Foreigner (Rhino/Atlantic) 1977
1. "Feels Like the
First Time" (3:52)
2. "Cold as Ice" (3:23)
3. "Starrider" (4:03)
4. "Headknocker" (3:05)
5. "The Damage is Done" (4:19)
6. "Long, Long Way from Home" (2:55)
7. "Woman oh Woman" (3:53)
8. "At War with the World" (4:26)
9. "Fool for You Anyway" (4:17)
10. "I Need You" (5:18)
BONUS TRACKS
11. "Feels Like the First Time" [demo] (3:40)
12. "Woman oh Woman" [demo] (4:14)
13. "At War with the World" [demo] (5:00)
14. "Take Me To Your Leader" [demo] (3:40)
Foreigner? What the heck is this doing on a page about heavy metal and hard rock? Yes, I know, I know, Foreigner and Journey are far removed from what most would consider heavy metal. Certainly any self respecting metalhead worth his patch clad denim vest in the late 70's and early 80's wouldn't admit to liking this bunch of AOR rockers, especially after they became the kings of high school slow dances with "Waiting for a Girl Like You" some years later. In reality, however, this is a really good rock 'n' roll record. Many regard it as the band's best. It certainly generated a couple of mega-hits in "Feels Like the First Time" and "Cold As Ice". One other thing that Foreigner did in 1977 was to help kick off the big arena rock era that would soon follow. While most 70's bands were being beat into the ground by the punk explosion of the time, Foreigner, Journey and Boston all proved to the world that genuine rock n roll was still relevant and hugely popular. For the most part, the songs on Foreigner are relatively tame compared to harder rocking bands like Ted Nugent and Aerosmith who were both hugely popular in '77. They were especially tame to the newers crop of heavy British bands like UFO and Judas Priest, who would soon find fame in heavy metal's resurgence in the 80's. However, Foreigner songs still rocked, thanks in part to the riffs of Mick Jones, the soaring, clean vocals of Lou Gramm and the catchy songwriting. There was even a bit of experimentation with "space rock" on songs like "Starrider". Oh sure, no metalhead would admit to liking this trite, but the fact is, we all left the radio station on when these songs came on. C'mon, admit it, you know you like it!
Reissued and remastered in 2002 with four bonus tracks. Nothing really essential here, but the remastering and expanded booklet are worth the price.
Foreigner - Double Vision (Atlantic) 1978
1. "Hot Blooded"
(4:20)
2. "Blue Morning, Blue Day" (3:06)
3. "You're All I Am" (3:19)
4. "Back Where You Belong" (3:20)
5. "Love Has Taken Its Toll" (3:25)
6. "Double Vision" (3:40)
7. "Tramontane" [instrumental] (3:52)
8. "I Have Waited So Long" (4:04)
9. "Lonely Children" (3:31)
10. "Spellbinder" (4:43)
Led by songwriting and smooth voices of Lou Gramm and Mick Jones, Foreigner deliver their sophmore release. Many fans at the time were unsure that Foreigner would be able to record a follow-up album as good and the hugely successful debut. However, Foreigner indeed delivered the goods as "Double Vision" was a big hit and helped secure the band as superstars. This one features several big rock radio staples including "Hot Blooded" and the title track. Both are big rockers and some of the band's finest songs. Likewise, "Blue Morning, Blue Day" is n excellent, classic, melodic song. I also enjoy the keyboard heavy instrumental "Tromontane". Unfortunately this CD is marred by a few sappy ballads such as "You'r Are All I Am", "I Have Waited So Long" and "Back Where You Belong". Other than these, however, I enjoy the bands simple, pop rock approach from time to time and find "Double Vision" to be on par with the band's debut.
Foreigner - 4 (Atlantic) 1981
1. "Night Life"
(3:51)
2. "Juke Box Hero" (4:20)
3. "Break It Up" (4:13)
4. "Waiting For A Girl Like You" (4:52)
5. "Luanne" (3:28)
6. "Urgent" (4:31)
7. "I'm Gonna Win" (4:53)
8. "Woman in Black" (4:46)
9. "Girl on the Moon" (3:53)
10. "Don't Let Go" (3:57)
BONUS TRACKS
11. "Juke Box Hero" [unplugged] (3:06)
12. "Waiting For A Girl Like You" [unplugged] (2:50)
Foreigner broke into the 1980's with a bang. "4" was a huge hit for the band in 1981 and featured several singles. Yes, I know, no self-respecting metalhead in the early 80's would be caught dead listening to this radio dribble. Even if one could justify owning and listening to the band's first two or three albums, this album seemed to be just a bit too far outside acceptable hard rock standards. The keyboards on this album were equally as important as the guitars, which may account for why many rockers turned away from "4", while the masses ate it up. To a large degree I agree that this album is just a bit too pop. For the most part "4" is ultra-light, commercial, radio-ready, pop rock for the masses. The sappy ballad "Waiting For A Girl Like You" is one of the most overplayed songs in the history of rock and roll. Growing up and going to high school in the 80's, you couldn't go to a function without this song being cranked through the PA. I actually prefer the unplugged version included as a bonus track on this disc to the original version. However, the entire CD is not one long ballad. "Night Life" is a rocking opener and has a sound not unlike something off "Double Vision". Likewise the bluesy "I'm Gonna Win" has a similar sound to those early Foreigner albums. "Juke Box Hero" and "Urgent" are overplayed hits, but there is no denying the sing-along hooks of these songs. Both these tracks are still regular players on classic rock and pop formats. "Urgent" features a great saxophone solo. The lesser known "Luanne" is also a good uptempo number as well. "4" is not one of my favorite CDs, but it's a enjoyable, nostalgic trip through history every once and while. It should also be noted that the keyboards on this album were performed by Thomas Dolby, before anyone knew who he was.