On September 11, 1979 "Foreigner" released their third studio album, "Head Games".
This album saw the band refining their blend of hard rock and pop with a bit of grit, while still leaning on the arena rock sound that made them famous. Produced by Roy Thomas Baker, known for his work with "Queen", the album features tighter arrangements, a harder edge, and more introspective lyrics compared to the band's previous releases, and maybe this is the reason why the album did not succeed compared to the band's previous albums.
It is the first album with new bass guitarist Rick Wills (formerly of "Roxy Music" and "Small Faces") who replaced Ed Gagliardi after he was fired from the band, and the last with founding members Ian McDonald and Al Greenwood, who would leave the band after the recording and leave "Foreigner" as a four piece band for the album "4".
The title track, "Head Games," is a perfect representation of this shift. Mick Jones' punchy guitar riffs wrapped in Al Greenwood and Ian McDonald's keyboard carpet, the pulsing rhythm, and Lou Gramm’s powerful vocals combine to create an anthem about emotional turmoil, fitting into the larger theme of romantic conflict and psychological struggles present throughout the album. The track became a radio staple, and the combination of its rough but sweet sound helped "Foreigner" solidify its position in the rock scene of the time.
The album kicks off with "Dirty White Boy," one of the band’s more aggressive songs writen about Elvis Presley. It features a swaggering riff and defiant lyrics, showcasing Mick Jones' guitar work at its most prominent. The track is full of raw energy and captures the rebellious rock spirit of the late ‘70s. "Women" continues the rhythmic line and pulls it more towards rock and roll with piano playing that accompanies the guitars throughout the song.
Tracks like "Love on the Telephone" and "Seventeen" reveal a slicker, more melodic side of "Foreigner", driven by a blend of keyboards and guitar hooks. These songs highlight the band's ability to write accessible rock tunes that were both radio-friendly and engaging. Meanwhile, "The Modern Day" feel more introspective, reflecting the band's ability to balance harder rock with pop and with more thoughtful lyrics and themes. This is the only song in the album with vocals by Mick Jones.
While "Head Games" may not have the same instant classic appeal as "Foreigner's" debut album or "Double Vision", it represents an important evolution for the band. The album shows "Foreigner" experimenting with sound and lyrical content, combining sweeping rock songs like the theme song and sweet ballads like "Blinded by Science". This combination will lead her to the meteoric success of the next album "4".
Some fans and critics felt that "Head Games" lacked the immediate hooks and memorable hits of their earlier work, but it remains a vital part of 'Foreigner's" discography. The album helped the band transition into the '80s and paved the way for future successes.
Overall, Head Games is a solid and often underrated album, balancing hard-edged rock with polished production and introspective lyrics. It shows "Foreigner "pushing their boundaries while still delivering the catchy, radio-friendly rock that fans loved.
For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music
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