REO Speedwagon Album: “Hi Infidelity”

I don't know what that "GAG" reviewer from SF was choking on (or smoking perhaps) in the negative review for this album, but I am in total disagreement. Clearly that person isn't a fan and was offering little in the way of an actual review, just wanted to rip on REO here. And for all the freakin' "real" critics who think music has to have some deep message to be good, give me a break! Sometimes we just want to be entertained and sing along. I listen to this album regularly 20 years after its release and still find it a great listen from start to finish.

Literally every song could have been released as a single and done well. Nice variance of upbeat rock oriented songs like "Tough Guys" and "Out of Season" to go along with the hits "Keep On Loving You" and "Take It On The Run". "In Your Letter", "Follow My Heart" and "I Wish You Were There" are also standout cuts.

An absolutely classic Pop/Rock album from the 80's that remains in my all time top 5 to this day.

As the title says, I haven't listened to Disc 2 yet. First, I don't have $5000 equipment, so audiophiles with that budget, cut me some slack. I did an A/B with Disc 1 in the car changer and was VERY surprised. And the comparison was with the Gold Sony CD version from the mid 90s (which I did prefer to the 2000 remaster, and that one also sounds good, don't get me wrong). I also then compared these same two versions at home through Sony MDR-7506 headphones.

I know about the "Loudness Wars". I expect this when I buy any remaster now. This disc sounds crisp and detailed. If you're skeptical about the sound of this, go ahead and buy it, especially since it's pretty much budget priced (although both discs add up to about 69 minutes, so yeah, it all could fit onto one CD).

This is not an "In Your Face" loud CD that would just sound like prior versions at equal volume. You'll notice it with the drums immediately on "Don't Let Him Go". You'll notice it immediately with the piano intro to "Keep On Loving You" (and whatever that "ding" thing is. It's some percussion instrument, I don't know, a chime?). You get the idea. I could go on with the other eight tracks. I'll just leave it to you to hear the clarity on the other two hits--we all know "Take It on the Run", but let's not forget "In Your Letter"--as well as the rest of the album. I think they did a great job on this remaster and I'm confident that if you're a fan of this album, it will make you smile as though you're hearing it again for the first time. And this doesn't even take into account that second disc! Enjoy!

Even though this has been re-mastered and re-mastered again, I never tire of this album. not a bad song on the disc. Too bad that the "HI-Infidelity Line-up" couldn't do a reunion tour! Kevin, Bruce, Alan, Gary and Neal... I seen them several times from Tuna-to Greatest Hits tour. The magic is shown in the demos.

This was a great collection of songs put out with very lacking sound. This re-Issue is no better than the first release. Still bright no bass to speak of, just great songs with bad sound.

Great band, great album. The new remastered first disc sounds awesome. The songs all sound superb. Not a bad song in the bunch. After 30 years these songs really hold-up...and boy do they bring back memories!! The real gem here is the demos. I've waited forever for these. We knew they were out there. The second disc alone is worth the price of admission...more bands should do this. Two great discs, one great price. ENJOY...once again, Hi Infidelity lives!