11 Underrated Foreigner Songs: Foreigner’s Playlist

Hey there, music enthusiasts! It’s TBone here, your go-to DJ and music aficionado at Level Tunes. Today, I’m stoked to share something truly special with you – a curated list of 11 underrated Foreigner songs.

Why Foreigner, you ask?

Well, while everyone knows their mega-hits, I believe there’s a treasure trove of their lesser-known tracks that deserve the spotlight. These gems showcase the band’s versatility and musical depth, taking you beyond ‘I Want to Know What Love Is’ into a world of rich, undiscovered melodies.

So, whether you’re a seasoned DJ looking for fresh tracks or a music lover eager for new tunes, join me on this exciting journey to uncover the hidden brilliance of Foreigner.

Let’s dive into the music that’s been waiting in the wings, ready to amaze!

Here are the underrated Foreigner songs that you can check out:

List Of Underrated Foreigner Songs

Underrated Foreigner songs in a list format:

1. “Blue Morning, Blue Day”

From their 1978 album “Double Vision,” under the Atlantic Records label, “Blue Morning, Blue Day” stands as a testament to Foreigner’s ability to blend hard rock with emotive lyrics. This song, penned by Mick Jones and Lou Gramm, delves into the struggles of dealing with a failing relationship. Its gritty guitar riffs, alongside Gramm’s passionate vocals, create a poignant atmosphere that resonates with listeners. The song didn’t reach the heights of some of their more famous tracks, but its raw energy and emotional depth make it a standout piece. The powerful drumming by Dennis Elliott adds to the song’s dynamic appeal.

2. “Woman in Black”

Featured on their 1981 album “4,” released by Atlantic Records, “Woman in Black” showcases Foreigner’s flair for storytelling. This track, written by Mick Jones, captures the allure and mystery of a mysterious woman. The song’s driving rhythm, combined with Lou Gramm’s expressive singing, creates a captivating narrative. The synth work by Thomas Dolby, who guest-starred on this album, provides a unique texture that sets this song apart from their typical sound. Its underrated status may be due to its deviation from Foreigner’s usual style, but it’s this very uniqueness that makes it a hidden gem.

3. “I’m Gonna Win”

“I’m Gonna Win,” from the 1981 album “4” under Atlantic Records, is a high-energy track that embodies the band’s rock spirit. Written by Lou Gramm and Mick Jones, this song features a compelling mix of powerful guitar riffs by Jones and a robust vocal performance by Gramm. The song exudes an infectious fighting spirit, making it a motivational anthem. Its placement on the same album as mega-hits like “Urgent” and “Juke Box Hero” might have overshadowed its brilliance, but it remains a testament to the band’s diverse capabilities.

4. “Love on the Telephone”

From their 1979 album “Head Games,” released by Atlantic Records, “Love on the Telephone” is a quintessential example of Foreigner’s ability to blend rock with pop elements. This track, crafted by Mick Jones and Lou Gramm, explores the complexities of long-distance relationships. The song’s catchy chorus and vibrant melodies, supported by Ian McDonald’s multi-instrumental talent, make it an engaging listen. Its underrated status could be attributed to the overshadowing success of other singles from the album, yet its charm and relatability make it deserving of more recognition.

5. “Girl on the Moon”

“Girl on the Moon,” from their 1981 album “4,” is a beautiful ballad that showcases a softer side of Foreigner. Released under Atlantic Records and written by Mick Jones and Lou Gramm, this song combines ethereal synthesizer sounds with Gramm’s heartfelt vocals to create a dreamy atmosphere. The song’s introspective lyrics and the subtle yet powerful guitar work by Jones give it a timeless quality. It might not have achieved the commercial success of their more famous ballads, but it’s a stunning example of their range as musicians.

6. “Rain”

Appearing on the 1991 album “Unusual Heat,” under the Atlantic Records label, “Rain” is a standout track that exemplifies Foreigner’s adaptability to the changing music scene. Written by Terry Thomas and Johnny Edwards, this song marked a departure from their classic sound, featuring Edwards on vocals instead of Lou Gramm. The song’s melodic hooks and poignant lyrics about longing and change resonate deeply. Although it was part of an album that received mixed reviews, “Rain” remains a powerful showcase of the band’s versatility.

7. “Safe in My Heart”

“Safe in My Heart,” from their 1991 album “Unusual Heat,” is a soul-stirring ballad that often goes unnoticed. Released by Atlantic Records and written by Mick Jones, this track features Johnny Edwards on vocals, delivering a tender and emotive performance. The song’s gentle melodies and reflective lyrics about holding onto memories create a deeply moving experience. Its overshadowed status is likely due to it being part of an album that saw a shift in the band’s lineup, yet it stands as a testament to their ability to craft poignant songs regardless of the changes they faced.

8. “Seventeen”

Featured on their 1980 album “Agent Provocateur,” released by Atlantic Records, “Seventeen” is a high-energy track that captures the essence of Foreigner’s rock roots. Written by Mick Jones and Lou Gramm, the song bursts with vibrant guitar riffs and dynamic drumming by Dennis Elliott. Its lyrics, filled with youthful energy and rebellion, resonate with a sense of freedom and excitement. While the album is best known for the hit “I Want to Know What Love Is,” “Seventeen” remains a hidden gem that exemplifies the band’s robust rock capabilities.

9. “Night Life”

“Night Life,” from the 1981 album “4,” is an electrifying track that showcases Foreigner’s skill in creating infectious rock anthems. Released under Atlantic Records and written by Mick Jones and Lou Gramm, this song features a compelling blend of powerful guitar work and energetic vocals. The song’s lively rhythm and vivid portrayal of the nocturnal world make it an invigorating listen. Although it was overshadowed by the album’s more successful singles, “Night Life” is a testament to the band’s ability to craft songs that are both vibrant and richly layered.

10. “She’s Too Tough”

From their 1992 album “The Very Best…And Beyond,” under the Atlantic Records label, “She’s Too Tough” is a spirited track that captures Foreigner’s rock prowess. This song, written by Joe Elliott and Mick Jones, features robust guitar riffs and a catchy melody that immediately grabs the listener’s attention. The song’s lyrics about a fierce and independent woman add to its dynamic character. Despite its catchy hook and solid rock composition, it’s often overlooked, making it a deserving candidate for more recognition.

11. “Blinded by Science”

“Blinded by Science,” featured on their 1979 album “Head Games,” is a unique track that blends rock with a hint of progressive elements. Released by Atlantic Records and written by Mick Jones and Lou Gramm, the song stands out for its intriguing lyrics and innovative sound. The integration of synthesizers, along with the traditional rock setup, gives it a distinct flavor. While it didn’t gain the limelight like other tracks from the album, its experimental nature and compelling composition make it a noteworthy piece in Foreigner’s discography.

Fun Facts: Underrated Foreigner Songs

“Blue Morning, Blue Day”

• Chart Success: Despite being less celebrated, “Blue Morning, Blue Day” actually made it to #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, showcasing its popularity during its release.
• Music Video: This song was one of the first tracks by Foreigner to have a music video, reflecting the early days of MTV and the growing importance of music videos in the industry.

“Woman in Black”

• Synth Appeal: The synth work in “Woman in Black” was performed by Thomas Dolby, who later gained fame for his own hit, “She Blinded Me with Science.” This collaboration added a unique electronic flavor to the track.
• Storytelling: The song is known for its vivid storytelling, which is a bit of a departure from Foreigner’s usual style, showcasing their versatility in songwriting and musical composition.

“I’m Gonna Win”

• Athletic Anthem: Due to its high energy and motivational lyrics, “I’m Gonna Win” has often been used in sports contexts, serving as a pump-up song for athletes and sports enthusiasts.

“Love on the Telephone”

• Technological Reflection: The song reflects the era’s growing dependence on technology for maintaining relationships, a theme that has become even more relevant in today’s digital age.

“Girl on the Moon”

• Ballad Beauty: This track is celebrated among fans for its beautiful melody and is often considered one of the band’s most underrated ballads, showcasing their ability to create soft rock hits.

“Rain”

• Lineup Change: “Rain” is notable for featuring Johnny Edwards on vocals instead of Lou Gramm, marking a significant change in the band’s lineup and sound during the early 90s.

“Safe in My Heart”

• Emotional Depth: The song is lauded for its emotional depth and is considered a hidden gem, especially among fans who appreciate Foreigner’s softer side.

“Seventeen”

• Youthful Energy: “Seventeen” captures the essence of youthful rebellion and freedom, themes that were prevalent in rock music of the 80s and resonated strongly with the era’s younger audience.

“Night Life”

• Vibrant Rock: Known for its vibrant depiction of the nocturnal world, “Night Life” is a fan favorite at concerts, often praised for its energy and catchiness.

“She’s Too Tough”

• Collaborative Writing: Interestingly, “She’s Too Tough” was co-written by Joe Elliott of Def Leppard, showcasing a unique collaboration that brought together talents from two major rock bands of the time.

“Blinded by Science”

• Experimental Sound: This track stands out for its experimental approach, blending traditional rock elements with synthesizers, reflecting Foreigner’s willingness to explore and innovate within the rock genre.

And there you have it, folks! Our journey through Foreigner’s lesser-known tracks ends here, but the music lives on. Each song we’ve explored today offers a unique glimpse into the depth and diversity of this iconic band. Keep exploring, keep rocking, and remember, the best tunes might just be the ones you haven’t heard yet.

Thanks for reading.

TBone