- The Explosive 1977 Debut That Launched Foreigner Into Rock Legend - Rare USA Vinyl Glory
Foreigner's debut album, born from the collaborative genius of Jones and McDonald, reached new heights with its USA release in 1977. The transatlantic recording process infused the album with a unique sonic blend, and hits like "Feels Like the First Time" propelled Foreigner to rock stardom. This web-page has hi-res photos of the album covers, record label and a detailed description.
Foreigner, the British-American rock juggernaut, took the music world by storm with the release of their eponymous debut album in 1977. The USA release of this iconic record marked a significant chapter in the band's journey, showcasing their ability to captivate audiences with a harmonious blend of rock prowess and melodic finesse.
Evolution of the Album: Crafting a Transatlantic Sonic Marvel
The inception of Foreigner's debut album was rooted in the collaboration between seasoned musicians Mick Jones and Ian McDonald. Jones, a maestro of the guitar, and McDonald, known for his work with King Crimson, brought diverse musical influences to the table. The result was a transatlantic musical marvel that seamlessly blended British and American rock traditions.
The lineup, featuring the dynamic Lou Gramm on vocals, Al Greenwood on keyboards, Ed Gagliardi on bass, and Dennis Elliott on drums, solidified the band's identity. This amalgamation of talent laid the groundwork for an album that would redefine the rock genre.
Recording Mastery Amidst Transcontinental Dynamics
Recording sessions commenced in 1976, and the band faced the challenge of navigating studio work on both sides of the Atlantic. The USA release benefited from this unique dynamic, with the band infusing their sound with a rich tapestry of influences. Mick Jones, taking on a pivotal role in production, contributed innovative guitar work, while Lou Gramm's soulful vocals added a distinctive layer to the tracks.
The meticulous attention to detail in the studio paid off, giving birth to an album that resonated with authenticity and musical prowess. The challenges posed by the transcontinental recording process ultimately contributed to the album's rich and diverse sonic landscape.
Impact and Cultural Resonance
Released in 1977, the USA edition of Foreigner's debut album quickly ascended the charts, making an indelible mark on the rock music scene. Hits like "Feels Like the First Time" and "Cold as Ice" became anthems that echoed through the airwaves, propelling the band to international acclaim. The album's success was not merely a commercial triumph but a testament to the band's ability to connect with listeners on a profound level.
Enduring Influence and Timeless Appeal
Foreigner's self-titled debut album continues to stand the test of time, its tracks etched into the world of rock history. The USA release, with its unique nuances and reception, played a pivotal role in establishing Foreigner as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. The album's enduring influence underscores its place as a classic that resonates across generations.
Music Genre: 70s Hard Rock, Prog Rock |
Album Production Information: The album: "Foreigner" was produced by: John Sinclair, Gary Lyons, Mick Jones, Ian McDonald Sound Engineer: Gary Lyons Sound mix: Mick Jones, Ian McDonald, Jimmy Douglass Associated Engineers: Jimmy Douglass, Randy Mason, Kevin Herron, Michael Getlin Coordinator Foreign Affairs: Diane Wright Cover Illustration: Alex Gnidziejko Art Direction: Bob Defrin |
Record Label & Catalognr: Atlantic SD 18215 |
Packaging: This album includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and photos of the Foreigner band. |
Media Format: 12" Vinyl LP Gramophone RecordAlbum weight: 220 gram |
Year & Country: 1977 Made in USA |
Band Members and Musicians on: Foreigner S/T self-titled |
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Complete Track Listing of: "Foreigner" |
The Song/tracks on "Foreigner" are
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This album cover illustration for Foreigner's self-titled 1977 USA vinyl release features a stylized, painted depiction of the six original band members standing side-by-side at what appears to be a train platform. Each member is dressed in a long trench coat, evoking a sense of travel, transition, or perhaps mystery. From left to right, they wear various muted shades of brown, beige, green, pink, dark gray, and tan. Their expressions are stoic and serious, contributing to the dramatic and enigmatic mood of the cover.
In front of the group, two vintage-style suitcases sit at their feet—both showing wear and travel stickers, suggesting a sense of movement or arrival. The background shows a cloudy, pastel-toned sky and a barely visible stretch of train tracks, reinforcing the theme of journey and change. Above the group, the band's name FOREIGNER appears in bold, black, stencil-style lettering that contrasts sharply with the soft hues of the background.
The image has a surreal quality due to its painterly style, blending realistic detail with slightly exaggerated features and flat perspective. The lower right corner displays the Atlantic Records logo and catalog number SD 18215, indicating the label and pressing information.
The back cover of Foreigner's 1977 USA release LP is a continuation of the stylized, painted visual theme. On the left side, a silver-grey subway-style train car is partially shown, moving away from view on a single set of railroad tracks that stretch across the bottom of the artwork. The metal surface of the train is rendered in smooth, clean lines, featuring rectangular windows and red signal lights.
The background sky dominates the rest of the artwork with sweeping, painterly strokes depicting dark, ominous storm clouds parting to reveal glowing white light above—a dramatic visual that might reflect the explosive nature of the album’s rock sound.
On the lower half of the cover, the tracklist is printed in black, divided into Side One and Side Two, listing songs like "Feels Like the First Time," "Cold As Ice," and "Long, Long Way From Home." Beneath the tracklist is a section listing the band members and their roles: Lou Gramm (lead vocals), Mick Jones (guitar, vocals), Ian McDonald (guitars, keyboards, woodwinds), Al Greenwood (keyboards), Ed Gagliardi (bass), and Dennis Elliott (drums).
Production and engineering credits follow, naming producers John Sinclair, Gary Lyons, Mick Jones, and Ian McDonald, with Gary Lyons as engineer and Jimmy Douglass among the mix team. It also notes Diane Wright as Coordinator of Foreign Affairs, cover illustrator Alex Gnidziejko, and art director Bob Defrin. The Atlantic Records logo and copyright text run along the bottom edge.
Six portrait photos of the Foreigner band-members on the original custom inner sleeve
This is the custom inner sleeve from the 1977 USA vinyl release of Foreigner's self-titled debut album, featuring six red-toned portrait photos of the original band members. The portraits are arranged in a tidy two-row grid format: three members on top, and three on the bottom. Each photo is cropped tightly around the head and shoulders, giving a clear view of each musician's face and hairstyle.
Across the top row from left to right are: Lou Gramm, sporting a head full of voluminous curly hair and a serious expression; Mick Jones, with a more composed, confident stare, dressed in a collared shirt and scarf; and Ian McDonald, resting his chin on his hand in a contemplative pose with straight dark hair.
The bottom row continues with: Al Greenwood, whose soft features and long, straight hair give off a youthful aura; Ed Gagliardi, with dark eyes and a clean look, projecting quiet charisma; and Dennis Elliott, smiling openly with slicked-back hair and an animated gaze.
Each band member’s name is printed in a small serif font directly above or below their respective photo. The layout is minimal, framed by the cream-colored paper of the inner sleeve, with no additional design elements—allowing the members' faces to take full focus. This sleeve not only served a practical purpose for protecting the vinyl, but also offered fans a personal, almost intimate visual connection with the lineup behind Foreigner's groundbreaking debut.
"Foreigner" Green, White and Orange Colour Atlantic Record Label Details: ATLANTIC SD 18215, ST-A 773809-PR ℗ 1977 Atlantic Sound Copyright
This close-up photo shows the Side One label of the original 1977 USA vinyl pressing of Foreigner's self-titled debut album, released by Atlantic Records. The label features the iconic Atlantic design—divided horizontally into three bands of green (top), white (middle), and red-orange (bottom). The distinctive Atlantic logo sits at the top left corner in green, orange, and magenta, with the word "ATLANTIC" in bold yellow inside a black box beneath it.
To the right of the logo is the catalog number SD 18215. In the white center band, “STEREO” is printed in bold black text on the left, and “ONE” is on the right, indicating this is side one of the LP. The band’s name, FOREIGNER, is printed in black capital letters at the top of the red-orange section, centered over the spindle hole.
Below it is the Side One tracklist: 1. Feels Like the First Time (3:49) written by M. Jones; 2. Cold as Ice (3:19) written by M. Jones and L. Gramm; 3. Starrider (4:01) by M. Jones and A. Greenwood; 4. Headknocker (2:58) by L. Gramm and M. Jones; and 5. The Damage Is Done (4:15) by M. Jones and L. Gramm.
On the right side, the year © 1977 Atlantic is printed, along with the matrix number ST-A-773809-PR at the bottom. The fine print circling the edge credits Atlantic Recording Corporation, 75 Rockefeller Plaza, N.Y., N.Y. and notes that it's a Warner Communications Company pressing.
The label’s layout and typography reflect the era's design style, offering collectors and enthusiasts valuable information about the pressing and production of the album.
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