Foreigner’s Records was released on November 29, 1982, the compilation spanning the band’s first four albums through 1981. Along with their second album, Double Vision, the release is the group’s best-selling record. I must have played this one a thousand times when I was a kid. Mind you, I was ten at the time, yet every song on that record is a bona fide global smash hit, and the music still holds up today. It would go on to become certified seven times platinum, something most of us will never see again in our lifetime.
Fast forward almost four decades and a new Foreigner led by founding member Mick Jones (who let’s not forget joined the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2013) is alive and well and arguably sounding better than ever before. Sure they’re missing their original vocalist, the almighty Lou Gramm, but holy shit does Kelly Hansen play the part well. He’s been part of the band for more than a decade now and not only is he a stellar vocalist, he adds a new dynamic to the group. Anyone who sees the band live can’t deny the unbridled talent and charisma Hansen brings to the band.
Add to that Dokken bass master Jeff Pilson, Big Country’s Bruce Watson, former Whitesnake drummer Chris Frazier, sax man Thom Gimbel, and keyboardist Michael Bluestein, and you have a group of musicians who not only recreate the legendary songs live, they add a welcome and slight modern twist. The show was a non-stop hits-a-palooza that featured all the classics. “Double Vision,” “Cold As Ice,” “Waiting for a Girl Like You,” “Dirty White Boy,”—I could go on for a while here, but the real highlight for me was how incredible “Urgent” and “Juke Box Hero” sounded live—two of my favorites.
As the band continues to celebrate 40 years of rock ‘n’ roll, they hit a new milestone just a few weeks ago as they forged new chart territory debuting at No. 1 on both the Classical Albums and Classical Crossover Albums charts with its new release Foreigner with The 21st Century Symphony Orchestra & Chorus. This was recorded in Switzerland in May 2017 and features a 58-piece orchestra and 60-piece choir. I picked this one up on vinyl at the local record store and was thrilled to see it included not only a download but a DVD of the entire show. While one might initially think, “What the hell is Foreigner doing with a 21 piece orchestra?”—the answer is quite simple…it works brilliantly.
Foreigner will join forces with Whitesnake and Jason Bonham’s Led Zep Experience for a 30-date summer tour that kicks off in Bangor, Maine on June 15. The new album, Foreigner with The 21st Century Symphony Orchestra & Chorus, is available now in several formats, including CD, digital, and a brilliant gatefold, double vinyl.
