Whether you’re a fan of the band Foreigner or not, you will surely be familiar with their iconic power ballad, ‘I Want To Know What Love Is’, a song so popular that it has since become synonymous with ’80s classic rock. Written primarily by the band’s guitarist Mick Jones, at the time of its release the song made it to number one in numerous countries worldwide, was certified double platinum in Jones’ native UK, and has frequently been described as one of the greatest songs ever written.
Considering the song’s status, it’s therefore unsurprising that it continues to be a staple of Foreigner’s live shows, even today. Take this performance of the track from the band’s 2011 gig in Chicago, for instance; it begins with Chris Frazier’s thundering drums, before lead singer Kelly Hansen takes centre stage and builds up the atmosphere through entertaining interactions with the crowd. “Put your arms around each other,” he gleefully encourages. “I’m not asking you, I’m telling you!”
By the time the song’s instantly recognizable keyboard part comes into play, the crowd are clearly filled with anticipation, with cheers and whistles flying around the room before Hansen’s vocal comes in. It’s when the band reach that uplifting, iconic chorus, however, that they really come to life, with Hansen’s note-perfect vocal coming superbly close to emanating the one sung by Lou Gramm on the original record, and Jones’ huge power chords on his guitar adding to the song’s dramatic feel.
And if you think the crowd in Chicago in 2011 were delighted to hear Foreigner play their signature hit, check out the crowd at the band’s performance for the Farm Aid festival in 1985! The keyboards of the song’s introduction can barely be heard over their enthusiastic cheers and screams, and it’s only when Gramm begins singing that they appear to settle down slightly and prepare to enjoy the incredible rendition that they know they are about to witness.
Based on these two videos, it quickly becomes obvious that Foreigner’s classic single ‘I Want To Know What Love Is’ has stood the test of time, and is still as popular among fans of the band as it was when it was released in the 1980s. In fact, so beautiful and timeless is the song that there’s little doubt it will be one of those tracks that we will still be listening to for many more years to come.
