Search - Reo Speedwagon :: Building the Bridge

Burning the bridge

Anthony Vera | 08/26/2006

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I had seen REO in '96 and I was excited to hear they had a new album coming out. Quickly, I envisioned the Good Ol' REO sound of classic albums like "Tuna", "Nine Lives", and "Hi Infidelity". I couldnt wait to get the new album. However once I listened to "Building the Bridge", I was severely dissappointed. Boy, does this album scream suck! I mean, all the songs mesh together in one bland, adult-oriented pop, lackluster effort. Where are the catchy choruses? Where's the fun? Where's the energy? Where's the signature guitar licks? (Oh yeah, thats right...the energy of the Band died when Gary Richrath and Alan Gratzer left).Im not gonna mention the songs because its just a waste of time. Stick with the classic REO."

Terrible

Mark A. Wilkinson | USA | 01/10/2006

(1 out of 5 stars)

"This album is terrible. Reo have become "whimp" rock. The first song should be called "Can't Start Rockin"."

A Glossed Over Gem

David J. Spuria | Webster, Massachusetts | 08/05/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"At first listen, this REO album seems a little too slick, a little too polished and somewhat glib. This turned out to be the second album without guitar legend Gary Richrath. And it turns out that replacement Dave Amato is a better player. Gone however is the early chemistry between Kevin Cronin and Richrath. All I can say is slap a pair of headphones on and give this a fair listen. "Can't Stop Rockin'" is pure fun with Bruce Hall's killer bass line and Kevin's ode to the Beatles and his musical vision. The tune kicks butt. It may be a bit plain for old REOers, but a few times over becomes more old school than anything. Dave Amato's guitar, you know, the guy can't fill Gary's shoes...end's up being more in synch with his bandmates, and yes the blend is awesome! Check out Neil Daughty's piano improv. And that's track one!



"I Still Love You" is similar to the moodiness of "One Lonely Night" with Cronin and co-author Stephen Stills doing some emotional reminiscing of love gone bad. Interesting that REO always draws its best material from relationship disasters. Again, check out Dave's guitar solo. "Building The Bridge" was actually chosen as Bill Clinton's re-election theme song and even though it wasn't overly used on the campaign trail, it couldn't have hurt the success of the Clinton's efforts. The lyrics are truly a call to hope and forgiveness. The tone is almost gospel in nature.



"When I Get Home" is a smooth, seemless pop-rock song with a nice lead guitar and fine acoustic arrangements as well. Yes, the album mellows out, like on "Then I Met You". But the material is fresh and original. Check out Neil's keyboard background and Dave's harmonies. "Look The Other Way" rollicks with the best of REO's uptempo rockers. Cronin seems to never exhaust his relationship material. "After Tonight" may make some of the arena rock REO's a little sqeamish, as this is an honest to goodness Cronin wimpy ballad. But the song shines. The lyrics and guitar will recall some of the intimate Beatle moments.



And just when you think REO has played everything there was to play, then comes "Hey Wait A Minute". Could it be jazz? Could it be blues? How about zydeco music? It's all in this Bruce Hall number that deifes REO logic. "One True Man" is another "One Lonely Night" type of song with Cronin and sparce production make for a moonlight drive down a starry road. "She's Gonna Love Me" wakes up side 2 with a gut punching lead guitar and Kevin barking at the moon. An all out AOR rocker with real bite. The boys drag out the acoustics for Cronin's ode to Illinois. This nostalgic ending is a real tribute to Kevin's home turf. There's much pride in these words and the sentiment they express. REO Speedwagon makes a leap forward on the "Bridge". There is really no filler on this project. And those who read the unkind words of critics who never liked this band to begin with, need to give this CD a real workout. This is clearly the best REO CD since "Wheels Are Turnin'". There's no missing Gary or Alan. They chose to leave. The band is different without them. But sometimes different is better."