The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken

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. 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.

Personnel
REO Speedwagon
 * Kevin Cronin – lead vocals, acoustic guitar
 * Dave Amato – lead guitars, backing vocals
 * Neal Doughty – organ
 * Bruce Hall – bass
 * Bryan Hitt – drums, percussion

Additional performers
 * Jesse Harms – keyboards, backing vocals
 * Steve Forman – percussion
 * Debra Dobkin – backing vocals
 * Beth Hooker – backing vocals
 * Darlene Koldenhoven – backing vocals
 * Janis Liebhart – backing vocals
 * Andrea Robinson – backing vocals
 * Machan Taylor – backing vocals
 * Terry Wood – backing vocals

Production

 * Kevin Cronin – producer
 * Jesse Harms – producer
 * Tom Lord-Alge – producer, recording (3-11), mixing
 * Jim Scott – producer (1, 2), recording (1, 2)
 * Julie Last – assistant engineer (1, 2)
 * Steve Gallagher – assistant engineer (3-11)
 * Mike Tacci – assistant engineer (3-11)
 * Ted Jensen – mastering at Sterling Sound (New York City, New York).
 * David Coleman – art direction, design
 * Mark Ryden – illustration
 * Dennis Keeley – photography