“Can’t Fight This Feeling” is one of REO Speedwagon’s most famous and enduring power ballads, released on December 17,1984 with “Break His Spell” on the B-side as the second single from their eleventh studio album, Wheels Are Turnin’. The song became a major hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. in March 1985. Written by the band’s lead singer, Kevin Cronin, the track showcases REO Speedwagon’s ability to blend rock and ballad elements, making it a defining anthem of 1980s soft rock.
“Can’t Fight This Feeling” is a deeply emotional love song that expresses the internal struggle of falling in love with someone who was once just a friend. “Can’t Fight This Feeling” is a classic power ballad—a genre that blends soft rock with emotional, often romantic lyrics. The song begins softly, with gentle piano and Kevin Cronin’s heartfelt vocal delivery, before building into a more dramatic, rock-infused chorus. The arrangement is polished, with lush production that features orchestral strings, electric guitar, and drums that enhance the emotional depth of the track.
“Can’t Fight This Feeling” was a huge commercial success. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S., where it stayed at No. 1 for three weeks in March 1985. The song also performed well internationally, reaching the top 5 in several countries, including Canada and Australia. Its success helped boost the Wheels Are Turnin’ album, which became a multi-platinum seller.
“Can’t Fight This Feeling” by REO Speedwagon is a quintessential 1980s power ballad that captures the emotional vulnerability of falling in love. With its heartfelt lyrics, lush production, and passionate delivery by Kevin Cronin, the song became a No. 1 hit and remains a beloved classic in both the soft rock and pop music genres. Its timeless appeal has ensured its place as one of the defining love songs of the decade.