10 Most Rocking Foreigner Songs

Feature Photo: Brandon Nagy / Shutterstock.com

First and foremost, Foreigner is a rock and roll band. So why would someone put together a list of the most rocking songs by a band that is, essentially, a rock and roll band? Well, the fact is Foreigner did have great success with many ballads. Songs like “I Want to Know What Love Is” and “Waiting for a Girl Like You” were fantastic hit singles, but they weren’t rockers. So, we thought it would be fun to put together a list of Foreigner songs that just rocked out hard. It’s as simple as that… so here you go!

# 10 – Love on the Telephone – Head Games

Kicking off our list of the 10 Most Rocking Foreigner Songs, “Love on the Telephone” is pure, raging Foreigner. I thought this was an incredibly complementary track placed after the album’s opener, “Dirty White Boy.” I’m always fascinated by how bands choose the second track on an album—I think it’s one of the most important placements on a record, and this one worked phenomenally. “Love on the Telephone” was also released as the third single from the band’s 1979 album Head Games. The song was penned by Foreigner’s lead vocalist Lou Gramm and band leader and guitarist Mick Jones. Coming along for the ride and fueling the power behind this rocker were Rick Wills on bass, Dennis Elliott on drums, and Al Greenwood on keyboards.

The lyrics of “Love on the Telephone” reveal the desperation of a long-distance relationship strained by time and separation, with Gramm pleading to hold onto love even if it’s just over a phone line. Phrases like “Monday, Tuesday, three days and more, pretty soon you don’t know anymore” reflect the frustration and uncertainty that build as days drag on, while the chorus captures the yearning in “I don’t wanna lose my love on the telephone.” This sentiment hits especially hard in lines like “You make me nervous ’cause the line’s engaged,” conveying a relatable sense of urgency as he waits for a connection, both literally and emotionally. The song’s refrain, echoing the plea to not lose this love over distance and missed calls, resonates with listeners who have experienced the tension of keeping love alive from afar. We all know that feeling…. Oh wait a second does anyone talk on the phone anymore? Text me the answer.

# 9 – Reaction to Action – Agent Provocateur

“Reaction to Action” delivers a heavy dose of rock and roll, Foreigner style. The song was released as the third single from the 1984 album Agent Provocateur. This track was co-written by lead singer Lou Gramm and guitarist Mick Jones. Produced by Alex Sadkin and Mick Jones, and recorded at the Hit Factory in New York, the track features Lou Gramm on vocals, Mick Jones on guitar, Rick Wills on bass, Dennis Elliott on drums, and Tom Bailey on synthesizer.

Lyrically, “Reaction to Action” centers on the thrill of attraction, with Gramm expressing a magnetic pull toward someone who stands out in a crowd. Lines like “I need reaction to action / Just one look that would kill me” speak to the song’s theme of immediate, undeniable chemistry. Gramm’s powerful delivery, combined with the infectious rhythm, gives the song an intense, almost confrontational vibe, as if he’s daring the listener to resist the same allure. Unlike the emotional depth of songs like “Love on the Telephone,” which opens this list, “Reaction to Action” emphasizes raw attraction. Yeah Baby!

# 8 – Blue Morning, Blue Day – Double Vision

If you’re an old-school Foreigner fan I know you dig this tune. “Blue Morning, Blue Day” was written by Lou Gramm and Mick Jones. The song was released as the third single from the 1978 album Double Vision. reaching number fifteen on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and number forty-five in the U.K. Produced by Keith Olsen and Mick Jones, Double Vision saw Foreigner continuing to define their sound, blending powerfully emotive lyrics with solid rock instrumentation. The track features Gramm’s unmistakable vocals, Jones on guitar, Ian McDonald on keyboard and saxophone, Al Greenwood on synthesizers, Ed Gagliardi on bass, and Dennis Elliott on drums.

The lyrics of “Blue Morning, Blue Day” paint a vivid picture of emotional turmoil, capturing the aftermath of a troubled relationship. In the opening lines, “Out in the street, it’s 6 a.m. / Another sleepless night,” Gramm immediately pulls listeners into the narrator’s sleepless struggle, a man haunted by the lingering effects of a love gone wrong. As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the protagonist has grown weary of trying to maintain a relationship that feels one-sided. Lines like “Blue morning, blue day / Won’t you see things my way?” emphasize his frustration, pleading for understanding and closure. Something about this song always made me a little bit jittery and nervous. But you know what, it was worth it, what a great rocker!

# 7 – Cold As Ice – Foreigner

“Cold As Ice” is one of Foreigner’s signature songs. Every kid who learned how to play piano in the ’70s worked on learning this song, especially the introduction. Even people who didn’t play piano always tried playing this song. It’s unbelievable how many great classic rock and roll songs came out of the 1970s like this. You never hear anything like this anymore that’s brand new. “Cold As Ice” was released as the second single from their 1977 self-titled debut album, Foreigner. The song quickly became a hit, reaching number six on the Billboard Hot 100. This was such an amazing follow-up single to Feels Like The First Time.

# 6 – Dirty White Boy – Head Games

“Dirty White Boy” opens Foreigner’s 1979 album Head Games with a bravado and rebellious energy that just knocks you off your rock and roll Pumas. Written by Mick Jones and Lou Gramm, the song was released as the lead single from Head Games, reaching number twelve on the Billboard Hot 100. “Dirty White Boy” is an unapologetic anthem of self-identity and defiance. The smoking guitar work at the start of this song fuels it’s driving force of a rock and roll record that served as notice that Foreigner was not slowing down on their third album. This band was becoming more legendary with every record they released.

# 5 – Feels Like The First Time – Foreigner

On our Top 10 Foreigner Songs list, this one came in first. But this is a bit of a different list, as it highlights the heaviest and most rocking tunes. This is a rocker, but it’s more of a mid-tempo track, so that’s why we placed it in the middle like this. That doesn’t take away from the fact that this is probably Foreigner’s greatest recording of their career. It could be that it’s the first song we ever heard, blowing our minds when we first heard it in the spring of 1977. I mean, so many of these articles we put together here are subjective, just based on high school memories of this music. And what’s wrong with that? You’ve got your opinion, and we’ve got ours. That’s rock and roll, baby!

Read More: Top 10 Foreigner Love Songs

# 4 – Double Vision – Double Vision

Foreigner’s debut album became such a big part of our lives in 1977. It was just that good—it got tons of spins on our turntables, and so many of the songs on the record dominated FM radio. There was no way we thought they could come out with a second album that would come close to that first. But we were wrong. We can all go back and forth over whether Foreigner or Double Vision is the best record, but does that really matter? The follow-up album Double Vision—and the title track—just smoked it.

Released as the title track and second single from their 1978 album Double Vision, the song reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100. “Double Vision” was recorded at Sound City Studios in Los Angeles and produced by Keith Olsen and Mick Jones. The song features Lou Gramm’s powerhouse vocals, Mick Jones’s searing guitar riffs, Ian McDonald on keyboards and saxophone, Al Greenwood on synthesizers, Ed Gagliardi on bass, and Dennis Elliott on drums.

# 3 – Juke Box Hero – 4

Hands down, this is one of the coolest songs in rock and roll history. That pulsating bassline that begins the song represents a kind of tension, hinting that something cool is about to happen. It then gives way to those ripping, soaring guitars that hit like lightning. Boom—turn this one up, baby! “Juke Box Hero” stands as one of Foreigner’s most powerful and enduring anthems, telling the story of a fan’s transformation from an aspiring musician to a bona fide rock legend. Released on the band’s 1981 album 4, the song was co-written by Mick Jones and Lou Gramm and became one of Foreigner’s signature tracks, celebrated for its epic narrative and driving rock sound. Produced by Robert John “Mutt” Lange, known for his work with AC/DC and Def Leppard and of course, Shania Twain, and recorded at Electric Lady Studios in New York, 4 marked a new era for Foreigner, both in sound and production quality. “Juke Box Hero” features Lou Gramm’s soaring vocals, Mick Jones on guitar, Rick Wills on bass, and Dennis Elliott on drums, with Thomas Dolby contributing synthesizer work. I bet you didn’t know Dolby was a part of this.

# 2 – Hot Blooded – Double Vision

“Hot Blooded” was the track that told us that Foreigner was not going to be a one-album hit band. As soon as I heard the song on the radio back in the summer of 1978 I went out and got this album right away. “Hot Blooded” was released as the lead single from their 1978 album Double Vision, the song quickly rose to number three on the Billboard Hot 100. Gramm’s delivery of lines like “Well, I’m hot blooded, check it and see / I got a fever of a hundred and three” adds a playful edge, while the chorus turns up the heat with an irresistible invitation to join the wild ride. The song’s refrain, filled with rock bravado, has become iconic, embodying the nature of late ‘70s rock music. Unlike the introspective longing of tracks like “Blue Morning, Blue Day,” “Hot Blooded” revels in its bold, fun-loving persona.

Read More: Top 10 Foreigner Songs

# 1 – Long Long Way From Home – Foreigner

“Long, Long Way from Home” was the opening track on side two of the band’s debut album. While we talked earlier about the importance of the second song on side one, equally important is the opening track on side two. Did you get that? “Long, Long Way from Home” stands as a perfect example of how to open an album’s second side with a killer rock and roll tune that could possibly be the best track on the album. Of course, the best track was indeed “Feels Like the First Time,” but this one was definitely the hardest-rocking tune on that debut album and possibly throughout their whole career—and that’s why we placed it at number one. Ian McDonald’s saxophone solo stands as one of the highlights of this rocking recording.