In the sprawling landscape of rock and roll, there are albums that erupt like volcanoes, albums that fade away like whispers in the wind, and then there are albums like REO Speedwagon's "Good Trouble" – albums caught in the limbo between ambition and complacency. Released in 1982, amidst the neon-drenched haze of MTV and hair metal's ascent, "Good Trouble" found the band navigating the treacherous waters of middle age and a changing musical landscape.
REO Speedwagon, once the quintessential heartland rockers, were no strangers to success. With a string of hits like "Keep On Loving You" and "Take It On the Run" under their belt, they had secured their place in the pantheon of arena rock. But by the early 80s, the winds of change were blowing, and the band found themselves at a crossroads. "Good Trouble" was their attempt to reconcile their classic sound with the demands of a new era.
Produced by Kevin Beamish, a seasoned veteran known for his work with artists like Jefferson Starship and Survivor, "Good Trouble" was recorded at the famed Record Plant studios in Los Angeles. The album's sound is a polished blend of AOR (Album-Oriented Rock) and pop sensibilities, with soaring vocals, slick guitar licks, and driving rhythms. It's the kind of music that was tailor-made for radio airplay and MTV rotation.
From the opening chords of "Keep the Fire Burnin'," it's clear that REO Speedwagon were aiming for the charts. The song, with its anthemic chorus and Kevin Cronin's impassioned vocals, is a classic power ballad in the vein of "Can't Fight This Feeling." It's the kind of song that's both instantly familiar and undeniably catchy.
Elsewhere on the album, the band ventures into more upbeat territory with tracks like "Sweet Time" and "Stillness of the Night." These songs, with their driving rhythms and infectious hooks, showcase the band's ability to rock out without sacrificing melody.
However, despite its moments of brilliance, "Good Trouble" ultimately falls short of greatness. The album suffers from a lack of urgency and a sense of playing it safe. There are no real risks taken here, no moments of raw emotion or unbridled passion. It's all very polished and professional, but it lacks the spark that made REO Speedwagon's earlier work so compelling.
Perhaps the most glaring flaw of "Good Trouble" is its lyrical content. The songs are filled with clichés and platitudes about love, loss, and the pursuit of dreams. There's nothing particularly insightful or thought-provoking here. It's the kind of songwriting that's content to skim the surface of emotions without ever delving deeper.
In the end, "Good Trouble" is an album that's both frustrating and fascinating. It's a demonstration of the band's resilience and their ability to adapt to changing times. But it's also a reminder that even the most successful bands can lose their way. "Good Trouble" is the sound of a band caught between a rock and a hard place, trying to find their footing in a world that's rapidly changing around them. It's an album that's neither a triumph nor a disaster, but rather a curious entry in the long and storied career of REO Speedwagon.
