Can’t Fight This Feeling — Unpacking an 80s Power Ballad Masterpiece
Ever notice how some 80s ballads just grab you from the very first second? REO Speedwagon’s “Can’t Fight This Feeling” is one of those songs.
Ever notice how some 80s ballads just grab you from the very first second? REO Speedwagon’s “Can’t Fight This Feeling” is one of those songs. On the surface, it’s a warm, romantic anthem. But if you dig into the actual chords, bass lines, and arrangement tricks, you’ll find a treasure trove of songwriting magic. Let’s explore the ostinato intro, the chromatic bass moves, and the ascending ii–V approach that make this classic so irresistibly 80s.
1. The Intro: Ostinato Heaven
A E/A F#m7/A E/A
F#m7 E/F# F#m7 E/F#
A/D E/D D D/E E
A Steady “Pedal” + An Ostinato Figure
Right off the bat, the slash chords (like E/A or F#m7/A) anchor us with A, F#, D and E in the bass. Over top, there’s an ostinato figure—a short repeated melodic or rhythmic motif that keeps running while the chords change beneath it. This is a quintessential 80s power-ballad tool: the bass note stays steady while a repeated hook (the ostinato) mesmerizes us.
- Pedal Tones: The bass note stays while the chords over it move, giving you that wonderful bedrock.
- Ostinato Magic: The right hand on piano (or a synth) repeats a figure that glues the harmony together and builds anticipation for the verse.
Songwriting Tip #1:
Try locking down a single bass note (or a short sequence) and layering a repeating melody on top. The tension comes from chords changing around that stable figure. It’s the perfect way to draw listeners in before your verse even starts.
