Can't Fight This Feeling

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For the Junior Caldera song, see Can't Fight This Feeling (Junior Caldera song).

"Can't Fight This Feeling"
Single by REO Speedwagon
from the album Wheels Are Turnin'
B-side"Break His Spell"
ReleasedDecember 17, 1984[1]
RecordedAugust 1984
Genre
Length4:54
LabelEpic
Songwriter(s)Kevin Cronin
Producer(s)Kevin Cronin, Gary Richrath, Alan Gratzer
REO Speedwagon singles chronology
"I Do' Wanna Know"
(1984) 		"Can't Fight This Feeling"
(1984) 		"One Lonely Night"
(1985)
Music video
"Can't Fight This Feeling" on YouTube

"Can't Fight This Feeling" is a power ballad[4] performed by the American rock band REO Speedwagon. The song first appeared on the 1984 album Wheels Are Turnin'. The single reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and held the top spot for three consecutive weeks from March 9 to March 23, 1985.[5] It was the group's second and last number-one hit on the U.S. charts (the first being 1980's "Keep on Loving You", also written by Kevin Cronin) and reached number sixteen in the UK.[6] "Can't Fight This Feeling" has appeared on dozens of 'various artists' compilation albums, as well as several REO Speedwagon greatest hits albums.[7]

REO Speedwagon performed the song at the 1985 Live Aid concert; they were introduced by Chevy Chase.[8]

Background[edit]

Cronin said that he wrote the verses years before, and had made a demo of it when he left REO Speedwagon briefly in the mid-70s.[9] Cronin finished writing the song in Hawaii while supposedly on a break from composing for the Wheels Are Turnin' album.[10][11] According to REO Speedwagon drummer Alan Gratzer, the song is about a relationship Cronin had and it took Cronin several years to come up with all the lyrics.[12]

According to Cronin, the inspiration for the song was the hurt he felt when he became attracted to a woman who was part of his friend group. Cronin states that this woman was “…of course, going out with my friend, so I kept it to myself. There was a group of us who would hang out together...and she was always there. Eventually she and I were becoming friends, but there was no hanky-panky going on. The more I got to know her, the more I liked her, but I couldn't say anything about it.”[13]

Cronin said that he was only able to finish the song when he "couldn't fight the feeling anymore and made the move to kind of go for it."[13] He said he "knew those verses were something special because of the depth (of feeling). I felt for them. I couldn't force it."[13] Cronin said that when he did express his feelings to the woman, they ended up having a great relationship, and although it didn't last they remained friends.[13]

Cronin described the theme of the song as being about "that moment in time where...it gets too painful to be where you are and you know you have to change...but change is hard...and you overcome that fear of change."[11]

The other REO Speedwagon members referred to "Can't Fight This Feeling" as "that stupid ballad" until it became a charting hit.[11]

Composition[edit]

"Can’t Fight This Feeling" is in the key of A major.

Reception[edit]

Chicago Tribune critic Jan DeKnock said that the song "rode a pretty melody all the way to No. 1."[14] DeKnock also said that it was "the latest in a series of ballads that have found success on the dance-dominated charts with a tried and true formula: A melody that is pretty enough for adult contemporary listeners, with instrumentation that is strong enough for rock-oriented radio stations.[15] Billboard recommended the single, calling it a "midtempo rock ballad."[16] Rapid City Journal writer Mike Sanborn called it one of REO Speedwagon's "best ballads."[17] Palm Beach Post music writer Leslie Gray Streeter named it her 3rd greatest power ballad.[18] Arizona Republic writer Andrew Means noted that the song "has a similar tone of emotional frailty [as some ballads on Hi Infidelity], which revives comparisons with such so-called 'corporate rock' entities as Foreigner and Journey."[19] Streeter attributes the song's success to its combination of "frighteningly candid emotion with searing rock guitar.[13] But Greg Kennedy of the Red Deer Advocate called it a "bland formula-fed composition."[20]

Austin American-Statesman writer Drew Carr felt that the performance of REO Speedwagon keyboardist Neal Doughty was particularly effective on this song.[21]

Music video[edit]

Two different music videos exist for the song. Both videos have been shown at various times on VH1 Classic (now known as MTV Classic).

Version 1: Studio (videotape)[edit]

The videotaped version was produced by MTV for a special on REO Speedwagon and features the band in the studio. It begins with Kevin Cronin playing the piano, attempting to find the key in which he can best sing the song (starting off in G major, he later decides he can sing it better in A). After Cronin exchanges some laughs with his bandmates, the original track of the song plays, with the band members miming their respective parts. It concludes with Cronin uttering the line, "That warmed the cockles of my cockles!"[22]

Version 2: Film[edit]

The second more famous version, directed by John Jopson, was considered a "more professional one" and makes various references to the life-cycle and shows the band singing the song.[23]

Personnel[edit]

REO Speedwagon[24]
Other personnel
  • Bill Cuomo - orchestration

Charts[edit]

Certifications[edit]

Region Certification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[47] Gold 50,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[48] Gold 400,000‡
United States (RIAA)[49] Gold 500,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Bastille version[edit]

"Can't Fight This Feeling"
Single by Bastille featuring London Contemporary Orchestra
from the album Doom Days: This Got Out of Hand Edition
ReleasedNovember 19, 2019
Recorded2019
Length3:18
LabelVirgin EMI Records
Songwriter(s)Kevin Cronin
Bastille singles chronology
"Another Place"
(2019) 		"Can't Fight This Feeling"
(2019) 		"What You Gonna Do???"
(2020)

In 2019, English indie pop band Bastille released a cover version of the song, featuring the London Contemporary Orchestra. It was released on November 19, 2019, by Virgin EMI Records. The song was selected as the soundtrack to the 2019 John Lewis Christmas advert.[50][51]

Charts[edit]

Chart (2019–2020) Peak
position
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Flanders)[52] 23
Euro Digital Song Sales (Billboard)[53] 7
Scotland (OCC)[54] 4
UK Singles (OCC)[55] 39

Other versions[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "RIAA".
  2. ^ "VH1's 40 Most Softsational Soft-Rock Songs". Stereogum. SpinMedia. May 31, 2007. Archived from the original on July 29, 2016. Retrieved July 31, 2016.
  3. ^ Breihan, Tom (September 23, 2020). "The Number Ones: REO Speedwagon's "Can't Fight This Feeling"". Stereogum. Retrieved July 30, 2023. ...very few people have enjoyed such success in the field of wimpily overdriven arena-rock power balladry. Consider the band's second and final #1 hit.
  4. ^ "REO Speedwagon | Biography & History". AllMusic. Archived from the original on April 11, 2015. Retrieved April 20, 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  5. ^ Whitburn, Joel (2013). Top Pop Singles 1955-2012. Menomonee Falls, WI: Record Research, Inc. p. 703. ISBN 978-0-89820-205-2.
  6. ^ "Reo Speedwagon | Artist". Official Charts. Archived from the original on December 10, 2017. Retrieved December 9, 2017.
  7. ^ "REO Speedwagon, Can't Fight This Feeling (Appears On)". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Archived from the original on September 27, 2016. Retrieved February 5, 2015.
  8. ^ Cashmere, Paul (November 29, 2019). "Kevin Cronin Reveals 'Can't Fight This Feeling' Line That He Has 'Copped So Much Crap For'". Noise11.com. Retrieved April 15, 2020.
  9. ^ Cronin, Kevin (May 11, 2016). "The 10 Best REO Speedwagon Songs, by Kevin Cronin". Classic Rock. Louder Sound. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  10. ^ Campbell, Mary (March 2, 1985). "REO Speedwagon back on top". Post-Star. p. 24. Retrieved July 27, 2022 – via newspapers.com.
  11. ^ a b c Bronson, Fred (1997). The Billboard Book of Number One Hits (4th ed.). Billboard Books. p. 603. ISBN 0823076415.
  12. ^ Johnson, Jacqueline (April 20, 1985). "Tune brings new following". Billings Gazette. p. 16-A. Retrieved July 27, 2022 – via newspapers.com.
  13. ^ a b c d e Streeter, Leslie Gray (October 19, 2007). "Baby, we can't fight this feeling anymore!". Palm Beach Post. pp. 1E, 7E. Retrieved July 27, 2022 – via newspapers.com.
  14. ^ DeKnock, Jan (April 5, 1985). "Madonna sets pace for female soloists". Chicago Tribune. pp. 7–58. Retrieved July 27, 2022 – via newspapers.com.
  15. ^ DeKnock, Jan (March 15, 1985). "Musical formula for success". Chicago Tribune. pp. 7–58. Retrieved July 27, 2022 – via newspapers.com.
  16. ^ "Reviews" (PDF). Billboard. January 12, 1985. p. 60. Retrieved July 27, 2022.
  17. ^ Sanborn, Mike (October 16, 1987). "Fun-loving 'bar band' balladeers polished". Rapid City Journal. pp. 30–31. Retrieved July 27, 2022 – via newspapers.com.
  18. ^ Streeter, Leslie Gray (October 19, 2007). "Leslie's top 15 power ballads". Palm Beach Post. p. 7E. Retrieved July 27, 2022 – via newspapers.com.
  19. ^ Means, Andrew (March 29, 1985). "REO Speedwagon hits road after refreshing pause". Arizona Republic. p. E1. Retrieved July 27, 2022 – via newspapers.com.
  20. ^ Kennedy, Greg (November 17, 1984). "Wheels Keep Turnin'". Red Deer Advocate. p. 4B. Retrieved July 27, 2022 – via newspapers.com.
  21. ^ Carr, Drew (July 21, 2017). "REO Speedwagon still rollin' with the changes". Austin American-Statesman. p. 25. Retrieved July 27, 2022 – via newspapers.com.
  22. ^ "REO Speedwagon, Can't Fight This Feeling (version 2: performance)". YouTube. December 11, 2007. Archived from the original on May 18, 2014. Retrieved January 20, 2015.
  23. ^ "REO Speedwagon, Can't Fight This Feeling (version 1)". YouTube. July 24, 2012. Archived from the original on January 22, 2015. Retrieved January 20, 2015.
  24. ^ REO Speedwagon, Wheels are Turnin'. Sony Music Entertainment. 1984. p. 8.
  25. ^ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 250. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
  26. ^ "CHART NUMBER 1475 – Saturday, March 30, 1985". Archived from the original on November 7, 2006. Retrieved January 28, 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link). CHUM. Retrieved January 28, 2015.
  27. ^ "Adult Contemporary: April 6, 1985". Library and Archives Canada. Archived from the original on September 27, 2015. Retrieved May 22, 2015.
  28. ^ Nanda Lwin (1999). Top 40 Hits: The Essential Chart Guide. Music Data Canada. ISBN 1-896594-13-1.
  29. ^ "Top Singles – Volume 42, No. 5, April 13, 1985". RPM. RPM Music Publications Ltd. April 13, 1985. Archived from the original on September 14, 2014. Retrieved August 12, 2014.
  30. ^ "REO Speedwagon - Can't Fight This Feeling". officialcharts.de. Archived from the original on September 9, 2016. Retrieved October 1, 2016.
  31. ^ "Irish Singles Chart". The Irish Charts. Archived from the original on June 2, 2009. Retrieved January 25, 2015. Note: REO Speedwagon must be searched manually.
  32. ^ "REO Speedwagon Singles". umdmusic.com. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved February 14, 2015.
  33. ^ Steffen Hung. "Can't Fight This Feeling". charts.nz. Retrieved January 25, 2015.
  34. ^ John Samson. "Can't Fight This Feeling in South African Chart". Archived from the original on July 27, 2014. Retrieved July 2, 2014.
  35. ^ Steffen Hung. "Can't Fight This Feeling". swedishcharts.com. Archived from the original on November 10, 2013. Retrieved January 25, 2015.
  36. ^ "UK album and singles database". everyHit.com. Archived from the original on July 17, 2007. Retrieved January 25, 2015. Note: REO Speedwagon must be searched manually.
  37. ^ a b c d "Artist Chart History – REO Speedwagon". Billboard charts. Retrieved October 1, 2016.
  38. ^ "CASH BOX Top 100 Singles – Week ending MARCH 23, 1985". Archived from the original on October 1, 2012. Retrieved January 28, 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link). Cash Box magazine. Retrieved January 28, 2015.
  39. ^ "REO Speedwagon". Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved February 14, 2015.
  40. ^ "Charts!". Archived from the original on February 11, 2015. Retrieved February 14, 2015.
  41. ^ "Chart Search". Billboard Rock Digital Songs for REO Speedwagon. Archived from the original on June 8, 2015. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
  42. ^ "Kent Music Report No 599 – 30 December 1985 > National Top 100 Singles for 1985". Kent Music Report. Retrieved January 23, 2023 – via Imgur.
  43. ^ "Forum - ARIA Charts: Special Occasion Charts – Top 100 End of Year AMR Charts – 1980s". Australian-charts.com. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved January 28, 2015.
  44. ^ "Top Singles – Volume 43, No. 16, December 28, 1985". RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Archived from the original on July 13, 2015. Retrieved January 28, 2015.
  45. ^ "Top 100 Hits for 1985". The Longbored Surfer. Archived from the original on February 22, 2015. Retrieved January 28, 2015.
  46. ^ "The CASH BOX Year-End Charts: 1985". Archived from the original on October 1, 2012. Retrieved January 28, 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link). Cash Box magazine. Retrieved January 28, 2015.
  47. ^ "Canadian single certifications – REO Speedwagon – Can't Fight This Feeling". Music Canada. Retrieved January 19, 2015.
  48. ^ "British single certifications – REO Speedwagon – Can't Fight This Feeling". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved March 18, 2022.
  49. ^ "American single certifications – R.E.O. Speedwagon – Can't Fight This Feeling". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved January 19, 2015.
  50. ^ "The John Lewis & Partners Christmas Advert". johnlewis.com. November 14, 2019. Retrieved November 14, 2019.
  51. ^ John Lewis & Partners [@jlandpartners] (November 14, 2019). "Thank you @bastilledan for soundtracking the story of Edgar with this year's song! #ExcitableEdgar" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  52. ^ "Bastille feat. London Contemporary Orchestra – Can't Fight This Feeling" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  53. ^ "Bastille Chart History (Euro Digital Song Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  54. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 30 November 2019.
  55. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 30 November 2019.
  56. ^ "JoJo - Can't Fight This Feeling". Spotify. February 9, 2024. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  57. ^ Grow, Kory (February 8, 2024). "JoJo Goes Full REO Speedwagon for 'Lisa Frankenstein' Song". Rolling Stone. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
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