R.E.O Songs Ranked
R.E.O. is the sixth studio album by REO Speedwagon, released in 1976. It peaked at number 159 on the Billboard 200 chart in 1976. It marked the return of Kevin Cronin to the band after a four-year absence. Five of the songs (“Keep Pushin”, “Any Kind of Love”, “(Only A) Summer Love”, “(I Believe) Our Time Is Gonna Come”, and “Flying Turkey Trot”) were featured on the band’s subsequent live album, Live: You Get What You Play For. Many fans refer to the album as C.O.W. (or simply COW) due to the background of the cover art. This was the band’s last studio album to feature bassist Gregg Philbin; he would be replaced by Bruce Hall the following year. This album is co-sung by Kevin Cronin and Gary Richrath. On previous albums (Ridin’ the Storm Out, Lost in a Dream, This Time We Mean It) Richrath would only sing one song; however, on this album he shares lead vocal duties equally with Cronin. He would stop singing on albums and in most live performances by 1978. “Breakaway” is a duet sung by both Cronin and Richrath where Richrath sings the verses while Cronin sings the first chorus by himself and the remaining choruses are sung by both Cronin and Richrath. Here are all of R.E.O songs ranked.
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8. (I Believe) Our Time Is Gonna Come
“REO (also known as COW), was the first album after Mike Murphy’s departure and Kevin Cronin’s return. Many old time REO fans consider this to be one of the band’s best, and I would agree that it is a very solid effort.”
7. Lightning
“Epic of the album, starts slow then goes to fast rocker. A bit poppy and clear production kills the momentum of this song, but played live this would be a killer live song (thought it was never played live, and its sadly).”
6. (Only A) Summer Love
“1976 REO lost classic. One of my all-time favorite releases. Also includes Gary Richrath on vocals. Album includes the hit keep pushing and several other lost classic songs.”
See more: REO Speedwagon Albums Ranked
5. Tonight
“This is a very solid effort from a band which went on to much greater success with more commercial material. While some of the tracks are a bit too pedestrian for my taste, the best tracks are excellent.”
4. Any Kind of Love
“Also very strong, with some country/california influences. Sounds a bit like The Eagles. The lyrics are cheesy, but not as much as most of their other albums”
3. Flying Turkey Trot
“The album was overlooked at the time, but several of it’s tracks became live concert staples for years to come. If you are fan of REO and don’t have this one in your collection, it really is essential. If you are not a fan of the band this one probably won’t change your mind.”
See more: REO Speedwagon Songs Ranked
2. Breakaway
“Again aor oriented pop song with Eagles sound, but song is very good. Solid beginning to end. R.E.O. after they’d matured a bit, but before they become pop rockers.”
1. Keep Pushin’
“Perhaps this is bands best song ever. Even now they are performing this live every show. With vocalist Kevin Cronin back in the fold, _R.E.O._ kicks off with the most under-rated rockin’ song from the group’s entire catalog, the hard charged “Keep Pushin'”. The defiant four-minute song is a kick ass album opener that sets a tone for the remainder of the LP that runs just over a half-hour and showcases vastly under-rated guitarist Gary Richrath.”
