Foreigner 4

Foreigner had already established their radio presence on late-‘70s album oriented rock radio stations with three brawny guitar-based albums. However, with the ‘80s coming on and New Wave picking up momentum, it was time to tinker with the formula ever so slightly. With Robert John “Mutt” Lange in the producer’s chair — he’d just finished AC/DC’s Back in Black and was about to embark on the most successful era of his career with Def Leppard among the waiting — Foreigner further tightened up their approach until the hooks had hooks. “Waiting for a Girl Like You” was one of the era’s first power ballads and expanded the group’s appeal beyond its predominantly male audience. “Urgent” added a touch of funk and gave them a legitimate dancefloor hit. “Juke Box Hero” played to the band’s anthemic strengths, allowing both guitarist Mick Jones and singer Lou Gramm the chance to wail on an all-out rocker. “Luanne” shows signs of ‘50s retro.