Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
Foreigner remain one of the most respected groups of the rock fraternity. The tightness and multi- layered feel of their songs, both ballads and storming anthems, have captivated their fan base and beyond since the release of their 1977 self-titled album. What has been missing in that time is the chance to hear some of their certain songs all in one place, on one disc. That has now been rectified by the new compilation album produced by the band’s guitarist Jeff Pilson, I Want To Know What Love Is – The Ballads.
The album showcases some of the classic tracks, the songs that when driving along an empty road in the dead of night, keep the soul company and hopeful, songs that carry the unique feel of a band at the very top of their game. The tracks on the album are also complimented from having the silky smooth voice of Kelly Hansen, the man who took over the vocal duties and who has breathed new life into the band and especially into founder member Mick Jones.
It is this voice that haunts the album from start to finish, both gratifying and with the tenderness of respect to the band’s prestigious past and it certainly shows the songs in a light that perhaps have only been captured at the most intimate of gigs.
It is also testament to the ability of Mick Jones, a man who was finally and deservedly inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in June of last year, that these songs still have the power to take the listener on a trip of discovery many years after they were initially released. The persuasive heart breaking plea to a lover in I Want To Know What Love Is, the exceptional nature of Feels Like The First Time and Waiting For A Girl Like You and relentless beat of Double Vision make the album a tantalising prospect to savour.
There are many compilation albums made, some you can tell are just a chance to regurgitate old glories, not so in I Want To Know What Love Is – The Ballads, this is a gift of a recording by Foreigner, quite rightly one that has requited love stamped throughout.
Foreigner’s 2014 U.K. tour will take in Manchester on April 3rd before going to venues in Newcastle, London and Wolverhampton as well as other venues round the country. Special guests for the Manchester show will be Europe and FM.
I Want To Know What Love Is – The Ballads is released on February 3rd.
Ian D. Hall