Foreigner: Arena Rock Pioneers

Foreigner is a British-American rock band formed in New York City in 1976, achieving massive commercial success in the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s. The group is known for its blend of hard rock energy with polished, radio-friendly melodies, selling over 80 million records worldwide.

Early career

Foreigner was founded in 1976 by British guitarist Mick Jones and American vocalist Lou Gramm, alongside a lineup of seasoned session musicians. The band's self-titled debut album, released in 1977 on Atlantic Records, immediately established their signature sound, combining Jones's rock riffs with Gramm's powerful vocals.

Breakthrough

The 1977 debut album Foreigner was a multi-platinum smash, peaking at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and spawning the hit singles "Feels Like the First Time" and "Cold as Ice." This success was solidified by their 1978 follow-up, Double Vision, which reached No. 3 on the album chart and earned triple-platinum certification, confirming their status as arena rock headliners.

Key tracks

Feels Like the First Time - This debut single introduced the band's anthemic sound to a global audience, breaking into the Top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Hot Blooded - A driving rock track from the Double Vision album that became a staple of album-oriented rock radio and a concert favorite.

I Want to Know What Love Is - Their 1984 ballad became Foreigner's only No. 1 single in the United States and the United Kingdom, featuring a gospel choir for a powerful emotional impact.

Juke Box Hero - A quintessential rock narrative from 1981's 4 album, celebrating the mythos of rock stardom and featuring one of Mick Jones's most famous guitar riffs.

Cold as Ice - An early hit notable for its distinctive piano riff and cynical lyrics, showcasing the band's ability to craft memorable, hook-driven rock songs.

The band's commercial peak continued with 1981's 4, which topped the Billboard album chart and was certified sextuple-platinum, fueled by hits like "Urgent" and "Waiting for a Girl Like You." Despite several lineup changes and Gramm's departure in 1990, Mick Jones has led various incarnations of Foreigner, which continue to tour extensively, capitalizing on a catalog of enduring classic rock anthems.

Fans of Foreigner's melodic rock style may also enjoy the driving anthems of Journey, another group that mastered the blend of rock and pop. The guitar-heavy sound of REO Speedwagon shares a similar commitment to radio-ready rock craftsmanship. For more polished arena rock from the same era, explore the work of Styx and the enduring hits of Boston.

Foreigner's music remains a fixture on classic rock FM stations, where their anthems are celebrated for their timeless hooks and sing-along choruses. Their songs are regularly featured on online rock radio streams dedicated to the biggest hits of the 70s and 80s.

The music of Foreigner can be heard on radio stations featured on our website, allowing listeners to rediscover the band's extensive catalog of rock classics. Explore the stations available to listen to Foreigner's enduring anthems.