1984 - December: Foreigner ”Agent Provocateur”

Foreigner took  some significant time between their fourth and fifth studio albums.  Agent Provocateur was released in December of 1984 and made it to number 5 on the US charts.  Interestingly it hit number 1 in the UK, the only Foreigner album to do so.  It had a balance of heavier rock songs and lighter ballads, allowing the group to appeal to both male and female fans.

At the time, Foreigner consisted of Lou Gramm on lead vocals and percussion, Mick Jones on guitars and keyboards, Rick Wills on bass, and Dennis Elliott on drums.  Jones and Gramm are the primary songwriters, and their differences fuel an excellent sound.  Unfortunately, writing credits around this album and its big hit, "I Want to Know What Love Is" would drive dissent.  Gramm would appear on the next Foreigner album, then would split from the group.

Friend of the show John Lynch joins us in Bruce's absence, and Rob brings us this album.

 

Tooth and Nail The track that leads off the album was co-written by Mick Jones and Lou Gramm.  While it received some airplay, this rocker is an underrated song from Foreigner.  The lyrics describe a boy considered to be not good enough for the girl, and the fight that he would wage to be worthy of her.

Reaction to Action The third single from the album is a more hard rocking and energetic song than the first two singles.   Jones and Gramm share writing credits for this one as well.  The lyrics tell of an intriguing girl and how her actions prompt a "reaction to action."

A Love in Vain This deeper cut has a heavy synthesizer sound and a lighter rock feel.  This song is also a good showcase of Gramm's vocals.

I Want to Know What Love Is This is the first single and big hit from the album.  It was the song that propelled the album, but drove a wedge between Gramm and Jones.  The track features a New Jersey choir backing Gramm's vocals.  Mick Jones spent a lot of time with the choir, freeing Gramm to sing as he wished.  This freedom, coupled with disputes about writing credits, would drive later decisions for Gramm to depart the group.

 

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Main theme from "Monday Night Football" Broadcaster Howard Cosell would depart the booth, retiring this month.

 

STAFF PICKS:

Walking on a Thin Line by Huey Lewis & the News  Brian starts off the staff picks with the fifth single off the album "Sports."  Despite its upbeat sound, the subject is more serious than many other Huey Lewis songs.  It tells of an American soldier trained as a sniper in the Vietnam War, and who must face his demons when he returns home.  

Naughty Naughty by John Parr   Wayne features a debut single with a great synth beat.  English singer songwriter John Parr writes lyrics attempting a romantic conquest.  

Like a Virgin by Madonna John brings us pop phenomenon Madonna with her first number 1 hit.  The song's co-writer Billy Steinberg drew inspiration for this song from a new romantic interest during a time when he thought he would never get over a previous relationship.  The song would become a signature song for Madonna and an iconic song of the 80's.

Black Cars by Gino Vannelli Rob continues the synth heavy trend in this podcast.  The title track from the album of the same name tells of an aging woman fighting the fading of her beauty.  "Black cars look better in the shade.  She slips her lipstick on right before she sleeps for all those phantom lovers in her dreams."

 

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Junku by Herbie Hancock This song was played on Saturday Night Live when Hancock was the musical guest in the month.

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