REO Speedwagon - Building the Bridge (1996)

By the release of 1996's BUILDING THE BRIDGE, singer Kevin Cronin was the undisputed leader of REO Speedwagon, and one of the band's few original members still present. Longtime fans considered BRIDGE as more of a Cronin solo album than a true REO release, and this may be true--especially since there's little of the band's early rock direction left in the mix (that evaporated with guitarist Gary Richrath's departure) and more of the soft rock that Cronin is known for. The Beatle-esque "Can't Stop Rockin'" proves to be a standout, as well as the more laid-back title track, "One True Man," and "After Tonight."~Building the Bridge Review by AllMusic