July 2, 1981 - 4 and Juke Box Hero

Two weeks since my last release and three years since their last song in my library, Foreigner released their fourth album, aptly called "4" on July 2, 1981. This album saw Foreigner move from more classic rock into mainstream pop-rock and had several successful singles, including the only song I have titled "Juke Box Hero". Foreigner are also down to a four-piece on this record as keyboardist Al Greenwood and multi-instrumentalist Ian McDonald both left the band and were not replaced. They've also replaced bassist Ed Gagliardini with Rick Wills so there's been a lot of changes since we've heard them last! "Juke Box Hero" starts off with some cool-sounding bass by Wills as Lou Gramm begins the first verse quietly. He ramps up to his usual high vocals and after we hear him sing "that one guitar" Mick Jones comes in right on cue adding some nice guitar to the riff, but he backs out again to leave Wills and Gramm to lead another verse. They move into the chorus where Gramm sings the name of the song and the other members all sing some pop-y backing vocals that sound alright. It's no surprise that this would become popular as it is very catchy and Jones plays some nice guitar in the chorus before things quiet down again for another verse. After this verse and another chorus it's guitar solo time as Jones breaks free from the pack. He doesn't go particularly fast but it's a well-done solo and it continues into the final bridge riff that connects us to the final chorus. They jam it out a couple times and Gramm hits some really high notes at the end before Jones ends things with a nice final lick. I won't be nominating this song for any awards, but it sounded pretty good and I'm happy to have it as the final Foreigner song in my library. While I've heard the last of a couple of British bands recently, another one is making it's comeback after a seven year hiatus! Stay tuned!

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