#10 - Can't Fight This Feeling

Artist: REO Speedwagon

Album: Wheels Are Turnin'
Video: From DailyMotion.

Welcome to the blog, REO Speedwagon.  What an outstanding way to kick off the top ten.

This band's roots can be traced back to 1967, and they still perform today.  It's very hard to believe that these guys have been around for nearly half a century.  One of my personal favorite 80's bands. 

"Can't Fight This Feeling" is simply a totally awesome song, and of course it was a #1 hit single.  It is about a friendship that is blossoming into romance.  In the video it is referred to as "I Can’t Fight This Feeling", but I don’t remember the "I" ever being included in the song title.  I’m nearly positive my cassette tape of "Wheels Are Turnin’" didn’t feature the “I”.

Universally, it is one of the most beloved of all the '80s power ballads.  In 1985 it set a world record for most appearances on tenth-graders mix tapes.  Also, if you fail to hold a lit lighter aloft while this song is playing, it is considered a misdemeanor offense in some states.

The song has been featured in many movie soundtracks and TV shows over the years, including this memorable rendition.

I found the video a bit odd and difficult to understand.  It seems to be a progression of scenes over the course of a lifetime, beginning with a baby and ending with an old man.  In between we see stuffed animals flying in the air, people with snowy television screens where their faces are supposed to be, and assorted general strangeness.

No matter though.  Mad respect to the Speedwagon for recording this treasure.