In high school, I conducted music surveys. I'd compile a list, usually of 50 songs I'd heard on the radio recently, and ask people I knew to rate them using letter grades. Sometimes, I'd include my own grades. One student, upon seeing I'd given REO Speedwagon's "Can't Fight This Feeling" a C, was incredulous. "Andrew, you fool," he told me. "That's a good song."
I'd entertain giving higher grades to two of the band's stronger songs, "Ridin' The Storm Out" or "Roll With The Changes." I'd still give "...Feeling" a C, though. It's relatable to almost everyone, so I understand why so many listeners like it. For me, though, it's too paint-by-numbers. My impression from 1986 still stands.
