Simply the Best

• Artist: REO Speedwagon
• Rating:
• Release Date: February 27, 2001
• Type: Compilation (best of)
• Genre: Rock

Review

Arena rock lends itself to balladry like a prostitute to a sailor. The power ballad -- with its thunderous kick drum, deep snare, and soaring guitar solo -- appeared in the late '70s and provided an outlet for hard rockers to emote and an excuse for soft rockers to play stadiums. The band that melted a billion plastic lighters was REO Speedwagon and Simply the Best puts you right on the main floor. "Take It on the Run," "Can't Fight This Feeling Anymore," and "Keep the Fire Burnin" are all FM classics that conjure up late-night make-out sessions and summer camp heartbreak, and "Ridin' the Storm Out" encapsulates the freedom found only on a desolate highway after an argument with your parents. While Simply the Best falls short of 1998's collection staple The Hits, no harm would be done and no thumb would go un-melted by picking up this deliciously guilty pleasure, strapping on those speed-skates, and hitting the driveway in celebration of your shattered youth. ~ James Christopher Monger, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Keep Pushin' (Lyrics)	Kevin Cronin	REO Speedwagon	(3:59)
Ridin' the Storm Out (Lyrics)	Gary Richrath	REO Speedwagon	(5:51)
That Ain't Love (Lyrics)	Kevin Cronin	REO Speedwagon	(4:02)
Keep the Fire Burnin' (Lyrics)	Kevin Cronin	REO Speedwagon	(3:56)
One Lonely Night (Lyrics)	Neal Doughty	REO Speedwagon	(3:24)
Can't Fight This Feeling (Lyrics)	Kevin Cronin	REO Speedwagon	(4:55)
Time for Me to Fly (Lyrics)	Kevin Cronin	REO Speedwagon	(3:39)
In Your Letter (Lyrics)	Gary Richrath	REO Speedwagon	(3:15)
Take It on the Run (Lyrics)	Gary Richrath	REO Speedwagon	(4:01)
Keep on Loving You (Lyrics)	Kevin Cronin	REO Speedwagon	(3:22)
Don't Let Him Go (Lyrics)	Kevin Cronin	REO Speedwagon	(3:47)
Golden Country (Lyrics)	Gary Richrath	REO Speedwagon	(6:47)
157 Riverside Avenue [Stereo Version]	Neal Doughty, Alan Gratzer, Gregg Philbin, Gary Richrath, Chris Lutrell	REO Speedwagon	(2:54)

Credits

REO Speedwagon (Arranger), REO Speedwagon (Main Performer)