REO SPEEDWAGON hi infidelity FE36844

The Diamond Standard of AOR: REO Speedwagon’s ‘Hi Infidelity’ (FE 36844)

Today’s entry features one of the most commercially successful rock albums of the 1980s. We are looking at the 1980 US pressing of Hi Infidelity by REO Speedwagon, released on Epic with the catalog number FE 36844.

A Diamond Certified Classic

Released in late 1980, this album transformed the hardworking Midwest rockers into global superstars. It was a phenomenon, spending 15 weeks at number one on the Billboard charts and eventually earning Diamond certification. The production team of Kevin Beamish, along with band members Kevin Cronin and Gary Richrath, created a polished, radio-ready sound that came to define the Arena Rock and AOR genres for the decade.

The Music

The tracklist is essentially a greatest hits collection on its own. Side A features the massive number one hit Keep On Loving You, a song that set the template for the 80s power ballad with its piano intro and soaring chorus. It also includes the guitar-driven Take It On The Run, showcasing Gary Richrath’s distinct style, and the catchy opener Don’t Let Him Go. Side B keeps the energy high with tracks like Tough Guys, famously opening with a sound clip from The Little Rascals, and the melodic Someone Tonight sung by bassist Bruce Hall.

Format

This is the standard US pressing on the blue Epic label.

Manufacturing
The technical details reveal the high production standards of the era. The album was recorded at Crystal Sound and Kendun Recorders. A desirable feature for collectors, this copy retains the original hype sticker on the shrink wrap, serving as a vintage marketing artifact from its initial release.