Can't Fight This Feeling: Lead Sheet / Fake Book
Can't Fight This Feeling Sheet Music Preview

Can't Fight This Feeling: Lead Sheet / Fake Book

As performed by REO Speedwagon

Item: 35-DS00376557
Digital Download
$3.99
Description

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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 2
SKU: 35-DS00376557

More about this title

About the Artist: REO Speedwagon

REO Speedwagon emerged from Champaign, Illinois in the 1970s to become one of arena rock's most enduring acts. The band built their reputation on anthemic songs powered by Kevin Cronin's gift for emotional directness and Gary Richrath's soaring guitar work. Their 1980 album Hi Infidelity became a cultural phenomenon, spending 15 weeks at number one and establishing REO Speedwagon as masters of the power ballad.

Why we love this

This lead sheet captures one of rock music's most recognizable emotional peaks. The straightforward harmony and accessible melody make it a natural choice for keyboardists working on popular song interpretation, while the song's genuine sentiment rewards careful phrasing and dynamics.

What to expect

Earnest and unguarded. The song moves through quiet vulnerability into a chorus that opens up with genuine warmth, creating a musical arc that feels both familiar and deeply felt. There's no irony here, just honest expression.

Who it's for

Pianists and keyboardists who want to work on pop and rock repertoire with real melodic substance. This works well for students building confidence with lead sheet interpretation and for adult learners exploring music they grew up hearing on the radio.

How to get the most out of it

  • Honor the restraint in the verse; the power of this song comes from building gradually rather than starting big
  • Treat the chorus melody as a vehicle for legit singing, not just note reading. The emotional arc matters more than perfect time
  • Let the keyboard voicings breathe with space between phrases, especially in the quieter sections

How to use it

Feature this in a popular music or rock history unit where students analyze how strong melody and simple harmony create lasting emotional impact. It pairs naturally with other power ballads from the 1980s and serves as a bridge between classical song study and contemporary music-making.

Skills your students will build

  • Lead sheet reading and harmonic interpretation
  • Phrasing and dynamics in popular song contexts
  • Voicing choices for keyboard instruments
  • Balancing accompaniment textures with vocal melody

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