"Time for Me to Fly" by REO Speedwagon

Song#:  0191
Date:  05/31/1980
Debut:  90
Peak:  77
Weeks:  6
Genre:  Rock, Arena Rock



Pop Bits:  REO formed in 1967 and went through various changes throughout the early 70s as their albums failed to make any impact. However, their live shows were considered their forte and they convinced their label to release a live album. It was a good idea as it became their first real breakthrough album. Their studio follow-up, "You Can Tune a Piano But You Can't Tuna Fish," did even better. This song was originally released in 1978 and peaked at #56 - their biggest single at the time. The song was reissued in 1980 when the label put out a catch-up compilation album, "A Decade of Rock and Roll 1970 to 1980," to cash in on their new found success. But REO's biggest success was just around the corner.

ReduxReview:  I was never much into REO at the time. These days I like some of their prime-time hits and this is a pretty good rock ballad, but they never fully hooked me in. I typically like unusual, immediately-recognizable singers, but there is something about REO's Kevin Cronin's voice that kind of grates me. He pronounces/sings some words strangely too. I remember back in the day less than a verse would make me change the radio station. I'm a bit more tolerable now...just a bit.

ReduxRating:  6/10

Trivia:  The band's name comes from an old flatbed truck that was first sold in 1915. It is considered the forerunner of the modern pickup truck. REO stood for the auto company's founder, Random E. Olds. The REO Speed Wagon (with REO pronounced as a word) was produced through to 1953. Band member Neal Doughty remembered the vehicle from a transportation class he took in college and suggested it. The band chose to pronounce each letter like R.E.O. rather than a word.

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