FOREIGNER – Double Vision; Then and Now [original members reunion] (2019)
Tomorrow FOREIGNER will release “Double Vision : Then and Now”, recorded last year celebrating the 40th anniversary of the band’s multi-platinum Double Vision with a masterful live performance of their biggest hits.
For the performance, original band members join Mick Jones and Foreigner’s current lineup for the very first time in the band s 40-year history. Both incarnations of Foreigner share the same stage for an epic for one of Rock music most anticipated reunions.
Original members Lou Gramm, Al Greenwood, Dennis Elliott, Ian McDonald and Rick Wills take the stage with Mick Jones, Kelly Hansen, Tom Gimbel, Jeff Pilson, Michael Bluestein, Bruce Watson and Chris Frazier. They rock through some of the best-selling songs that bring back the memories which make it feel like the first time for both long-time fans and new generations.
The track listing on “Double Vision: Then and Now” reads like a greatest hits list. It is a testament to the outstanding songwriting of Mick Jones and Lou Gramm. It also outlines the significant impact the music of Foreigner has on rock music.
The legendary lyrics “Now he needs to keep on rockin’, he just can’t stop” from “Juke Box Hero” define Mike Jones and the music of Foreigner. Since their debut album in 1977, the band has been a driving force in rock and popular music.
Spanning over 40 years, the band’s hits such as “Feels Like The First Time,” “Urgent,” and “Cold As Ice” still resonate strongly with fans of all ages.
“Double Vision: Then and Now” opens up with “Cold As Ice” from the first album before bouncing forward to “Head Games.” Kelly Hansen handles the lead vocals here and sounds outstanding. Dynamic and powerful vocals that retain the original vigor of original recordings while providing his own insight. The band’s performance is equally impressive with Mick Jones showing that his chops are sharp.
After an extended jam version of “Juke Box Hero,” Lou Gramm takes on the vocals for “Feels Like The First Time,” “Double Vision,” and “Blue Morning, Blue Day.” Lou sounds strong and clear. The cheering audience gives a clear indication that they are happy to see Lou and the other original members performing with Foreigner again.
One of Foreigner’s greatest hits is the power ballad “I Want To Know What Love Is.” On this timeless song, Kelly and Lou trade off on vocals. While each musician has their strengths, they sound stellar together. Adding to the power of this song is a full backing choir.
Wrapping up the album is the fiery swagger of “Hot Blooded.
With a song selection focused in Foreigner’s golden era, it’s great to hear Lou Gramm singing again these timeless hits, and while his voice isn’t as powerful as forty years ago, the magic is still there.
Pick up your copy and enjoy this phenomenal performance by one of the best rock bands in history; Foreigner.
Highly Recommended
01 – Cold as Ice (Live)
02 – Head Games (Live)
03 – Waiting for a Girl Like You (Live)
04 – Headknocker (Live)
05 – The Flame Still Burns (Live)
06 – Urgent (Live)
07 – Juke Box Hero (Live)
08 – Feels Like the First Time (Live)
09 – Double Vision (Live)
10 – Blue Morning, Blue Day (Live)
11 – Long, Long Way from Home (Live)
12 – Dirty White Boy (Live)
13 – I Want to Know What Love Is (Live)
14 – Hot Blooded (Live)
Lou Gramm (lead vocals)
Al Greenwood (keyboards)
Ian McDonald (rhythm guitar, sax)
Rick Wills (bass)
Dennis Elliott (drums)
Mick Jones (lead guitar)
Kelly Hansen (lead vocals)
Tom Gimbel (rhythm guitar, sax, vocals)
Jeff Pilson (bass, vocals)
Michael Bluestein (keyboards)
Bruce Watson (guitar)
Chris Frazier (drums)
Pre Order;
www.amazon.com/Double-Vision-Then-Now-Foreigner/dp/B07VJNVT6X
Thank you very much.