by Doug StoneThe critics were never kind to REO Speedwagon, but Life As We Know It even received a ranking in the Worst Rock n' Roll Records of All Time. By now the fivesome's quest for a chart-busting ballad almost reached new age ("In My Dreams"). REO can still drop good punchy pop like "Can't Get You Out of My Heart." And, of course, Bruce Hall comes through with "Accidents Can Happen," one of those odd songs that could only fall from the radical '80s. Neal Doughty gives "Variety Tonight" some snap, but the band's reach overextends its grasp. As always when worrying about the wallet, REO alienates the old fans without drawing any new.