What makes Good Trouble by REO Speedwagon notable?

Good Trouble peaked at number 10 on the Billboard 200 chart and featured the hit single 'Keep the Fire Burnin', which reached number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album marked a continuation of REO Speedwagon's influence in the rock scene during the early '80s, showcasing their ability to adapt while maintaining their core identity. Released on June 11, 1982, Good Trouble is REO Speedwagon's ninth studio album, following the commercial success of their previous record, Hi Infidelity. At this point in their career, the band was transitioning to a sound that maintained their rock roots while incorporating more mainstream pop elements, aiming for broader radio appeal amidst changing musical trends.

Who is Good Trouble for?

Good Trouble works well if you're into steady mid-tempo sing-alongs, heartfelt ballads for reflection and feel-good anthems for gatherings.

How many songs are on Good Trouble?

Good Trouble has 10 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

Good Trouble

REO Speedwagon · 1982

37 min · 10 tracks · rock music

A polished rock sound blends heartfelt ballads and upbeat tracks with lush harmonies and anthemic choruses.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Keep the Fire Burnin' — This track serves as a powerful anthem about perseverance and hope, featuring soaring vocals and a memorable chorus that encapsulates the band's signature sound.
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Every Now and Then — With its soft melody and introspective lyrics, this song highlights emotional vulnerability, showcasing a different side of the band's songwriting prowess.
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Good Trouble — The title track embodies a carefree spirit and catchy rhythms, representing the album’s overall theme of embracing life's challenges with optimism.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album features polished rock with strong melodies but lacks standout compositions that elevate it significantly.

What we noticed

The first four tracks maintain a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fifth track introduces a slower ballad that alters the album's momentum.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, creating a rich sound texture.
The last three tracks shift towards more introspective themes and slower tempos, providing a contrast to the earlier upbeat songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo sing-alongs
heartfelt ballads for reflection
feel-good anthems for gatherings
uplifting tunes for road trips

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced tracks
dislike polished production styles

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on June 11, 1982, Good Trouble is REO Speedwagon's ninth studio album, following the commercial success of their previous record, Hi Infidelity. At this point in their career, the band was transitioning to a sound that maintained their rock roots while incorporating more mainstream pop elements, aiming for broader radio appeal amidst changing musical trends.
Stylistic neighbors: Styx· Journey· Foreigner