Live Every Moment

Last updated
"Live Every Moment"
Live Every Moment UK cover.jpg
UK cover
Single by REO Speedwagon
from the album Wheels Are Turnin'
ReleasedJuly 1985 (US)
Recorded1984
Genre Soft rock
Length3:47
Label Epic
Songwriter(s) Kevin Cronin
Producer(s) Kevin Cronin, Gary Richrath, Alan Gratzer
REO Speedwagon singles chronology
"One Lonely Night"
(1985)		"Live Every Moment"
(1985)		"Wherever You're Goin' (It's Alright)"
(1985)

"Live Every Moment" is a song written by Kevin Cronin that was first released on the band's 1984 album Wheels Are Turnin' . It was released as the fourth single from the album and reached the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Contents

Lyrics and music

Creem critic Jon Young referred the opening lyrics of "Live Every Moment" – "Live every moment/Love every day/'Cause if you don't you just might throw your love away" – as "greeting card lyrics." [1] Professor of Human Relations and Child Development F. Philip Rice described the song and these opening lyrics in particular as "a commentary on the shortness of life." [2] Another theme of the song, and several others from Wheels Are Turnin', is Cronin's recovery from depression. [3] Washington Post writer Tom Shales used the song as an example of how in 1985 MTV was reducing the time spent broadcasting "pseudo-macho" songs with "anti-social, pro-drug or satanic" messages in favor of "wholesome uplifter" songs. [4] Shales regarded the lyrics of "Live Every Moment" (and another song he used as an example, Billy Joel's "You're Only Human (Second Wind)," as being "meant to discourage teenage suicide." [4]

Billboard said that it is an "upbeat rock track" influenced by "country harmonies, Caribbean syncopation, [and] Latin percussion." [5] Pittsburgh Press critic Pete Bishop also described the song as having a strong Latin music influence. [6]

Reception

Cash Box said that "with a tropical melody and a typically solid rock base [it] is an excellent summer single." [7] Press staff writer Bill Novak said that it is "a lively upbeat song that gives you a good feeling inside," even though it has a "middle of the road sound." [8] Charlotte Observer critic Kathy Haight described it as "pep-rallyish." [9] Clarion-Ledger writer Billy Watkins later described "Live Every Moment" as one of REO Speedwagon's "major hits." [10]

"Live Every Moment" was later released on the 2004 compilation album The Essential REO Speedwagon . [11]

Music video

John Weaver directed the music video for "Live Every Moment." [12] The video uses footage from a live performance of the song from Kemper Arena in Kansas City that was shot using 10 cameras. [12] It also incorporates behind-the-scenes footage of the band on tour. [13] The post-production work was performed at the Unitel facility on the lot of Paramount Pictures. [12]

The Paducah Sun reviewer Lydia Kolb said that the video "shows all the energy and fun" that REO Speedwagon puts into their live shows, and that "the positive message of the song is enhanced by lead singer Kevin Cronin's smiling deliverance and enthusiasm. [13]

Chart performance

"Live Every Moment" spent 11 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at number 34. [14] It also reached number 34 on the Cash Box Top Singles list. In Canada, it peaked at number 83. [15]

Related Research Articles

REO Speedwagon American rock band

REO Speedwagon is an American rock band from Champaign, Illinois. Formed in 1967, the band cultivated a following during the 1970s and achieved significant commercial success throughout the 1980s. The group's best-selling album, Hi Infidelity (1980), contained four US top 40 hits and sold more than 10 million copies.

<i>Hi Infidelity</i> 1980 studio album by REO Speedwagon

Hi Infidelity is the ninth studio album by American rock band REO Speedwagon, released on November 21, 1980 by Epic Records. The album became a big hit in the United States, peaking at number one on the Billboard 200. It went on to become the biggest-selling album of 1981, eventually being certified 10 times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. Of the four singles released, "Take It on the Run" went to number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, and the band got their first of two number one hits with "Keep On Loving You".

<i>The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken</i> 1990 studio album by REO Speedwagon

The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken is the thirteenth studio album by REO Speedwagon, and was released in 1990.

<i>Wheels Are Turnin</i> 1984 studio album by REO Speedwagon

Wheels Are Turnin' is the eleventh studio album by REO Speedwagon, released in November 1984. It is their second best-selling album, tied with Good Trouble, reaching No. 7 on the Billboard 200. The lead single was "I Do' Wanna Know," which stalled at #29 on the Billboard Hot 100. The second single, "Can't Fight This Feeling," was REO's second and longest-running number one single. Other singles released were "One Lonely Night" and "Live Every Moment". These singles also reached the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100, reaching #19 and #34, respectively. The singles from the album also had success on other Billboard charts: "Can't Fight This Feeling" and "I Do' Wanna Know" each reached #5 on the Mainstream Rock chart, with "One Lonely Night" reaching #17, and "Can't Fight This Feeling" and "One Lonely Night" reached #3 and #10, respectively on the Adult Contemporary chart.

Cant Fight This Feeling 1984 single by REO Speedwagon

"Can't Fight This Feeling" is a power ballad 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. It was the group's second number-one hit on the U.S. charts and reached number sixteen in the UK. "Can't Fight This Feeling" has appeared on dozens of 'various artists' compilation albums, as well as several REO Speedwagon greatest hits albums.

Keep On Loving You (song) 1980 single by REO Speedwagon

"Keep On Loving You" is a soft rock power ballad written by Kevin Cronin and performed by American rock band REO Speedwagon. It features the lead guitar work of Gary Richrath. The song first appeared on REO Speedwagon's 1980 album Hi Infidelity. It was the first REO Speedwagon single to break the top 50 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, reaching the number-one spot for one week in March 1981. The single was certified platinum for U.S. sales of over one million copies. It peaked at number seven on the UK Singles Chart. "Keep On Loving You" has been a mainstay on 1980s soft rock compilations and has appeared on dozens of 'various artists' compilation albums, as well as several REO Speedwagon greatest hits albums.

<i>You Can Tune a Piano, but You Cant Tuna Fish</i> Album by REO Speedwagon

You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can't Tuna Fish is the seventh studio album by REO Speedwagon, released in 1978. It was their first album to be co-produced by lead singer Kevin Cronin and lead guitarist Gary Richrath. The album was REO's first to make the Top 40, peaking at No. 29. The album sold over 2 million copies in the US, which led it to being certified 2× Platinum.

Take It on the Run 1981 single by REO Speedwagon

"Take It on the Run" is a song by American rock band REO Speedwagon off the band's ninth studio album Hi Infidelity (1980). The song was written by lead guitarist Gary Richrath. "Take It on the Run" was the follow-up single behind the group's number-one hit, "Keep on Loving You". The single went gold on April 17, 1989. "Take It on the Run" has appeared on dozens of "various artists" compilation albums, as well as several REO Speedwagon greatest-hits albums. The 2017 song "Messin' Around" by Pitbull featuring Enrique Iglesias interpolates "Take It on the Run".

<i>Live: You Get What You Play For</i> 1977 live album by REO Speedwagon

Live: You Get What You Play For is a live album by rock band REO Speedwagon, released as a double-LP in 1977. It was recorded at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building in Kansas City, Kansas, the Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, Kiel Auditorium in Saint Louis, Missouri and Alex Cooley's Electric Ballroom in Atlanta, Georgia. It peaked at number #72 on the Billboard 200 chart in 1977. The song "Ridin' the Storm Out" reached #94 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart, but has since become a classic rock radio staple. The album went platinum on December 14, 1978.

Gary Richrath American musician

Gary Dean Richrath was an American guitarist, best known as the lead guitarist and a songwriter for the band REO Speedwagon from 1970 until 1989.

Kevin Cronin American songwriter

Kevin Patrick Cronin is the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and occasional pianist for the American rock band REO Speedwagon. REO Speedwagon had several hits on the Billboard Hot 100 throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including two chart-toppers written by Cronin: "Keep on Loving You" (1980) and "Can't Fight This Feeling" (1984).

<i>Good Trouble</i> 1982 studio album by REO Speedwagon

Good Trouble is the tenth studio album by REO Speedwagon, released in 1982 as a follow-up to Hi Infidelity. It was the second-best selling album in the band's history, subsequently tied with Wheels Are Turnin', peaking at #7 on the Billboard charts. The single "Keep the Fire Burnin'" gave the band a #7 hit on Billboard's Pop Singles Chart and a #2 hit on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, their highest-charting hit on this chart.

REO Speedwagon discography Cataloging of published recordings by REO Speedwagon

This article lists the discography of the American rock band, REO Speedwagon. The band formed in the autumn of 1967 by Neal Doughty and Alan Gratzer. REO Speedwagon released their debut album, R.E.O. Speedwagon, in 1971. They have undergone many changes of personnel over the years, and today Neal Doughty is the only member from the original line-up still with the band. Currently the other members are Kevin Cronin, Bruce Hall, Dave Amato, and Bryan Hitt.

Luanne 1982 single by Foreigner

"Luanne" was the fifth and final single taken from the album 4 by the band Foreigner, and the second to feature a B-side that was not available on one of their albums, a controversial live version of their hit, "Hot Blooded". The song was written by Lou Gramm and Mick Jones and reached number 75 in the U.S. charts, but was a live staple for years to come. The live version of "Hot Blooded" was later placed on the international release of their retrospective, Records, but in subsequent re-releases has been dropped in favour of the original album version due to a couple of choice words spoken in ad lib during the song's performance by its singer, Lou Gramm.

Keep the Fire Burnin (REO Speedwagon song) 1982 single by REO Speedwagon

"Keep the Fire Burnin'" is a song by REO Speedwagon from their 1982 album Good Trouble. This single was the only track from the Good Trouble album to make the top ten on the pop charts, cresting at number seven.

Dont Let Him Go 1981 single by REO Speedwagon

"Don't Let Him Go" is a song written by Kevin Cronin. It was originally released as the opening song for REO Speedwagon's #1 album Hi Infidelity. It was also released as a single, reaching #24 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. "Don't Let Him Go" has appeared on several REO Speedwagon greatest hits albums.

In Your Letter 1981 single by REO Speedwagon

"In Your Letter" is a song written by Gary Richrath that was first released on REO Speedwagon's 1980 album Hi Infidelity. It was released as the fourth single from the album and just made the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at #20. It also reached #26 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. It also had some chart success in Canada, reaching #34.

Time for Me to Fly (song) 1978 single by REO Speedwagon

"Time for Me to Fly" is a song by American rock band REO Speedwagon, released in 1978 as the second single from the album You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can't Tuna Fish. It was written by lead singer Kevin Cronin and took 10 years to write. The song originally reached number 56 on the Billboard Hot 100, but later reached number 34 on the Digital Songs chart after being used in Netflix's Ozark. It also reached number 90 on the Canadian charts. The song has a BPM of 81 BPM and plays in 4/4 time signature. Cash Box praised the "melodic singing and acoustic guitar work...enveloping chorus and...catchy lyric."

One Lonely Night (song) 1985 single by REO Speedwagon

"One Lonely Night" is a song performed by the American band REO Speedwagon. The song is the third single from the band's 1984 album Wheels Are Turnin'. It peaked at No. 19 on the US Billboard Hot 100, making it the second best performing single from the album in the United States, although very far from the success of "Can't Fight This Feeling".

I Do Wanna Know 1984 single by REO Speedwagon

"I Do' Wanna Know" is a song written by Kevin Cronin that was the lead single from REO Speedwagon's 1984 album Wheels Are Turnin'. It was more of a rocker reminiscent of the songs REO Speedwagon had released in the 1970s than the ballads the band had been successful with in the early 1980s. It had limited success on popular music charts, which was blamed for delaying sales of the album until the release of the follow up single, the ballad "Can't Fight This Feeling." The video to the song was nominated for several awards.

References

  1. ↑ Metzer, David (2017). The Ballad in American Popular Music: From Elvis to Beyoncé. Cambridge University Press. p. 144. ISBN   9781107161528.
  2. ↑ Rice, F. Philip (1987). The Adolescent: Development, Relationships, and Culture. Allyn & Bacon. p. 362. ISBN   9780205104659.
  3. ↑ Robins, Wayne (June 23, 1985). "REO Speedwagon keeps rolling along". Newsday. p. II-2. Retrieved 2022-07-31– via newspapers.com.
  4. 1 2 Shales, Tom (August 8, 1985). "Chic MTV can rot your brain". Press and Sun-Bulletin. p. 2C. Retrieved 2022-07-31– via newspapers.com.
  5. ↑ "Reviews" (PDF). Billboard. April 13, 1985. p. 71. Retrieved 2022-07-27.
  6. ↑ Bishop, Pete (February 12, 1985). "Speedwagon back on a fast track". Pittsburgh Press. p. B8. Retrieved 2022-07-31– via newspapers.com.
  7. ↑ "Single Releases" (PDF). Cash Box. July 13, 1985. p. 11. Retrieved 2022-07-29.
  8. ↑ Novak, Bill (September 5, 1985). "On the Record". Sheboygan Press. p. 38. Retrieved 2022-07-31– via newspapers.com.
  9. ↑ Haight, Kathy (March 4, 1985). "REO Speedwagon, Survivor At The Colisseum". Charlotte Obersver. p. 5B. Retrieved 2022-07-31– via newspapers.com.
  10. ↑ Watkins, Billy (February 16, 2006). "'Keep On Loving You': REO Speedwagon keeps flame of '80s fame roaring hot". Clarion-Ledger. p. 25F. Retrieved 2022-07-31– via newspapers.com.
  11. ↑ "Live Every Moment". Allmusic. Retrieved 2022-07-31.
  12. 1 2 3 "KEEFCO's John Weaver Goes Solo". Billboard. June 22, 1985. p. 23. Retrieved 2022-07-31.
  13. 1 2 Kolb, Lydia (June 30, 1985). "New Jackson video lives up to name". The Paducah Sun. p. E-4. Retrieved 2022-07-31– via newspapers.com.
  14. ↑ "REO Speedwagon: Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved 2022-07-31.
  15. ↑ "RPM 100 Singles". Library and Archives Canada. September 7, 1985. Retrieved 2022-07-31.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.