| The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken | |
| Type: | studio |
| Artist: | REO Speedwagon |
| Cover: | REO - The Earth A Small Man album cover.jpg |
| Caption: | Original album artwork by Mark Ryden |
| Released: | August 1990 |
| Recorded: | September 3, 1989 – May 31, 1990 |
| Studio: | Ocean Way Recording (Hollywood, California) One On One Studios (North Hollywood, California) Encore Studios (Burbank, California) |
| Genre: | Rock |
| Length: | 46:26 |
| Label: | Epic |
| Producer: | Kevin Cronin, Jesse Harms, Tom Lord-Alge, Jim Scott |
| Prev Title: | The Hits |
| Prev Year: | 1988 |
| Next Title: | Building the Bridge |
| Next Year: | 1996 |
The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken is the thirteenth studio album by REO Speedwagon, and was released in 1990.
It marked the end of their contract with Epic Records and is, to date, the last REO album to chart, peaking at No. 129 on the Billboard 200.[1] The song "Love Is a Rock" reached No. 65 on Billboard's Hot 100, and "Live It Up" reached No. 6 on Billboard's Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks. "Go For Broke" was written for the film Days of Thunder but ultimately not used.
Following the departure of two long-time members, guitarist and songwriter Gary Richrath and drummer Alan Gratzer, more than half of the songs on this album were written or co-written by keyboardist Jesse Harms. It is also the first album to include guitarist Dave Amato and drummer Bryan Hitt who remain with the band as of 2023.
REO Speedwagon[2]
Additional performers
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | "Love Is a Rock" | US Billboard Hot 100 | 65[3] |
| US Mainstream Rock | 31 | ||
| Japanese Singles Chart | 53[4] | ||
| "Live It Up" | US Mainstream Rock | 6 | |
| Canadian RPM Singles Chart | 81[5] |
| Region | Date | Label | Format | Catalog # | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | August 1990 | Epic Records | E-45246 | ||
| USA | 1990 | Epic Records | Tape | ET-45246 | |
| USA | 1990 | Epic Records | CD | EK45246 |
