Do you love classic rock that stirs your soul? Foreigner, the band behind unforgettable hits like “I Want to Know What Love Is,” has been doing just that for decades. A key part of their success? The powerful voices leading the charge.
In this blog, we’ll take you on a voyage through time, exploring the talented foreigner lead singers who’ve shaped the band’s sound. You’ll get to know the voices behind the music from the early days to today’s performances.
Ready to get into Foreigner’s vocal history? Let’s meet the singers who’ve brought life to some of rock’s most beloved songs and see how they’ve kept Foreigner’s music fresh and exciting for fans, old and new.
Forming Iconic Legends: Foreigner Lead Singers
Foreigner has been a powerhouse in rock music since the late 1970s. Their blend of hard-hitting guitar riffs and heartfelt lyrics has won them fans worldwide. The foreigner lead singers are at the heart of their sound, whose voices have given life to the band’s biggest hits.
Two main vocalists have stood at the microphone for Foreigner over the years: Lou Gramm and Kelly Hansen. These talented foreigner lead singers have each put their stamp on the band’s music, helping to shape its sound and keep it fresh for decades.
The Early Era: Lou Gramm – (1976–1990, 1992–2003)
When Foreigner burst onto the music scene in 1976, Lou Gramm’s powerful voice helped set them apart. As one of the original Foreigner lead singers, Gramm played a key role in defining the band’s sound.
Gramm’s vocal style was a perfect fit for Foreigner’s music. His voice could handle both hard-rocking songs and tender ballads with equal skill. This range allowed the band to create hits that appealed to many listeners.
Challenges and Departure
Despite his success with Foreigner, Gramm faced challenges. He left the band in 1990 to focus on his solo career, returned in 1992, but eventually left again in 2003 due to health issues.
Throughout these changes, Gramm’s voice remained a defining part of Foreigner’s sound. Even after his departure, the songs he helped create became fan favorites, solidifying his legacy as one of the most influential foreigner lead singers.
Major Albums During Lou Gramm’s Era
| Album | Release Year | Major Songs | Notes | Big Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foreigner | 1977 | “Feels Like the First Time,” “Cold as Ice” | The debut album that introduced Lou Gramm’s powerful voice to the world. | Sold over 5 million copies in the U.S., certified 5x Platinum. |
| Double Vision | 1978 | “Double Vision,” “Hot Blooded” | Helped cement Foreigner’s place in rock, showcasing Gramm’s vocal prowess. | Peaked at #3 on the Billboard 200, certified 7x Platinum in the U.S. |
| Head Games | 1979 | “Head Games” | Gramm’s voice added depth and emotion to the band’s sound. | Reached #5 on the Billboard 200, certified 5x Platinum in the U.S. |
| 4 | 1981 | “Urgent,” “Juke Box Hero” | Commercial peak with Gramm’s range on full display. | Topped the Billboard 200, certified 6x Platinum in the U.S. |
| Agent Provocateur | 1984 | “I Want to Know What Love Is” | Known for its iconic power ballad, showing Gramm’s emotional range. | “I Want to Know What Love Is” reached #1 on both U.S. and UK charts. |
Kelly Hansen’s Entry and Influence (2005–present)
In 2005, Foreigner welcomed Kelly Hansen as their new lead singer, marking a fresh era for the band. As one of the foreigner lead singers, Hansen brought renewed energy to Foreigner’s live shows, helping maintain their global appeal.
While his vocal style pays homage to Lou Gramm’s powerful performances, Hansen has added his unique touch to the band’s classic hits. His ability to capture the essence of Foreigner’s sound while adding flair has won over longtime fans and new listeners.
Major Albums During Kelly Hansen’s Era
| Album | Release Year | Major Songs | Notes | Big Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Can’t Slow Down | 2009 | “Can’t Slow Down,” “When It Comes to Love” | The first studio album with Kelly Hansen, marking Foreigner’s return to recording. | Charted in multiple countries, solidified the band’s resurgence. |
| Acoustique | 2011 | “Say You Will,” “Juke Box Hero” | An acoustic album with re-recorded hits, showcasing Hansen’s vocal versatility. | Gained positive reception for its fresh take on Foreigner’s classics. |
| Foreigner with the 21st Century Symphony Orchestra | 2018 | “I Want to Know What Love Is,” “Urgent” | A live album featuring orchestral versions of hits, highlighting Hansen’s dynamic range. | Showcased Foreigner’s adaptability, blending rock with symphonic elements. |
The Legacy of Foreigner as a Band
1. Mick Jones: The Constant Force
Throughout Foreigner’s journey, guitarist Mick Jones has been the steady hand guiding the ship. As the band’s founder, Jones has played a crucial role in shaping Foreigner’s sound and supporting Lou Gramm and Kelly Hansen as foreigner lead singers.
His songwriting and guitar work have provided the perfect backdrop for their powerful vocals, helping create the classic Foreigner sound that fans love.
2. A Band in Evolution
While the foreigner lead singers have been in the spotlight, the band’s lineup has seen other significant changes. Each new member has brought something unique to Foreigner’s sound.
For example, bassist Jeff Pilson and keyboardist Michael Bluestein have become key players in the band’s live shows, adding flair to Foreigner’s classic hits.
3. Timeless Influence
Foreigner’s impact on rock music remains strong. Their songs inspire new artists and keep longtime fans returning for more. You can hear Foreigner’s hits in movies, TV shows, and commercials, showing how their music has become a part of our culture.
This ongoing presence, combined with the talent of their foreigner lead singers past and present, cements Foreigner’s place in rock history.
Conclusion
Foreigner’s journey through rock history showcases the power of great vocals in shaping a band’s legacy. From Lou Gramm’s soaring performances to Kelly Hansen’s energetic interpretations, these talented singers have kept Foreigner’s music alive and thrilling for decades.
Their voices, backed by Mick Jones’ consistent musical vision, have created songs that resonate across generations. As Foreigner continues to perform and inspire, their impact on rock music remains clear.
Their hits, sung by gifted vocalists, continue to captivate audiences worldwide, ensuring Foreigner’s place in the pantheon of rock legends. The band’s enduring popularity proves that great music, powered by exceptional voices, truly stands the test of time.
