Foreigner Debut
Released in 1977 by Atlantic Records
Rock / Hard Rock
Personnel:
• Dennis Elliott – drums, vocals
• Ed Gagliardi – bass, vocals
• Lou Gramm – Lead vocals, percussion
• Al Greenwood – keyboard, synthesizer
• Mick Jones – guitar, keyboard, vocals
• Ian McDonald – guitar, drums, horn, keyboard, vocals
With:
• Rick Seratte – keyboard
• Ian Lloyd – background vocal
• Gary Lyons – production
1. "Feels Like the First Time" (Jones) – 3:49
2. "Cold as Ice" (Jones, Gramm) – 3:19
3. "Starrider" (Greenwood, Jones) – 4:01
4. "Headknocker" (Gramm, Jones) – 2:58
5. "The Damage Is Done" (Jones, Gramm) – 4:15
6. "Long, Long Way from Home" (Jones, Gramm, McDonald) – 2:53
7. "Woman Oh Woman" (Jones) – 3:49
8. "At War with the World" (Jones) – 4:18
9. "Fool for You Anyway" (Jones) – 4:15
10. "I Need You" (Gramm, Jones) – 5:09
The Foreigner Debut has some of the biggest FM rock hits of 1977, songs like “Cold as Ice”, “Feels Like the First Time”, "Long, Long Way From Home", and “HeadKnocker”. Songs which still get plenty of radio air time today. This album had a solid production by Gary Lyons and one of the best songwriters of the 70’s, Mick Jones. Jones was involved with and controlled the direction of each song on this album. Vocalist, Lou Gramm, is one of the best vocalists in the business, with a strong, soaring voice. The musical talent that comes together in this album brings artists from bands such as Spooky Tooth, King Crimson, and Black Sheep with very diverse British and American back grounds in music. This fantastic mix of talent would prove to be one of the biggest bands to come from the 70’s and is recognized world-wide by music fans. This album Is the biggest selling album ever to come from Atlantic Records; every song is highly polished with flawless musicianship. This album is truly a classic!
The Music:
”Feels Like the First Time” ~ A grand opening song. A quintessential glam-jam with stellar keyboards, catchy riffs, and an outstanding vocal performance from Gramm. The background vocal harmony layering is a great addition to the already fantastic musical mix. One of my favorite songs of the 70’s.
”Cold as Ice”~This song has a great keyboard opening, followed by some great lyrics delivered by Gramm. The rhythm section is very strong in this song, and the percussion is loud which drives the message deep “Your as cold as ice”. The vocal harmonies are fantastic. Excellent song!
”Starrider”~The progressive feel of this song makes it stand out as one of my favorites from the album. The instrumentation is flawless, and well placed throughout the song. Underrated track, IMO.
”HeadKnocker”~This is a fun song with a catchy beat as well as some pretty fun lyrics. Again, the background vocal harmonies, are outstanding . I love the line “he might show you his smith and wesson, he’s a headknocker”…..I don’t think lyrics can get any funner than that.
”The Damage is Done”~I really enjoy the slow, melodic ambiance of this song. The droning, constant percussion of this song only adds drama to the lyrics. Then the song picks up pace with some great guitar riffs and a fantastic solo. A very majestic song.
”Long, Long Way From Home”~Another hit from the album with some great guitar riffs, hard driving percussion, and a great horn solo from Ian McDonald. I don’t particularly care for the ending, but otherwise the song is worth its hit status.
”Woman Oh Woman” ~This song has some of Gramm’s best vocals from the album, showing his vocal range, which he has now lost due to illness…such a shame. Not the best song on the album, but enjoyable. This attempt by the band to create a ballad, was nobel, but not a prize winner.
”At War With the World”~I like this song, it has a funky groove with some awesome twists in the music. The song opens with one of Jones’ best riffs, IMO, and thumping percussion, then changes flow to create a melodic drama to follow the lyrics. This song has some fantastic synth work.
”Fool For You Anyway”~Another attempt at a ballad. The vocals are clean and precise, and the guitar work in the opener and throughout the song is great, otherwise, I don’t care much for this song. It is a bit too sappy even for my female tastes.
”I Need You”~An overlooked song. This song is a gem. It has a great funky, bluesy beat and some great riffs. The solo by Jones is stellar, the best he ever recorded, IMO. This song is the best structured song on the whole album.
In the theme of album oriented rock, which the 70’s is so duly noted for, the Foreigner Debut is one of the best albums of its time. No classic rock collection should be without this album.
My rating for listening pleasure 4.5/5.
Last edited: