Album Information:

About REO Speedwagon:

REO Speedwagon is a rock band that was formed in Champaign, Illinois, in 1967. The band has undergone several lineup changes over the years, but it is best known for its classic lineup that included lead vocalist Kevin Cronin, guitarist Gary Richrath, keyboardist Neal Doughty, bassist Bruce Hall, and drummer Alan Gratzer.

REO Speedwagon initially started out as a cover band, playing covers of songs by other popular rock artists of the time. However, they soon started writing their own music and gained a following for their energetic live shows and catchy radio-friendly songs.

The band's breakthrough came in 1980 with the release of their album 'Hi Infidelity.' The album spawned several hit singles, including 'Keep On Loving You,' 'Take It on the Run,' and 'Don't Let Him Go.' 'Hi Infidelity' became one of the biggest-selling albums of the 1980s, selling over 10 million copies in the US alone.

Despite their success, the band faced several setbacks over the years. In the mid-1980s, Gary Richrath left the band due to creative differences, and the band's popularity began to wane in the face of changing musical tastes. However, they continued to release albums and tour, and their dedicated fan base kept them going.

Today, REO Speedwagon is still active and continues to tour and record new music. They have released 16 studio albums and have sold over 40 million records worldwide. They are considered one of the most successful American rock bands of all time, and their music continues to be popular and influential to this day.

About the album T.W.O.:

Well, REO Speedwagon's album T.W.O. was released back in 1972 and was the band's second studio album following their self-titled debut. The album is comprised of nine tracks, running for just over 35 minutes, and explores a range of musical styles and themes.

The opening track, 'Let Me Ride', sets the tone for the album with its upbeat, bluesy rock sound. This is followed by 'How the Story Goes', which has a more mellow, folky vibe with acoustic guitars, harmonicas, and a gorgeous vocal performance from lead singer Kevin Cronin.

'Gypsy Woman's Passion' is a highlight of the album, with its lively piano intro and catchy chorus. It's a fun and energetic track that showcases the band's musicianship and ability to write a great rock song.

Other standout tracks include 'Bosnia' and 'Like You Do', which both have a heavy emphasis on guitar riffs and solos. 'Golden Country' has a unique sound with its use of horns and strings, and features some of the most intricate instrumental work on the album.

Lyrically, T.W.O. deals with themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in life. The album's closing track, 'Music Man', is a poignant reflection on the struggles of being a musician and the power of music to heal the soul.

Overall, T.W.O. is a solid album that showcases REO Speedwagon's versatility and songwriting prowess. It's got a little something for everyone, from hard-hitting rock to soft and introspective ballads. If you're a fan of classic rock, this album is definitely worth a listen.

Members:

REO Speedwagon is an American rock band that formed in Champaign, Illinois in 1967. Over the years, the band’s lineup has undergone several changes. Here are the key members of REO Speedwagon and their biographies:

1. Neal Doughty - Keyboardist
Neal Allan Doughty was born on July 29, 1946, in Evansville, Indiana. He is a founding member of REO Speedwagon and has been the band’s keyboardist since its inception. Doughty attended the University of Illinois, where he met the band’s other founding members. He has played on all of the group’s studio albums and is known for his distinctive Hammond organ sound.

2. Kevin Cronin - Lead Vocalist and Rhythm Guitarist
Kevin Patrick Cronin was born on October 6, 1951, in Evanston, Illinois. He first joined REO Speedwagon as the band’s lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist in 1972. Cronin left the band in 1973 to pursue a solo career, but he returned in 1976 and has been a member ever since. He is the songwriting force behind some of the band’s biggest hits, including “Keep On Loving You” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling.”

3. Gary Richrath - Lead Guitarist
Gary Dean Richrath was born on October 18, 1949, in Peoria, Illinois. He joined REO Speedwagon in 1970 as the band’s lead guitarist and contributed his songwriting talents to many of the group’s albums. Richrath wrote some of the band’s biggest hits, including “Take It on the Run” and “In Your Letter.” He left the group in 1989 to pursue a solo career and passed away in 2015.

4. Bruce Hall - Bassist
Bruce William Hall was born on May 3, 1953, in Champaign, Illinois. He was originally a member of the band “The Chosen Few” before joining REO Speedwagon in 1977 as the band’s bassist. Hall has played on many of the group’s most famous albums, including “Hi Infidelity” and “Good Trouble.”

5. Alan Gratzer - Drummer
Alan Gratzer was born on November 9, 1948, in Syracuse, New York. He co-founded the band in 1967 alongside Doughty and played drums on all of the group’s studio albums until he left the band in 1988 to pursue a career in music management. Gratzer reunited with the band in 2013 for several concerts and has occasionally performed with them since then.

Track List for T.W.O.:

I'm sorry, as an AI language model, I don't have access to the playtime of each track on the album T.W.O. by REO Speedwagon. However, I can provide a list of the tracks in the album in order and a brief description of each track:

1. Let Me Ride - This is an upbeat track with a catchy chorus and guitar riffs. The lyrics talk about the joy of being free and enjoying life on the road.

2. How The Story Goes - This track has a slower tempo and a more mellow vibe. The lyrics talk about reflection and how we can learn from our past experiences.

3. Little Queenie - This is a cover of Chuck Berry's classic song. REO Speedwagon adds their own touch to it with their signature sound and guitar solos.

4. Bein' Kind (Can Hurt Someone Sometimes) - This is a soulful track with impressive vocals from Kevin Cronin. The lyrics talk about the importance of being kind to others, even if it hurts sometimes.

5. Music Man - This track has a groovy beat and catchy guitar riffs. The lyrics talk about the power of music to bring people together and heal.

6. Like You Do - This is a heartfelt ballad with emotional lyrics about missing someone and hoping to be reunited.

7. Flash Tan Queen - This is a fun and upbeat track that tells the story of a girl who loves to have a good time and enjoy life.

8. Golden Country - This is a classic rock anthem with powerful vocals and guitar solos. The lyrics talk about the beauty of America and the struggles that come with fighting for freedom.

Overall, T.W.O. is a solid album from REO Speedwagon that showcases their talents and versatility. With a mix of upbeat rock anthems and soulful ballads, it's a must-listen for fans of classic rock.

Discography for REO Speedwagon:

Sure, here is the complete discography for REO Speedwagon in chronological order with each release's respective release date:

Albums:

1. R.E.O. Speedwagon (1971)
2. R.E.O./T.W.O. (1972)
3. Ridin' the Storm Out (1973)
4. Lost in a Dream (1974)
5. This Time We Mean It (1975)
6. R.E.O. (1976)
7. You Can Tune a Piano but You Can't Tuna Fish (1978)
8. Nine Lives (1979)
9. Hi Infidelity (1980)
10. Good Trouble (1982)
11. Wheels Are Turnin' (1984)
12. Life as We Know It (1987)
13. The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken (1990)
14. Building the Bridge (1996)
15. Find Your Own Way Home (2007)

Singles:

1. 'Lay Me Down' (1971)
2. 'Sophisticated Lady' (1972)
3. 'Ridin' the Storm Out' (1973)
4. 'Keep Pushin' (1974)
5. 'Roll with the Changes' (1976)
6. 'Time for Me to Fly' (1978)
7. 'Only the Strong Survive' (1980)
8. 'Keep On Loving You' (1980)
9. 'Take It on the Run' (1981)
10. 'Don't Let Him Go' (1981)
11. 'In My Dreams' (1987)

Other releases:

1. Live: You Get What You Play For (1977) - Live album
2. Decade of Rock and Roll (1980) - Greatest hits compilation
3. The Hits (1988) - Greatest hits compilation
4. The Second Decade of Rock and Roll: 1981-1991 (1991) - Greatest hits compilation
5. Star Box (2008) - Box set compilation