R.E.O./T.W.O. is the second studio album released by the Illinois-based rock band REO Speedwagon, released in 1972. Under the leadership of guitarist Gary Richrath, this album continued the musical direction set on 1971's REO Speedwagon with Richrath's own compositions carrying the record.
R.E.O./T.W.O. launched REO on its first national tour and presented a more polished production than the band‘s debut album; however, it still retained the progressive rock leanings that they were to ditch following the arrival of Mike MurphyRoll Over Beethoven. Emusic Spotlight. and did not even have a slightly successful single to rival “Sophisticated Lady”. Despite this and R.E.O./T.W.O.’s failure to dent the Billboard Top 200, it has remained more readily available than the debut. The album went gold on August 13, 1981.
The album introduced Kevin Cronin as vocalist, guitarist and contributing songwriter to the band, replacing Terry Luttrell. Notable tracks on the album include Richrath’s political “Golden Country” as well as "Like You Do". Both songs, as well as Cronin’s “Music Man”, are frequently part of the band's setlist.
Track listing All songs written by Gary Richrath, except where noted.
Side one "Let Me Ride" (Kevin Cronin) – 6:00 "How the Story Goes" – 3:34 "Little Queenie" (Chuck Berry) – 6:39 "Being Kind (Can Hurt Someone Sometimes)" (Cronin) – 6:02
Side two "Music Man" (Cronin) – 4:38 "Like You Do" – 5:57 "Flash Tan Queen" – 4:23 "Golden Country" – 6:33
Personnel REO Speedwagon Kevin Cronin – lead and backing vocals, rhythm guitar Gary Richrath – lead guitar Neal Doughty – keyboards Gregg Philbin – bass Alan Gratzer – drums
Additional personnel Boots Randolph – saxophone (track 3) Kelly Bowen – backing vocals (track 1) Tomi Lee Bradly – backing vocals (track 1)
Certifications
Release history Region Date Title Label Format Catalog # USA December 1972 R.E.O./T.W.O. Epic Records Stereo Vinyl E-31745 USA 1972 R.E.O./T.W.O. Epic Records Tape PET-31745 USA 1972 R.E.O./T.W.O. Epic Records 8 TRK E31745 USA 1990 R.E.O./T.W.O. Epic Records CD EK 31745 UK 2007 R.E.O. Speedwagon / R.E.O./T.W.O. BGO Records 2-CD (Digitally re-mastered) BGOCD775 Japan 2011 R.E.O./T.W.O. Sony Music CD (DSD-Remaster) EICP 1481 Germany 2013 R.E.O./T.W.O. Yellow Label (Coloured) Vinyl SPV 266141 LP
References