Released on November 21, 1980, Hi Infidelity catapulted REO Speedwagon to the top of the charts and sealed their place in rock history. The album spent an impressive 15 weeks at number one on the Billboard 200 and became the biggest-selling album of 1981. But did you know that some of the most iconic moments of this album were completely unexpected? Buckle up, because here are 5 unknown facts about Hi Infidelity that will make you appreciate it even more.
- The Power Ballad Wasn’t Supposed To Be a Hit
The band’s biggest hit, Keep On Loving You, was originally written as a traditional love ballad by Kevin Cronin. When he first played it to the band, they didn’t quite get it. But after some musical tweaking by Gary Richrath, the song transformed into a power ballad that would go on to become a massive number one hit. It wasn’t a strategic move—it was just pure rock ‘n’ roll magic. - Tough Guys Has a Hidden Vintage Gem
The song Tough Guys contains a quirky audio clip from a 1937 Our Gang short film, Hearts Are Thumps. This hidden reference adds a playful and unique touch to the track, making it more than just another rock anthem. - Take It on the Run Was Almost Don’t Let Me Down
The unforgettable opening line, “Heard it from a friend who heard it from a friend…” wasn’t always part of the song. Take It on the Run was originally titled Don’t Let Me Down until Cronin and Richrath decided to revamp it, with the new title perfectly capturing the song’s rebellious spirit. - The Album’s Title Is a Cheeky Play on Words
The title Hi Infidelity is a clever pun, referencing both the term “high fidelity” (a classic audio term) and the album’s themes of betrayal. The cover art cheekily visualizes this with an illustration of a man playing an LP on a turntable while engaging in an act of infidelity. Rock ‘n’ roll indeed! - The Song Don’t Let Him Go Was a Bandwide Plea
The song Don’t Let Him Go is a heartfelt plea, with Cronin admitting that it reflects the experiences of the entire band. It was inspired by their personal relationships and struggles, and the lyrics express a universal message about not taking love for granted. It became a hit despite not being released as a single, making it one of the most relatable tracks on the album.
From playful hidden audio gems to accidental chart-topping ballads, Hi Infidelity is filled with unexpected stories that make this rock classic even more legendary. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering it, these unknown facts add a whole new layer to the album’s already rich history.