Foreigner is one of the most iconic rock bands of the 1970s and 1980s, known for their unique blend of hard rock, pop, and melodic ballads. With worldwide hits like “I Want to Know What Love Is,” “Cold as Ice,” and “Juke Box Hero,” Foreigner’s music has endured for decades, captivating fans across multiple generations. The band’s combination of powerful vocals, catchy guitar riffs, and emotionally resonant ballads has secured their place in the pantheon of classic rock legends.
This article delves into Foreigner’s history, their ups and downs, and how they crafted a signature sound that remains relevant today. From their formation and rise to stardom to challenges and changes in lineup, Foreigner’s journey is a testament to the staying power of good music.
The Formation of Foreigner: A Transatlantic Rock Band
Foreigner was formed in 1976 by Mick Jones, a British guitarist and songwriter, along with Ian McDonald, a multi-instrumentalist who was also a founding member of King Crimson, and Lou Gramm, an American vocalist with a powerful and distinct voice.
The band’s name, Foreigner, was chosen because of its mixed national origins—half of the members were British, and the other half were American. Jones and McDonald had already made names for themselves in the British music scene, but they sought to create a new band that would appeal to both British and American audiences. The lineup was rounded out by Dennis Elliott (drums), Al Greenwood (keyboards), and Ed Gagliardi (bass).
Breakthrough Success with Their Debut Album
In 1977, Foreigner released their self-titled debut album, Foreigner, which became an instant success. The album featured hit singles like “Feels Like the First Time,” “Cold as Ice,” and “Long, Long Way from Home.” These songs quickly gained traction on rock radio, showcasing the band’s ability to blend hard rock with pop sensibilities. The album eventually went platinum, establishing Foreigner as a major force in the rock world.
The debut album’s success was due in large part to the band’s sound, which combined Mick Jones’s rock guitar riffs with Lou Gramm’s powerful, soulful vocals. The combination created a distinctive sound that balanced melodic rock with anthemic power, appealing to both mainstream and rock audiences.
Continued Success: Double Vision and Head Games
Foreigner’s sophomore album, Double Vision (1978), solidified their place as one of the leading rock bands of the time. Featuring hits like “Hot Blooded” and the title track “Double Vision,” the album was a huge success, going multi-platinum and confirming the band’s ability to deliver consistent hits. “Hot Blooded” became one of the band’s signature songs, showcasing their harder rock edge.
The band followed up with Head Games in 1979. This album continued their streak of success, producing popular songs like “Dirty White Boy” and “Head Games.” While not as commercially successful as their previous albums, it still demonstrated Foreigner’s ability to craft catchy rock anthems.
However, tensions within the band began to surface during the making of Head Games. Creative differences between Jones and McDonald, as well as Lou Gramm’s growing influence, led to lineup changes that would later affect the band’s dynamic.
The 1980s: Highs and Lows with 4 and Agent Provocateur
The early 1980s marked both the highest peaks and deepest valleys for Foreigner. In 1981, they released their fourth studio album, simply titled 4. This album was a massive commercial success, containing hits like “Urgent,” “Juke Box Hero,” and “Waiting for a Girl Like You.” With producer Robert John “Mutt” Lange at the helm, the band refined their sound, incorporating synthesizers and other pop elements that broadened their appeal.
The song “Urgent” featured a distinctive saxophone solo by the legendary Junior Walker, blending rock with a touch of R&B. Meanwhile, “Waiting for a Girl Like You” showcased the band’s ability to create a powerful rock ballad, reaching No. 2 on the charts and becoming a staple of 1980s soft rock playlists.
4 remains one of Foreigner’s best-selling albums, spending weeks at the top of the charts and going multi-platinum. This period solidified the band as one of the biggest acts of the decade.
Agent Provocateur and “I Want to Know What Love Is”
In 1984, Foreigner released the album Agent Provocateur, which featured one of their most famous songs, the power ballad “I Want to Know What Love Is.” This song became the band’s first and only No. 1 hit in the U.S. and UK. It remains one of the most beloved rock ballads of all time, with its lush production and emotional lyrics resonating with audiences around the world.
“I Want to Know What Love Is” also introduced gospel choir elements into the band’s sound, further expanding their stylistic range. Despite the song’s success, Agent Provocateur as an album was not as critically well-received as previous works, and internal tensions within the band continued to mount.
Band Turmoil and Lineup Changes
By the mid-1980s, tensions between Mick Jones and Lou Gramm began to intensify. Gramm’s desire to pursue a solo career led to a temporary departure from the band in the late 1980s. His solo ventures, including hits like “Midnight Blue,” were successful, but Foreigner struggled to replicate their earlier success without him.
In 1987, Foreigner released Inside Information, which featured songs like “Say You Will” and “I Don’t Want to Live Without You,” but it did not achieve the same level of commercial success as their earlier albums. After Gramm’s initial departure, Foreigner went through several lineup changes, and Mick Jones remained the band’s only constant member.
Throughout the 1990s, the band saw various personnel changes and less commercial success compared to their earlier heyday, but they continued to tour and release music.
The Resurgence and Continued Popularity
After the 1990s, Foreigner experienced something of a resurgence in the 2000s, with Kelly Hansen stepping in as the band’s lead singer in 2005, replacing Lou Gramm. Hansen brought renewed energy to the group, and his vocal style, which was reminiscent of Gramm’s, helped the band connect with both older fans and new listeners.
In 2009, Foreigner released Can’t Slow Down, their first album of new material in 15 years. The album was well-received by fans and helped reintroduce the band to a new generation of listeners. Around the same time, Foreigner embraced the classic rock tour circuit, often performing with other legendary acts like Journey and Def Leppard.
Foreigner’s Musical Style and Legacy
Foreigner’s music has always been rooted in hard rock, but they have successfully blended a wide range of styles, from arena rock to pop and power ballads. Mick Jones’ guitar-driven sound combined with Lou Gramm’s powerful vocals made for an unforgettable pairing that helped the band stand out in the competitive rock scene of the 1970s and 1980s.
Their ability to craft anthemic rock hits alongside emotional ballads allowed them to reach a wide audience. Songs like “Juke Box Hero” and “Cold as Ice” became staples of rock radio, while ballads like “I Want to Know What Love Is” and “Waiting for a Girl Like You” appealed to fans of softer rock and pop.
The Band’s Influence on Rock Music
Foreigner’s combination of hard rock and pop melodies paved the way for future bands in the classic rock and arena rock genres. Their formula of crafting catchy, guitar-driven songs with powerful vocals can be heard in the works of many modern rock bands. Foreigner’s hit singles have become timeless classics, still played frequently on rock radio stations and featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials.
As of today, Foreigner remains a vital force in rock music, performing to sold-out crowds around the world. They continue to tour with Kelly Hansen on vocals and Mick Jones still playing a key role in the band’s performances.
Conclusion: Foreigner’s Enduring Legacy
Foreigner’s ability to create memorable rock anthems and timeless ballads has cemented their place as one of the greatest rock bands of all time. From their early success in the 1970s to their rise to stardom in the 1980s and their continued popularity in the 21st century, Foreigner’s music remains relevant and beloved by millions of fans around the world.
With classic hits like “Juke Box Hero,” “Cold as Ice,” and “I Want to Know What Love Is,” Foreigner’s impact on rock music is undeniable. Their combination of powerful vocals, unforgettable guitar riffs, and emotional storytelling has made them one of the most enduring and successful rock bands in history.