Disco de REO Speedwagon: “Find Your Own Way Home”

I thank the previous reviewers for recommending purchasing the 3-cd/dvd set at Wal-Mart for a few dollars more. I can't stop cranking this cd. The cd of new music would fit nicely with the mid-80s REO sound.

The dvd is a well-mixed unplugged interview/concert for a studio audience, and includes terrific new arrangements of "Ridin' The Storm Out" and "Roll With the Changes," as well as a few tracks from the new cd. I was particularly impressed with "Dangerous Combination," which was co-written by Kevin Cronin and the talented Jim Peterik of Survivor and the Ides of March.

The third cd is a 2006 live version of all of the tracks from REO's multi-platinum HI-INFIDELITY. A nice little bonus--I had never heard a live version of "Follow My Heart" before, and Mr. Amato does a credible job of replicating the one-and-only Gary Richrath's guitar solos.

Definitely worth the money.

The record sounds good and has a fresh approach. The last studio record tried a bit too hard to have the old REO dichotomy of "rockers" and "ballads". This is different. And cool! It reminds me most of the Cow album (1976's album titled "

") in that the songwriting is very strong and the sound is new. What disappoints, though, is the mostly AWOL status of keyboard player Neal Doughty. He's on all the album artwork and plays on one song, but producer Joe Vannelli takes over all the other keyboard parts. Not that they're bad... they just aren't Neal. The included bonus disc (at Wal-Mart) of the live performance of Hi Infidelity is pretty damn good. It's marred only by Kevin Cronin forgetting a verse of "Shakin' It Loose". The closing song "I Wish You Were There" really shines.

This CD is fantastic. It has a little bit of something for everyone. Another reviewer mentioned that only hardcore REO fans could really love this CD; while I'll admit to being a long time hardcore REO Speedwagon fan, I've played this CD for folks who have never really paid attention to REO Speedwagon outside of "Can't Fight This Feeling" or "Take It on the Run"... and they have loved this CD. They have loved it even more on the second and third listens.

The music is crisp and energetic. The lyrics are clear and meaningful. The vocals and harmonies are tight. These are the things that make REO Speedwagon songs something special and all of the songs on the CD are strong. Each song has a different sound and a different feel to it.

I have listened to this CD every day for the past 3 weeks and I continue to find more things to like about it. My favorite song on the CD changes daily, it seems, based on whatever mood I am in on that particular day, but if I had to choose a single favorite song it might be "Everything You Feel". There are literally no songs on this CD that I do not enjoy.

If you are an REO Speedwagon fan or if you enjoy melodic rock, this is a must have for your CD collection.

I cannot say how long I've been waiting for this, and yet, I was reluctant to listen. After Eleven years of repacks, I wasn't sure that they still had it. But yet, as the opening chords of "Smilin' In The End" blasted through my headphones, I knew that reluctance was pointless. This album is every bit as good as their First with Amato and Hitt, and a million times better than 1996's "Building The Bridge" It may as well be "Wheels Are Turnin'" again. Absolutely 5 out of 5 stars. REO Speedwagon is back, and boy are we glad to see them.

After 11 years of waiting the boys from REO did it again. This "album" as Kevin Cronin still likes to term, is simply perfect. Each song can stand alone, yet collectively they stand as one! Highly recommended for the REO fan and the fan of true quality rock. A unique compilation of rock and original REO blended with a very contemporary sound.