Artist: Foreigner Album: Foreigner

Year: 1977
Duration: 0:0-1

The Perfect Balance of Foreigner's Self-Titled Album

In the late 1970s, rock music was having quite a moment in America. Brilliant albums were being released left and right. And in 1981, Foreigner dipped their toe into that scene and released their self-titled album, Foreigner. This album took the world by storm with its pop-rock sound and phenomenal lyrics. Coming at the peak of the band's fame, the album has been praised for being one of Foreigner's finest works. Today, I'm here to give a critical review of Foreigner's self-titled album.

Foreigner was formed in 1976, with Lou Gramm on lead vocals, Mick Jones on guitar, Ian McDonald on guitar and keyboards, and others. They were one of the most successful bands of the 80s and their self-titled debut album still holds up well today. The album perfectly showcased the band’s strengths while also contributing in many ways to the wider genre of rock music. The biggest strength of the album is the voice of Lou Gramm. Gramm’s voice is powerful, soaring, and hits you right in the heart. He is firmly in control and shows off his vast vocal range of notes throughout the entire album.

The genre of Foreigner’s self-titled album is definitely classic rock, with a few slower and love ballads too. It was poppy, catchy, and was deeply ingrained in the DNA of the era it was created in. This mixture of soft and heavy sounds made it iconic for fans back in 1982 and has continued to do so for music listeners who appreciate classic rock. This album also has characteristics of a coming-of-age album, marking the emergence of a band full of potential and hope - and they delivered it exceptionally.

Every song in this album is remarkable, but some are particularly notable. The first one, “Feels Like the First Time,” is an uplifting anthem that will get you pumped for the day. The third song, “Starrider,” is a slow-building epic, that really showcases the band’s songwriting and the studio effects used throughout the album. Lastly, “Long, Long Way From Home,” is one of the album's most notable ballads. The proper blend of melody and lyrics, promise to hit you right in the feels.

Hands down, the most innovative aspect of this album is its arrangements. Every single instrument is impeccably placed, creating an immersive audio experience that's simply unforgettable. This album takes every aspect of typical rock music and applies it in creative ways to create immersive soundscapes. Moreover, the studio effects are very well integrated, which is something we’re seeing more often today.

Finally, let’s briefly talk about some criticisms. The album's main problem is that it can be difficult to take it at face value because it’s almost an amalgamation of what was fashionable in rock during the 70s, rather than a unique interpretation of this overall sound. Similarly, the album doesn’t explore its most innovative and unique ideas quite enough and relies too heavily on established rock sounds.

Overall, Foreigner’s self-titled album is one of the best classic rock albums of all time and showcased to the world how this band could offer much more than meets the eye. It is a genuinely incredible piece of art that has stood strong amid the test of time, and is a must-listen for anyone who loves rock music. Yes, there are some minor criticisms, but it’s an excellent album that elevated Foreigner to legendary status. So, do yourself a favor, and give this album a spin whenever you are in need of good classic rock music. You won’t regret it!