Foreigner built a rock legacy on slick production, gritty guitar riffs, and a flair for emotional drama. Their sound touched everything from sweaty backroom clubs to prom-night ballads—and if you were growing up in the late ’70s or early ’80s, chances are you’ve got a Foreigner track buried deep in your emotional playlist. Here’s a fan-curated countdown of ten tracks that defined Foreigner’s powerhouse presence.
To view a performance of each track from YouTube, simply click on the image.
10. Dirty White Boy
“Dirty White Boy” kicks off this countdown with a defiant snarl. It’s got a rough-around-the-edges swagger that celebrates being loud, messy, and unapologetically rebellious. The crunchy guitar and sneering vocals turn this into a no-frills rocker that might not win awards for subtlety, but sure wins over anyone who’s ever identified as the underdog with attitude.
📈 Chart Performance: Released in 1979, it peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, spending nine weeks in the Top 40.
9. Juke Box Hero
This one’s practically a rock fable. “Juke Box Hero” takes the teenage dream of stardom and cranks it up with thunderous riffs and a storyline that feels ripped straight from a concert poster. It’s the kind of song that turns an air guitar into a personal mission. You can hear the hunger, the hope, and the rise—all backed by arena-sized ambition.
📈 Chart Performance: Released in 1982, it reached number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 3 on the Mainstream Rock chart.
8. That Was Yesterday
Here, Foreigner turns down the volume and ups the emotional depth. “That Was Yesterday” is a sleek, synth-laced reflection on the heartbreak of moving on. It’s not just melancholic—it’s controlled, composed, and almost clinical in its sadness. The glossy production and restrained vocals turn this into a breakup anthem that’s more cerebral than explosive.
📈 Chart Performance: Released in 1985, it climbed to number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, number 4 on the Mainstream Rock chart, and number 24 on Adult Contemporary.
7. Head Games
“Head Games” leans into tension and paranoia, turning romantic uncertainty into a dramatic rock narrative. The pounding rhythm matches the lyrical frustration, making it a visceral portrait of emotional warfare. It’s catchy, but there’s something unstable brewing beneath the surface—and that unease is exactly what makes it memorable.
📈 Chart Performance: Released in late 1979, it reached number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, continuing the band’s streak of Top 20 hits.
6. I Want to Know What Love Is
Perhaps Foreigner’s most iconic ballad, this track trades guitars for grandiose emotion. The gospel-tinged choir and sweeping melody elevate “I Want to Know What Love Is” to something almost spiritual. It’s not just longing—it’s a raw plea for connection. Whether you’re singing along in heartbreak or hope, it resonates on a deeply human level.
📈 Chart Performance: Released in 1984, it became Foreigner’s only number 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, also topping charts in the UK, Canada, and Australia.
5. Cold As Ice
“Cold As Ice” is icy indeed—but it’s also stylishly vindictive. The piano stabs through the mix with a precision that mirrors the lyric’s bitterness. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to strut away from a bad relationship with sunglasses on and a smirk. Sharp, theatrical, and endlessly quotable.
📈 Chart Performance: Released in 1977, it peaked at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of the band’s earliest hits.
4. Waiting for a Girl Like You
Tender and synth-driven, this track is Foreigner’s softer side at its finest. “Waiting for a Girl Like You” practically floats with romantic yearning, pairing dreamy melodies with a vulnerable vocal performance. It’s sentimental without feeling sappy, and has somehow retained its emotional impact decades after its release.
📈 Chart Performance: Released in 1981, it famously spent 10 consecutive weeks at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, blocked from the top spot by Olivia Newton-John’s “Physical” and Hall & Oates’ “I Can’t Go for That”.
3. Double Vision
This is Foreigner in full rock mode—loud, relentless, and ready to rumble. “Double Vision” has a barroom bravado that pairs perfectly with its pulsating beat. It’s a shout-along anthem that doesn’t ask for permission, and while the lyrics may be more about a dazed state than deep introspection, the energy here is unmistakable.
📈 Chart Performance: Released in 1978, it reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, held back only by Donna Summer’s “MacArthur Park”.
2. Urgent
Funky, frantic, and totally unexpected, “Urgent” injects a dose of saxophone swagger into Foreigner’s discography. The rhythm is urgent indeed, and the track thrives on tension and motion. It’s a rare moment where the band steps outside their usual rock lane and still lands with style—thanks in large part to that unforgettable sax solo.
📈 Chart Performance: Released in 1981, it hit number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the Mainstream Rock chart, becoming one of their most successful radio singles.
1. Hot Blooded
Topping this countdown is “Hot Blooded,” a track that’s equal parts flirtation and fiery bravado. The hook is simple, the guitar work is explosive, and the attitude is unmistakably bold. It doesn’t overcomplicate—it just delivers a high-octane rock experience that’s been heating up speakers for generations.
📈 Chart Performance: Released in 1978, it peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Foreigner their first Platinum-certified single.
Foreigner’s catalog proves they were more than just arena rock—they mixed heart, soul, and swagger into a sound that still feels larger than life. Want to keep the countdown series rolling? I’d love to help you rank another artist.
As we wrap up this countdown of Foreigner’s most iconic tracks, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Did your favorite make the list, or do you think some gems might be missing? What recommendations would you add to the mix? Share your insights and opinions in the comments below! Your feedback not only enriches our conversation but helps shape future countdowns. Let’s celebrate the music that defines us together!
If you enjoyed this countdown of Foreigner’s iconic tracks, there’s a world of music waiting for you in our “Our Ten” series! Dive into curated playlists from legendary artists like Blondie, Michael Jackson, Madonna, and many more, each selected by our Moteventure panel. Whether you’re searching for nostalgic hits or discovering classics for the first time, these lists are sure to spark your musical journey. Explore the links below and find your next favorite tune!
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