“Can’t Fight This Feeling” is one of REO Speedwagon’s most iconic and enduring songs, released in 1984 as part of their ninth studio album, Wheels Are Turnin’. The song was written by the band’s lead vocalist and keyboardist, Kevin Cronin, who penned it as a heartfelt expression of love and the inevitability of falling deeply for someone despite initial reservations. The release of “Can’t Fight This Feeling” marked a pivotal moment in REO Speedwagon’s career, solidifying their transition from a hard rock band to a powerhouse in the arena rock and soft rock genres that dominated the mid-1980s music scene.
REO Speedwagon, formed in 1967 in Champaign, Illinois, had experienced a steady rise in popularity throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, particularly with their 1980 album Hi Infidelity. This album, which featured hits like “Keep on Loving You” and “Take It on the Run,” catapulted the band to international fame and established them as mainstays on both rock and adult contemporary radio stations. Building on this success, Wheels Are Turnin’ was released in 1984, aiming to capture the same broad audience appeal while showcasing the band’s evolving musical style.
“Can’t Fight This Feeling” was released as the lead single from Wheels Are Turnin’ in July 1984. The song quickly became a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and maintaining that position for three consecutive weeks. Its success was instrumental in driving the album to sell over five million copies in the U.S. alone, further cementing REO Speedwagon’s status as one of the leading rock bands of the decade. The song’s universal themes of love and emotional vulnerability resonated with a wide audience, contributing to its lasting legacy.
The creation of “Can’t Fight This Feeling” is often attributed to Kevin Cronin’s personal experiences and his ability to convey genuine emotion through his songwriting. The song’s lyrical content, combined with its melodic composition, allowed it to transcend the typical rock ballad, appealing not only to rock enthusiasts but also to fans of softer, more introspective music. This broad appeal was a key factor in the song’s widespread success and enduring popularity.
Musical Style
“Can’t Fight This Feeling” epitomizes the arena rock and soft rock styles that were highly popular during the mid-1980s. The song seamlessly blends elements of rock with a softer, more melodic approach, creating a sound that is both powerful and emotionally resonant. The arrangement is characterized by its polished production, soaring guitar solos, and a strong emphasis on vocal performance, all of which contribute to the song’s anthemic quality.
The song opens with a gentle, melodic guitar riff that sets a contemplative and emotional tone. This introduction is soon joined by a steady drumbeat and layered synthesizers, which add depth and texture to the arrangement. Kevin Cronin’s vocals enter smoothly, conveying a sense of longing and sincerity that draws listeners in. The use of reverb and echo effects on the vocals and instruments enhances the song’s atmospheric feel, making it suitable for both intimate listening and large-scale performances.
One of the standout features of “Can’t Fight This Feeling” is its dynamic structure. The verses are relatively subdued, allowing the lyrical content to take center stage. As the song progresses, the instrumentation builds in intensity, leading to a powerful and uplifting chorus. This dynamic contrast between the softer verses and the explosive chorus creates an emotional journey that keeps listeners engaged throughout the song.
The guitar work in “Can’t Fight This Feeling” is noteworthy, particularly the extended solo that serves as a climactic highlight. The solo is both technically proficient and emotionally charged, showcasing REO Speedwagon’s ability to blend virtuosic musicianship with heartfelt expression. The use of electric guitars, complemented by keyboards and synthesizers, creates a rich and layered sound that is both radio-friendly and suitable for live performances in large venues.
The production quality of the song, overseen by Kevin Cronin and engineered by Paul Grupp, is polished and professional. The instrumentation is well-balanced, ensuring that no single element overwhelms the others. This meticulous attention to detail results in a cohesive and harmonious sound that is both accessible and musically satisfying. The song’s tempo is moderate, providing a steady pace that allows the emotional content to resonate without feeling rushed.
Overall, the musical style of “Can’t Fight This Feeling” is a masterful blend of rock and soft rock elements, characterized by its melodic hooks, dynamic arrangement, and polished production. This combination not only made the song a commercial hit but also contributed to its lasting appeal as a classic power ballad.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “Can’t Fight This Feeling” are a poignant exploration of love, vulnerability, and the inevitability of emotional connection. Written by Kevin Cronin, the song delves into the internal struggle of resisting love only to ultimately succumb to its powerful pull. The narrative is both personal and universal, allowing listeners to connect deeply with the themes of uncertainty, longing, and acceptance.
The song opens with reflective lines that set the stage for the emotional journey to come:
I don’t know how you keep on turning me on
You take my doubts and make them disappear
These opening verses introduce the central conflict: the speaker’s initial reluctance and skepticism about love, contrasted with the undeniable effect the loved one has on them. The imagery of doubts being dispelled suggests a transformative power inherent in the relationship, hinting at the profound impact of the loved one’s presence.
As the song progresses, the lyrics delve deeper into the complexities of love:
Guess I just can’t fight this feeling
No, I can’t fight this feeling
When something’s right and real
You just can’t fight this feeling
The chorus serves as the emotional climax, emphasizing the speaker’s realization that resisting love is futile. The repetition of “I can’t fight this feeling” underscores the inevitability of emotional surrender, while the reference to something “right and real” adds a layer of authenticity and sincerity to the declaration.
The verses continue to build on this theme, with lines that convey both the joy and the vulnerability associated with love:
Don’t want to rush anything
But I know I’ll never find someone like you again
These lines reflect a sense of urgency and appreciation, highlighting the uniqueness of the relationship and the speaker’s desire to cherish it without hastening its natural progression. The juxtaposition of not wanting to rush with the inevitability of falling in love adds depth to the emotional landscape of the song.
The bridge introduces a moment of introspection, allowing the speaker to reflect on their feelings:
I’m gonna love you, babe
I got to love you, babe
I can’t fight this feeling
This section reinforces the speaker’s commitment and acceptance, moving from contemplation to action. The simple yet powerful declaration of love serves as a reaffirmation of the song’s central message.
Throughout “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” the lyrics maintain a balance between personal expression and universal relatability. The use of straightforward language and emotive imagery allows listeners to project their own experiences onto the song, making it a timeless anthem for those grappling with the complexities of love. The song’s narrative arc—from initial resistance to ultimate acceptance—mirrors the natural progression of many romantic relationships, further enhancing its resonance with audiences.
In summary, the lyrics of “Can’t Fight This Feeling” are a heartfelt exploration of the challenges and rewards of falling in love. Through its sincere and relatable storytelling, the song captures the essence of emotional vulnerability and the transformative power of love, making it a standout example of effective songwriting in the power ballad genre.
Cultural Impact
“Can’t Fight This Feeling” had a significant cultural impact upon its release and continues to be a beloved classic in the realm of rock and pop music. The song’s success not only reinforced REO Speedwagon’s position as a leading rock band of the 1980s but also influenced the broader landscape of power ballads and adult contemporary music.
Upon its release, “Can’t Fight This Feeling” quickly climbed the charts, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and maintaining that position for three consecutive weeks. This achievement marked the band’s fifth number-one single in the U.S., underscoring their sustained popularity and commercial viability. The song also performed well internationally, charting highly in countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and various European nations. Its global success highlighted the universal appeal of its themes and the widespread resonance of its melodic and lyrical composition.
The music video for “Can’t Fight This Feeling” played a crucial role in the song’s cultural impact. Directed by David Fincher, who would later become a renowned filmmaker, the video features REO Speedwagon performing the song interspersed with narrative elements that visually represent the themes of love and emotional struggle. The video’s high production values and compelling storytelling complemented the song’s emotional depth, making it a staple on MTV and other music video channels of the time. The visual portrayal of the song’s themes helped solidify its connection with audiences, enhancing its emotional impact and memorability.
“Can’t Fight This Feeling” became a staple in REO Speedwagon’s live performances, often serving as a highlight of their concerts. The song’s anthemic quality and emotional resonance made it a favorite among fans, contributing to its enduring presence in the band’s repertoire. Its inclusion in setlists helped maintain the song’s visibility and relevance, ensuring that new generations of fans were continually introduced to its timeless appeal.
Beyond its immediate commercial success, “Can’t Fight This Feeling” had a lasting influence on the power ballad genre. The song exemplified the formula of blending rock instrumentation with emotional, melodic songwriting, a formula that many other bands would emulate throughout the 1980s and beyond. Its success demonstrated the commercial viability of power ballads, encouraging other rock bands to incorporate similar songs into their albums to achieve crossover appeal on adult contemporary radio and mainstream charts.
The song’s impact extended into various aspects of popular culture. “Can’t Fight This Feeling” has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and advertisements, often used in contexts that emphasize romance, emotional moments, or personal milestones such as weddings and anniversaries. Its association with significant life events has helped cement its status as a cultural touchstone, frequently evoked in media to evoke specific emotional responses from audiences.
In the realm of awards and recognitions, “Can’t Fight This Feeling” further solidified REO Speedwagon’s standing in the music industry. The song contributed to the Wheels Are Turnin’ album’s overall success, which won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1985. While the song itself did not win individual awards, its role in the album’s acclaim underscores its importance in the band’s catalog and its contribution to their critical and commercial achievements.
The enduring legacy of “Can’t Fight This Feeling” is also evident in its continued presence on radio playlists, streaming services, and compilation albums. It remains a favorite on classic rock and adult contemporary stations, ensuring that it remains accessible to both long-time fans and new listeners. The song’s timeless quality, characterized by its universal themes and melodic appeal, allows it to transcend generational gaps, maintaining its relevance in an ever-evolving musical landscape.
Furthermore, the song has been covered and performed by various artists across different genres, demonstrating its versatility and enduring appeal. These covers range from acoustic renditions to more contemporary interpretations, highlighting the song’s ability to adapt to different musical styles while retaining its emotional core. The willingness of other musicians to reinterpret “Can’t Fight This Feeling” speaks to its status as a classic and its impact on the broader musical community.
In summary, “Can’t Fight This Feeling” had a profound cultural impact upon its release and continues to influence and resonate within the music industry and popular culture. Its success reinforced REO Speedwagon’s status as a leading rock band of the 1980s, influenced the development of power ballads, and became a beloved classic that remains relevant across generations. The song’s emotional depth, melodic craftsmanship, and universal themes ensure its place as a significant cultural artifact in the annals of rock and pop music history.
Conclusion
“Can’t Fight This Feeling” stands as a testament to REO Speedwagon’s ability to craft emotionally resonant and commercially successful music that transcends the boundaries of genre and time. As a defining track from their Wheels Are Turnin’ album, the song encapsulates the essence of 1980s power ballads, blending heartfelt lyrics with polished production and melodic sophistication. Its success not only reinforced the band’s position in the rock and pop music scenes but also left an indelible mark on the landscape of power ballads and adult contemporary music.
The background of “Can’t Fight This Feeling” highlights a period of creative maturity for REO Speedwagon, where the band successfully navigated the challenges of maintaining their rock roots while embracing a more melodic and emotionally nuanced sound. Kevin Cronin’s songwriting, characterized by its sincerity and relatability, played a pivotal role in the song’s creation, resulting in a piece that resonates deeply with listeners on a personal level.
Musically, the song is a masterful blend of rock instrumentation and soft rock sensibilities. The dynamic arrangement, featuring soaring guitars, lush keyboards, and a powerful vocal performance, creates an anthemic and emotionally charged soundscape. The polished production ensures that each element of the song complements the others, resulting in a cohesive and harmonious composition that appeals to a broad audience. The song’s structure, with its ebb and flow of intensity, mirrors the emotional journey of the lyrics, enhancing the overall impact and memorability of the track.
Lyrically, “Can’t Fight This Feeling” offers a profound exploration of love and emotional vulnerability. The straightforward and heartfelt lyrics allow listeners to connect with the song’s message, making it a universal anthem for those experiencing the complexities of falling in love. The use of metaphors and emotional imagery enriches the narrative, adding depth and resonance to the song’s themes.
Culturally, the song’s impact was significant and multifaceted. Its chart-topping success, influential music video, and enduring presence in live performances and media underscore its importance in the 1980s music scene and beyond. “Can’t Fight This Feeling” not only contributed to REO Speedwagon’s commercial success but also influenced the broader genre of power ballads, setting a benchmark for emotional and melodic excellence. Its continued relevance in contemporary media and its status as a classic power ballad ensure that the song remains a cherished part of musical heritage.
In conclusion, “Can’t Fight This Feeling” is more than just a successful single; it is a cultural landmark that captures the emotional and musical sensibilities of its time while maintaining a timeless quality that continues to touch hearts. REO Speedwagon’s heartfelt performance, combined with the song’s evocative lyrics and polished production, created a masterpiece that exemplifies the power of music to convey deep emotional truths and connect people across different backgrounds and generations. The song’s enduring legacy is a reflection of its universal themes, melodic craftsmanship, and the band’s commitment to creating music that resonates on a profound level. “Can’t Fight This Feeling” remains a beloved classic, ensuring REO Speedwagon’s place in the pantheon of influential and enduring rock bands of the 20th century.