and a photograph of the members, reflects the unpretentious nature of their music.

In retrospect, "REO Speedwagon" serves as a valuable document of the band's origins and their early musical direction. While it may not be as polished or commercially appealing as their later albums, it captures the essence of a young band eager to make their mark on the music world. For fans of REO Speedwagon, this debut album is a must-listen, offering a glimpse into the roots of one of rock's most enduring acts. It's a piece of rock history!

High Infidelity: The Breakthrough

High Infidelity, released in 1980, stands as REO Speedwagon's most commercially successful album and a defining moment in their career. This album catapulted the band to international stardom, selling over 10 million copies and earning them a diamond certification. The success of "High Infidelity" can be attributed to its blend of catchy melodies, relatable lyrics, and polished production, which appealed to a wide audience.

The album features several hit singles that became staples of rock radio and MTV. "Keep On Loving You," a power ballad with heartfelt lyrics and soaring vocals, topped the Billboard charts and became one of the band's signature songs. Its emotional resonance and universal theme of love propelled it to international success, solidifying REO Speedwagon's status as a leading rock act. Other notable singles from the album include "Take It on the Run," a high-energy rock anthem with a memorable guitar riff, and "Don't Let Him Go," a catchy pop-rock tune with infectious hooks.

"High Infidelity" is characterized by its polished production and radio-friendly sound. The songs are well-crafted, with attention paid to every detail, from the arrangement to the mixing. The use of synthesizers and layered vocals adds a modern touch to the band's classic rock sound, making it appealing to a younger audience. The album's success can also be attributed to the band's tight musicianship and strong vocal performances. Kevin Cronin's vocals are particularly strong, conveying the emotion and passion of the lyrics with conviction.

Beyond its hit singles, "High Infidelity" also features several album tracks that showcase the band's versatility and songwriting skills. Songs like "In Your Letter" and "Tough Guys" are examples of their ability to blend rock and pop elements into catchy and memorable tunes. The album's lyrics explore themes of love, relationships, and the challenges of modern life, resonating with listeners on a personal level. The album's cover art, featuring a black and white photograph of the band members, reflects the album's polished and professional image.

The impact of "High Infidelity" on REO Speedwagon's career cannot be overstated. The album transformed them from a popular regional act into an international sensation, opening doors to larger venues, more lucrative tours, and greater creative opportunities. The success of the album also helped to solidify the band's lineup, with Kevin Cronin, Gary Richrath, Neal Doughty, Bruce Hall, and Alan Gratzer becoming the core members that fans would associate with REO Speedwagon for years to come. "High Infidelity" remains a classic of the rock era, and its influence can still be heard in contemporary music. For fans of REO Speedwagon, this album is a must-have, representing the band at the peak of their creative and commercial powers. It's pure gold, guys!

Key Albums and Standout Tracks

You Get What You Play For (1977)

"You Get What You Play For," released in 1977, is REO Speedwagon's first live album and a testament to their reputation as a dynamic and engaging live act. This album captures the energy and excitement of their concerts, showcasing the band's ability to connect with their audience and deliver memorable performances. The album features a mix of their early songs and some newer material, providing a comprehensive overview of their musical evolution up to that point.

The tracks on "You Get What You Play For" are characterized by their raw energy and spontaneity. The band's performance is tight and energetic, with Gary Richrath's guitar solos and Kevin Cronin's vocals taking center stage. The album captures the atmosphere of a live concert, with the roar of the crowd and the band's interaction creating a sense of excitement. The songs are performed with passion and intensity, reflecting the band's commitment to delivering a memorable live experience for their fans.

One of the standout features of this live album is its unedited, raw sound. The recordings capture the band's performance as it happened, without any studio enhancements or overdubs. This gives listeners an authentic experience of REO Speedwagon's live concerts, showcasing their talent and energy in its purest form. The album's success can be attributed to its ability to capture the essence of the band's live shows, making it a favorite among fans who appreciated their high-energy performances.

The album also provides insight into the band's stage presence and their ability to connect with their audience. The interaction between the band members and the crowd creates a sense of camaraderie and excitement, making the listener feel like they are part of the show. The album's tracklist is well-curated, featuring a mix of their popular songs and some lesser-known gems, providing a comprehensive overview of their musical range. The album's cover art, featuring a photograph of the band performing live, captures the energy and excitement of their concerts.

In retrospect, "You Get What You Play For" serves as a valuable document of REO Speedwagon's live performances during their early years. It captures the band at the peak of their energy and enthusiasm, showcasing their talent and passion for music. For fans of REO Speedwagon, this live album is a must-have, offering a glimpse into the excitement and energy of their concerts. It's like being there in person!

Wheels Are Turnin' (1984)

"Wheels Are Turnin'," released in 1984, marked a continuation of REO Speedwagon's commercial success, building upon the momentum of "High Infidelity." This album showcased the band's ability to adapt to the changing musical landscape while maintaining their signature sound. The album features a mix of rock anthems, power ballads, and pop-infused tunes, appealing to a wide audience and solidifying their status as a leading rock act.

The songs on "Wheels Are Turnin'" are characterized by their polished production and catchy melodies. The album features several hit singles that became staples of rock radio and MTV. "Can't Fight This Feeling," a power ballad with heartfelt lyrics and soaring vocals, topped the Billboard charts and became one of the band's signature songs. Its emotional resonance and universal theme of love propelled it to international success, solidifying REO Speedwagon's status as a leading rock act. Other notable singles from the album include "I Do' Wanna Know," a high-energy rock anthem with a memorable guitar riff, and "One Lonely Night," a catchy pop-rock tune with infectious hooks.

"Wheels Are Turnin'" is characterized by its polished production and radio-friendly sound. The songs are well-crafted, with attention paid to every detail, from the arrangement to the mixing. The use of synthesizers and layered vocals adds a modern touch to the band's classic rock sound, making it appealing to a younger audience. The album's success can also be attributed to the band's tight musicianship and strong vocal performances. Kevin Cronin's vocals are particularly strong, conveying the emotion and passion of the lyrics with conviction.

Beyond its hit singles, "Wheels Are Turnin'" also features several album tracks that showcase the band's versatility and songwriting skills. Songs like "Live and Let Live" and "Break His Heart" are examples of their ability to blend rock and pop elements into catchy and memorable tunes. The album's lyrics explore themes of love, relationships, and the challenges of modern life, resonating with listeners on a personal level. The album's cover art, featuring a photograph of the band members in a futuristic setting, reflects the album's modern and polished image.

The success of "Wheels Are Turnin'" helped to solidify REO Speedwagon's status as a leading rock act, opening doors to larger venues, more lucrative tours, and greater creative opportunities. The album's impact can still be heard in contemporary music, and it remains a favorite among fans of the band. For fans of REO Speedwagon, this album is a must-have, representing the band at the peak of their creative and commercial powers. It's a true classic!

Later Albums and Continued Success

After the massive success of "High Infidelity" and "Wheels Are Turnin'," REO Speedwagon continued to release albums and tour throughout the 1980s, 1990s, and beyond. While these later albums may not have achieved the same level of commercial success as their earlier work, they still contain some great songs and showcase the band's enduring talent and passion for music. Albums like "Life as We Know It" (1987) and "The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken" (1990) demonstrate the band's willingness to experiment with different sounds and styles, while still staying true to their rock and roll roots.

Despite changes in the music industry and the rise of new genres, REO Speedwagon has continued to maintain a loyal fanbase and tour regularly. Their live shows are known for their energy and enthusiasm, with the band performing their classic hits and some newer material. REO Speedwagon's legacy as one of the great rock bands of the 1970s and 1980s is secure, and their music continues to be enjoyed by fans of all ages.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – a comprehensive journey through the discography of REO Speedwagon! From their humble beginnings to their chart-topping success, these guys have left an indelible mark on the world of rock music. Whether you're revisiting old favorites or discovering new gems, I hope this guide has enhanced your appreciation for this legendary band. Keep on rockin'!