Rocktrospectiva: The Gratifying "Wheel Are Turnin'" Turns 40

 

 

Released on 5 November 1984 "Wheels Are Turnin'" was the 11th., studio album by REO Speedwagon, the album peaked at No. 7 on Billboard 200, and spawned four singles "I Do Wanna Know", "Can't Fight This Feeling", "One Lonely Night", & "Live Every Moment", the lead single peaked at No. 29 on Billboard Hot 100, while the second single, "Can't Fight This Feeling," was REO's second and longest-running number one single. Other singles released were "One Lonely Night" and "Live Every Moment". These singles also reached the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100.

The album blends clear, crisp ballads with high-energy pop/rock, which eventually gave REO Speedwagon four Top 40 singles, the same amount as Hi Infidelity credited them with four years earlier. Kevin Cronin's writing is rock-solid, a delightful turnaround from 1982's Good Trouble album. As one of the band's best ballads, "Can't Fight This Feeling" puts an elegant piano riff in front of Cronin's earnest voice, presenting REO with its second number one single, while "I Do' Wanna Know" is a turbulent ride of clean-cut guitar and up-and-down piano that comes off as well-crafted pop with a bite. 

Every track has the band sounding sharper and more alive, with even the less-extravagant material like "Break His Spell" and "Thru the Window", while "One Lonely Night" throws the spotlight on Cronin's voice, proving that his expertise at carrying out the slow stuff hasn't dwindled, while "Live Every Moment" rounds out the last of the singles from the album, hitting number 34 in August of 1985, eight months after Wheels Are Turnin' achieved its number-seven mark on the U.S. charts. With production, songwriting, and tight instrumentation wisely dished out in equal portions, Wheels Are Turnin' was evidence that REO Speedwagon could still make some gratifying rock & roll. 

Is definitely one of their best-selling albums but it also contains some of the catchiest, and most uplifting classic rock tunes and a guilty pleasures as well so "Wheels are Turnin'" is so much more than the smashing hit single "Can’t Fight This Feeling". but every song on that album has a similar effect on me. The opening track, "I Do' Wanna Know" is a personal favorite maybe because it has that early-REO Speedwagon vibe, mixed with modern elements. It’s actually the best of both worlds – raw and melodic. It’s most certainly a song that should’ve gotten more attention and recognition. "One Lonely Night" is another worthy track; "Rock ‘N Roll Star" is an often forgotten rock anthem despite being a fantastic piece of a puzzle. The rest is just as appealing; from start to finish.

Basically these guys just wanted to craft a satisfying piece of rock music and they did it. The album is breezy and atmospheric, with fantastic instrumentation, gratifying riffs and superb vocals. 

 

Wheels Are Turnin' Track List:  

1. I Do' Wanna Know

2. One Lonely Night

3. Thru The Window

4. Rock 'N Roll Star

5. Live Every Moment 

6. Can't Fight This Feeling

7. Gotta Feel More

8. Break His Spell

9. Wheels Are Turnin'