Lou Gramm Reflects on Foreigner's Legacy and His Final Solo Album

Lou Gramm, the original lead singer of Foreigner, is marking the band's 50th anniversary with the release of his final solo album, *Released*. Known for timeless hits like "Feels Like the First Time" and "Cold As Ice," Gramm's contributions have significantly shaped classic rock. This album, his first since 2009, serves as a retrospective of his musical journey and a connection to unfinished work from his past.

Newsweek

Gramm recalls the unconventional audition that led to his joining Foreigner, where he was surprised to find fully recorded tracks awaiting his vocals. “All they wanted was for me to sing,” he noted, reflecting on the unique circumstances that brought him together with Mick Jones. Their collaboration quickly produced "Long, Long Way from Home," one of the band's early hits.

Newsweek

Despite their initial chemistry, Foreigner faced significant hurdles before achieving success. Gramm recounts how multiple record labels rejected their lengthy demos, nearly derailing the band. A pivotal moment came when John Kalodner, an Atlantic Records A&R executive, advised them to shorten their songs to secure a record deal. This guidance proved transformative, allowing Foreigner to enter the rock scene.

Newsweek

Gramm's latest album, *Released*, is not a departure from his past but rather a continuation of it. The album features ten songs that originated during the sessions for his late-’80s solo albums but remained incomplete. He revisited these tracks, finishing them with a fresh perspective, which he described as a cathartic experience. The first single, "Young Love," exemplifies this journey, having taken nearly 30 years to finalize. Gramm expressed satisfaction with the song's completion, stating, “It felt so good to finally pull it out."

Newsweek

The response to *Released* has been overwhelmingly positive, with fans expressing excitement about Gramm's return to the airwaves. He has been actively touring to promote the album, testing new material live. “We played a couple of new songs, and they got great response,” he shared, indicating a promising connection with audiences.

Newsweek

As Gramm prepares for the album's release, he feels a mix of excitement and trepidation but expresses greater confidence than in his previous solo efforts. His journey reflects not only a celebration of Foreigner's legacy but also a personal commitment to completing his artistic vision. The culmination of his work over the decades has reaffirmed his place in rock history, as he continues to engage with fans and share his music.

Newsweek