22-02-2010Album reviews - Foreigner
Album Review: Cant Slow Down released 01-02-2010 - 3.5/5
If I had to hazard a guess I would say almost everyone, unknowingly or not knows at least one Foreigner song. Almost every club from the dingiest of metal haunts right through to the classiest of establishments have the 3am swansong of 'I Want To Know What Love Is' or 'Waiting For A Girl Like You' gracing their speakers and causing everyone to croon in tandem. After a lengthy hiatus they return, not with a 'best of' but a collection of thirteen new songs with which they intend to become pop rocks heartthrobs once again.
Aptly titled opening track 'Can't Slow Down' is a mid tempo number that opens the CD amiably. In it's title it appears to have some intent in it's placement but compared to some of the other tracks on this CD with the same name it appears to middle of the road and could have been best saved for later on. It would be all to easy to hit the stop buttons and say the band are past it and all the other clichés aimed at said revivalists. Giving it a chance I'm rewarded for my patience within seconds as the CD flows on to its next mini love story.
Second track 'In Pieces' is the first real indication that this band still have that magic dust available hanging from a pouch on their leather studded belts. A true ballad it sounds as relevant within today's market as it would have done if it was released in the early 80's. For me this is Foreigners number one appeal, the closest descendants of the rock family tree to have cross bread with the world of pop they have an ability to transcend audiences and stereotypes. 'When It Comes to Love' sees Mick Jones and Kelly Hansen soulfully retell simple tales that have worked their way through every fable throughout time. The difference between this medium than any other lame watered down radio friendly pop or R&B number? This feels like it actually has passion, belief and is coming straight from the heart. The way the band orchestrate themselves into an outlet for all things that tug at the heart strings is something that they have always held a unique understanding of.
'Living in A Dream' showcases the bands bluesy tendencies and the song has enough drive seasoned with an approach of emotion that constantly pushes towards a decadent time. 'I Can't Give Up' uses new keyboardist Michael Bluestein to provide the songs verse's and it works impeccably with Hansen's voice, always being a fan of power ballads and piano's I would say this is the most emotional feeling of all tracks. Side swept fringes of the emo persuasion take note, this is how to pour your heart and soul into a song, littered with cheesy innuendo and come out maintaining an air of credibility. 'Ready' has a hook and chorus matched with a feel good vibe, clean sounding guitars and a snare that punctuates rather than hammering home a point.
Foreigner have lost none of their trademark simplistic style using the focus of the vocals and harmonies to create a distinct atmosphere and feeling. The guitars, keys or brass instruments never try to steal the limelight, like blockers in the snap they provide the cover for the flair of quaterback Jones to pull some of his most impressive moves to make the endzone. Lyrically it is easily describable as high school romance but the feelings they uncover are universally understood and so hit the right Foreigner formula once again. The brass on 'Give Me A Sign' gives a huge half time carnival feel as the bridge kicks in and begins its journey to the ultimate crescendo I envisage streamers, confetti, pyrotechnics and a revolving lights show all accented with bizarrely dressed dancers.
After an age securing perhaps the largest number of wedding songs the band seem to have lost none of their fervour. Will they be able to continue and achieve the same feats as the multi million selling of those old classic records. In today's industry it will be hard work but with a few well produced videos and enough putting the band in the right shop windows and people may just be tempted for a round two with Foreigner. In truth there isn't a bad number on this album, sure some don't set the world alight but it's never offensive or unbearable to make me hit the skip button. 'Too Late' again with the carnival feeling even reminds me of a latter day 'Fall Out Boy' track such is their relevance in today's market. 'As Long As I Live'.. yeah you can guess what's coming next, of course 'he'll love you for the rest of your life, treat you right etc' but I wouldn't have it any other way. This song also holds my favourite mid section as they manage to build up using the piano's and guitars in tandem to one momentous power houses of raw feeling. With the syco inspired rejuvenation of Journey et all I find it hard to believe that this album will be squandered away as the time, now more than ever, is right for Foreigner to return to their home territories and reclaim their rightful throne as king of ballads.
