Hi Infidelity [Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered]

REO Speedwagon | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 21, 2000)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B000051Y0K
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (54 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,390 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

After nearly a decade struggling through the midwest rock wars, REO Speedwagon landed on the top of the charts with this incredibly mainstream collection of power ballads and economic hard rock. As its name suggests, the band's strongest attribute is its inconspicuous nature. You never see it coming. Kevin Cronin has a serviceable voice and Gary Richrath is a solid if unspectacular lead player. "Keep On Loving You" was the huge hit and it sets the pattern for the power ballads that would take many a hard rock band to the top of the charts throughout the '80s. Other notable tracks are "Don't Let Him Go" and "Follow My Heart" which offer up simple platitudes about the trials and tribulations of love with a radio-ready sound that connected well with their audience. --Rob O'Connor

Product Description

REO Speedwagon have been a favorite rock band of choice in the hearts and minds of classic rock music lovers for many years now. Led by the dynamic vocalist and front man Kevin Cronin, this powerful quintet hit the top of the charts with their mega-nine times platinum Hi Infidelity in 1981, and as time has been good to them, the album firmly places them as one of the industry's most popular acts of all time. Friday Music once again brings back the definitive classic rock albums with this latest home run. Pressed on impeccable 180 G vinyl & features Keep On Loving You,Take It On The Run, etc. --This text refers to the Vinyl edition.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 20 Years On...I Keep On Loving This Album!!!, February 5, 2001

By 

Dan Pine (Pompano Beach, FL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hi Infidelity (Audio CD)

"Hi Infidelity" is the quintessential album from REO Speedwagon. This marked the zenith for the band, topping the charts for 15 weeks in 1981 and containing four top 40 singles.

"Keep On Loving You" was the consummate radio friendly power ballad (it was their first #1 song on the charts). It served as a precursor for their mainstream sound that was to follow them into the early half of the decade (They would top the charts one more time in 1984 with "Can't Fight This Feeling" from "Wheels Are Turning" album). In 2000, they assembled a collection of their greatest ballads.

The band had been recording for about a decade when they reached the masses with this album. This album has it share of upbeat rockers. The album opens with the hard driving, "Don't Let Him Go" (#36) as well as the top five "Take It On The Run.(#5)" The track, "In Your Letter" has a retro 1950's feel to it. It also made the pop charts at the time (#14).

"Tough Guys" is one of the most relentless tracks on the album. It rocks from start to finish and interestingly enough, begins with a vocal segment from the television program, "The Little Rascals." (Madonna would employ this technique in her song "White Heat," which included a spoken prologue from James Cagney in her tribute to him on her 1986 album "True Blue.")

"Follow My Heart," "Out Of Season," and "Someone Tonight" also serve as competent, well-crafted tunes. The one track I tend to not enjoy as much is "Shakin' It Loose."(Don't get me wrong-it is not a bad track; it just sounds too generic. It could have been recorded by Styx or Journey or 38 Special!). Nevertheless, there is a continuity to the album and it is absolutely clear why this album graced the charts for well over one year.

The album closes with the highly sentimental "I Wish You Were There," one of my favorite ballads on the collection. (This would be an excellent tune that could wind up on a soundtrack to a love story with a "coming of age" theme to it.)

Digitally remastered, this 20th anniversary collection contains the original artwork (including the classic album cover), and the complete lyrics to all ten songs. "Hi Infidelity" includes a well-balanced mix of hard rocking and mid-tempto ballads. It is an absolute must in any music library whether one is a fan of classic rock or infectious, coherent, pop music.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 80's Power Rock/Ballads Galore, May 8, 2000

By 

T40T "tg3912" (Sacramento, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hi Infidelity (Audio CD)

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.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Christmas present for your best friends, September 4, 2000

By 

andrew langdon (Helsinki, FINLAND Finland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hi Infidelity (Audio CD)

I first heard REO Speedwagon's Hi Infidelity back at university and hadn't thought much about it since, consigning it to those growing up years. Big Mistake! getting Hi Infidelity back this summer was a breath of fresh air into my pop album. The next time you have to face those grownup tasks like tidying the house or ironing a shirt. Stop! Peel off the years and put on Hi-infedility - one great track follows another. I think my neighbours are getting fed up of it but I know my friends will love it. SO I'm buying these very reasonably priced CDs from Amazon for everyone of you. Happy Christmas Guys. Andy.