With a sound built for stadiums and singalongs, Foreigner rose to prominence in the late 1970s and early 1980s as one of the definitive arena rock bands. Blending hard rock power with pop accessibility, the group delivered anthem after anthem—“Cold As Ice,” “Hot Blooded,” “Juke Box Hero,” and “I Want to Know What Love Is” among their biggest.
Known for soaring vocals, driving guitar riffs, and unforgettable choruses, Foreigner dominated rock radio and filled arenas across the world. This article explores the band’s origins, their greatest hits, and the lasting legacy that makes Foreigner a pillar of classic rock history.
Top Hits
With much of the lineup still intact, the group offered power ballads that proved to be eminently successful, and brought them a string of hits especially in the 70s and the 80s music eras. These hits include:
- Feels Like The First Time
- Cold As Ice
- Long Long Way From Home
- Hot Blooded
- Double Vision
- Blue Morning, Blue Day
- Dirty White Boy
- Head Games
- Urgent
- Juke Box Hero
- I Want To Know What Love Is
- That Was Yesterday
- Say You Will
- I Don’t Want To Live Without You
These songs are not only oldies music classics but are also classic rock love songs that have been enjoyed by generations of star-crossed lovers.
Beginnings and Rise to Fame
Foreigner was formed in 1976 in New York City by English guitarist and songwriter Mick Jones, a veteran of bands like Spooky Tooth and The Leslie West Band. Jones brought together a mix of British and American musicians, including:
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Ian McDonald (saxophone, ex-King Crimson)
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Dennis Elliott (drums, ex-Ian Hunter)
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Al Greenwood (keyboards)
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Ed Gagliardi (bass)
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Lou Gramm (vocals, ex-Black Sheep)
Jones and Gramm quickly formed a strong songwriting partnership. The band signed with Atlantic Records and released their self-titled debut in 1977.
Early Success
The debut album Foreigner was a massive hit:
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Peaked at #4 on the Billboard 200
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Featured hit singles:
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“Feels Like the First Time” (#4)
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“Cold As Ice” (#6)
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“Long, Long Way from Home” (#20)
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Sold over 5 million copies in the U.S.
Their second album, Double Vision (1978), was even more successful:
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Sold over 6 million copies in the U.S.
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Featured hits:
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“Hot Blooded” (#3)
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“Double Vision” (#2)
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“Blue Morning, Blue Day” (#15)
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Experiencing Astronomical Success
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In 1979, Foreigner released their third album Head Games. It continued their streak:
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Went Top 10 and sold over 3 million copies
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Produced hits like:
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“Dirty White Boy” (#12)
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“Head Games” (#14)
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Rick Wills replaced Gagliardi on bass around this time.
Breakthrough with 4
In 1981, Foreigner released 4, their biggest commercial success:
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Sold over 7 million copies in the U.S.
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Reached #1 on the Billboard 200
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Featured iconic tracks:
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“Urgent” (#4)
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“Juke Box Hero” (#26)
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“Waiting for a Girl Like You” (#2 Hot 100, #1 Rock)
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This album cemented Foreigner’s place among the top arena rock acts of the era.
Mid-’80s and Continued Success
It took three years for Foreigner to follow up with Agent Provocateur in 1984. The album wasn’t as strong overall, but it gave them their only #1 hit, the power ballad “I Want to Know What Love Is”. The track topped charts in the U.S., UK, and on rock and adult contemporary charts.
Though Agent Provocateur sold well (over 3 million copies), it didn’t match the numbers of 4. After an exhausting tour, the band took a break.
During this time:
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Jones focused on producing other artists like Van Halen and Bad Company
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Gramm launched a solo career with moderate success
Foreigner returned in 1987 with Inside Information, which peaked at #15 and produced two hits:
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“I Don’t Want to Live Without You” (#5)
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“Say You Will” (#6)
Friction, Departures, and Reunions
Tensions between Jones and Gramm led to Gramm’s departure in 1989. He pursued solo work, while Foreigner brought in Johnny Edwards as a replacement. Their 1991 album Unusual Heat was a commercial disappointment and failed to chart in the Top 100.
Realizing the chemistry was missing, Gramm and Jones reunited in the early 1990s:
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Released The Very Best… and Beyond (1992), certified double platinum
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Followed by their first live album Classic Hits/Best of Live (1993)
Foreigner continued to tour successfully until Gramm was sidelined by a benign brain tumor. After recovering, he returned—but eventually left the band again in 2003, this time permanently.
A New Era and Continued Touring
After Gramm’s departure, Kelly Hansen (formerly of Hurricane) became the new lead singer. Under his vocals, Foreigner remained a popular touring act.
They released:
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Can’t Slow Down (2009) – their first new studio album in 15 years
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Acoustique (2011) – a collection of acoustic re-recordings of their hits
Though no longer a chart-topping act, Foreigner has kept its arena rock legacy alive through consistent touring and live performances.
Recognition and Legacy
In 2013, Mick Jones and Lou Gramm were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, recognizing their role in shaping some of the most iconic rock songs of the late 20th century.
Though the lineup has changed over time, Foreigner’s music continues to resonate across generations. With classic tracks that blend emotional ballads and high-energy rock, Foreigner remains one of the most enduring and successful arena rock bands in history.