The way Foreigner used synthesizers in their music added a unique blend of rock and pop, giving their sound a more polished, modern feel compared to other bands of their era. Synthesizers in songs like “Urgent” created a distinct, electronic-driven energy, while still maintaining the band’s core rock essence. This combination helped Foreigner stand out in the late ’70s and ’80s, adding a layered, dynamic quality to their hits. Their use of synths added a touch of sophistication to their radio-friendly rock anthems, helping them appeal to a broader audience.
Most of the synth work on the album "4" is by Thomas Dolby. This introduced him to Mutt Lange which in turn led to him doing synths on Def Leppard's "Pyromania" album under the pseudonym "Booker T. Boffin".
That long version of Starrider was astounding. They cut it in half for the album version (the instrumental section was cut out), but they still played the full version live with Lou Gramm joining in on a 2nd drum kit next to Dennis. All of the main instruments had long solos on the end jam: Ian on the flute, Al on keyboards, and Mick on lead guitar.
I always liked Al...such a funny guy. He had me cracking up when he talked about the big party the band and Atlantic Records held right before the debut album was released. They were playing the album and he had friends come up to him and said they thought it was terrible. His response was hilarious as he was kinda freaking out and thinking they were gonna fall on their face. I have no idea what his friends were thinking because I absolutely fell in love with Foreigner the instant I heard that iconic album.
I grew up in a medium/smallish town in Indiana and our thing to do on Friday and Saturday night in the early 80's was cruise the mall. It was kind of circuit that started at the mall at one end of town, you'd make a few passes and either park with another group and hang out or drive down the main drag to the DQ at the other end which had a K-Mart behind it with a huge parking lot. It was all about cars, chicks, weed, beer and loud rock & roll. Foreigner was a huge sound and you heard it everywhere. Back In Black was just released, we had Aerosmith at their peak and so many other killer bands. The best teenage years ever!
Fun and informative video. Question for Al Greenwood: Did the EML 101 Synthesizer make the descending synth sound during the bridge in Feels Like The First Time?
Foreigner should've definitely won the Grammy for best new artist in 1977. The fact Debby Boone won tells you all you need to know about the out of touch voters at that time.
"you light up my life" - no longer played, "Cold as Ice" - played forever Was that synth used on the bridge of "First Time"? if so I cannot get that sound on a digital synth.
It feels like the first time - "Like it never did before, Like it never will again". what the how does Lou remember and simultaneously forget The First Time? It had to have felt like that, you know, 'before'. And if it's feeling that way now, well, that's one 'again', probably could happen some more...
Didn't Boston lose out on the Best New Artist Award the previous year to someone who had no business winning? Debbie Boone's name will never be forgotten as it's a footnote in Foreigner's long history. Just another example of the ridiculous decisions made at the Grammy's. Debbie Boone was a one-hit wonder and never heard from again.
Yes, Starland Vocal Band. I remember watching that award show as a kid. Afternoon Delight was a big hit but not compared to one of the biggest debut albums of all time. Oh well - It's the Grammys -No surprise.
Al Greenwood! I always knew he had a unique synthesizer sound. Now I know why. The first Foreigner album was amazing. Well, the first four albums were. It got weird after that and the magic was gone. That was Mick Jone's fault. A terrible example of a band "leader".
The way Foreigner used synthesizers in their music added a unique blend of rock and pop, giving their sound a more polished, modern feel compared to other bands of their era. Synthesizers in songs like “Urgent” created a distinct, electronic-driven energy, while still maintaining the band’s core rock essence. This combination helped Foreigner stand out in the late ’70s and ’80s, adding a layered, dynamic quality to their hits. Their use of synths added a touch of sophistication to their radio-friendly rock anthems, helping them appeal to a broader audience.
Most of the synth work on the album "4" is by Thomas Dolby. This introduced him to Mutt Lange which in turn led to him doing synths on Def Leppard's "Pyromania" album under the pseudonym "Booker T. Boffin".
Absolutely agree and couldn't have said it any better myself 🎹🎶🎹
Love Al’s Laugh He Has A Cute One!
So extremely proud of Al Greenwood & the Original “Foreigner” band! Love 💗 you guys !
Gen X,1965
Your fave fan,
“Little Rock Rhonda”
That long version of Starrider was astounding. They cut it in half for the album version (the instrumental section was cut out), but they still played the full version live with Lou Gramm joining in on a 2nd drum kit next to Dennis. All of the main instruments had long solos on the end jam: Ian on the flute, Al on keyboards, and Mick on lead guitar.
Well done Al! Very generous to donate those pieces, I know how special they are. So cool.
Al Looks Great!
Always did and still do love your sound on the synthesizer and keys! 🎹 🖤🎹
I always liked Al...such a funny guy. He had me cracking up when he talked about the big party the band and Atlantic Records held right before the debut album was released. They were playing the album and he had friends come up to him and said they thought it was terrible. His response was hilarious as he was kinda freaking out and thinking they were gonna fall on their face. I have no idea what his friends were thinking because I absolutely fell in love with Foreigner the instant I heard that iconic album.
I still buy Foreigner C.D.'s! I just bought 1 within less than a month!
I should be inducted soon #thechorusking
Such a FANTASTIC song - really exceptional musicianship IMHO
That's going in the Hall Of Fame. Excellent.
There is so little that I know about synthesizers. Every bit of information can be appreciated.
Thank you.
LOVE FOREIGNER, how exciting!! 💜💜💜 Love that sounds it was all good! Thank you, thank you! 🍂🧡🍂 Excellent news!
❤ Foreigner!! Definitely one of the best! Still fresh rock n roll! 😊
The EML 101 was my first synth. Got it new when I was 18.
Still have it.
November 23, 1978 was Thanksgiving night. I was there in the Garden and what a show!!
Lucky you.
01:54 He Says he was kinda of cute back then and then makes a cutie pie face. LOL!
❤❤❤ EXCELLENT INTERVIEW, I WAS EDUCATED, ENTERTAINED AND HAPPY FOR FOREIGNER'S INTRODUCTION TO THE ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME, AMEN
I grew up in a medium/smallish town in Indiana and our thing to do on Friday and Saturday night in the early 80's was cruise the mall. It was kind of circuit that started at the mall at one end of town, you'd make a few passes and either park with another group and hang out or drive down the main drag to the DQ at the other end which had a K-Mart behind it with a huge parking lot. It was all about cars, chicks, weed, beer and loud rock & roll. Foreigner was a huge sound and you heard it everywhere. Back In Black was just released, we had Aerosmith at their peak and so many other killer bands. The best teenage years ever!
Al you were brilliant.Great musician . You help start Foreigner along with Mic and Dennis Elliot . Then Lou came in along with Gal.
My first real synth was an EML 101. I was happy to know that Foreigner thought that highly of the instrument, as well.
He still has the EXACT same hair. Real too.
Should have been in the Hall 25 years ago!!!
this machine was way ahead of its time
Fun and informative video. Question for Al Greenwood: Did the EML 101 Synthesizer make the descending synth sound during the bridge in Feels Like The First Time?
Freaky flashback. I had one of those little banks. Totally forgot about it until now.
Foreigner should've definitely won the Grammy for best new artist in 1977. The fact Debby Boone won tells you all you need to know about the out of touch voters at that time.
Very talented nice guy!
i liked that on Foreighner 4 they had Thomas Dolby.
The true band was with the original members great chemistry then the bad chemistry happened that was coke
Great story !
You are still adorable!
Nice Nord Stage 3 behind Mr. Greenwood!!
Had the luck to see him with Foreigner in ‘77 and ‘78.
It’s fucking about time! But Dave Matthew’s band! WTF
Surprised Micks not in here taking all the credit. Love ya Al
2:01. Leave it to a video from the R&R HOF about the synth to only showing him playing the Hammond Organ. (Which was great, BTW.)
🔥❤
❤
U can take it to the bank ...the bird of paradise bee flying up Rock and roll hall of fame show several days, during and after..Halloween nose candy..
"you light up my life" - no longer played, "Cold as Ice" - played forever
Was that synth used on the bridge of "First Time"? if so I cannot get that sound on a digital synth.
It feels like the first time - "Like it never did before, Like it never will again".
what the
how does Lou remember and simultaneously forget The First Time? It had to have felt like that, you know, 'before'.
And if it's feeling that way now, well, that's one 'again', probably could happen some more...
♥
What created that harpsichord/bass sound on that album?
Spys fan here.
1977 Grammys - Best new artist nominees: Debby Boone (winner) Stephen Bishop, Shaun Cassidy, Foreigner, Andy Gibb
Didn't Boston lose out on the Best New Artist Award the previous year to someone who had no business winning? Debbie Boone's name will never be forgotten as it's a footnote in Foreigner's long history. Just another example of the ridiculous decisions made at the Grammy's. Debbie Boone was a one-hit wonder and never heard from again.
Yes, Starland Vocal Band. I remember watching that award show as a kid. Afternoon Delight was a big hit but not compared to one of the biggest debut albums of all time. Oh well - It's the Grammys -No surprise.
Al Greenwood! I always knew he had a unique synthesizer sound. Now I know why. The first Foreigner album was amazing. Well, the first four albums were. It got weird after that and the magic was gone. That was Mick Jone's fault. A terrible example of a band "leader".
So Foreigner played the Garden for the first time 8 whole days before i was born……thats cool
If it's his first one, SN should be 203.
Still no Supertramp? WTF.
Both Supertramp and Foreigner should have already long been in by now.
Hall of shame!
Shame on you for adding Foreigner only now.
❤