Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Foreigner…












The band Foreigner debuted in 1977, with their self-titled, “Foreigner,” containing the hits “Feels Like The First Time,” “Cold As Ice,” & “Long, Long Way From Home.” Their follow-up “Double Vision,” in 1978, contained the title track, as well as “Hot Blooded” and “Blue Morning, Blue Day.”

“Head Games” was next in 1979, featuring the title track.

Then, came my favorite album of theirs, “4”, loaded with quality songs, such as, “Night Life,” “Juke Box Hero,” “Break It Up,” (my favorite Foreigner song), “Waiting For A Girl Like You,” (their first big hit as a ballad), “Luanne,” “Urgent,” and “Don’t Let Go.”

Years later, when looking at my album version of “4,” I noticed a few interesting people who helped…Tom Dolby (known as Thomas Dolby, of “She Blinded Me With Science” fame, played main synthesizers, and Robert “Mutt” Lange (now Shania Twain’s ex-husband) was one of many who provided background vocals.

In 1982, they had their first compilation album of hits, “Records.”

“Agent Provocateur” was an original release, in 1984. “That Was Yesterday” and “I Want To Know What Love Is,” their other big hit as a ballad, were hits from this release.

Another compilation album, “The Very Best…And Beyond,” was released in 1992. Other “hits” albums followed…”Jukebox Heroes: The Foreigner Anthology” in 2000, “Complete Greatest Hits” in 2002, and “Definitive Collection” in 2006.

Their lead singer, Lou Gramm (Lou Gramm's Official Web Site), of the aptly named, “The Lou Gramm Band,” is currently on tour with the rock band, Boston. In 1987, he started a solo career, and released “Ready Or Not,” known for the hit single, “Midnight Blue.”

Foreigner is one of my favorite bands, and “4” one of my favorite albums of all time. One of the things I love about Foreigner, is that their lead singer, Lou Gramm, has one of those distinctive voices. Once you hear that voice, you know it's either, Lou, solo, or Foreigner. Either way, it's enjoyable to listen to.

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