Foreigner – 4 [Stereo] (Analogue Productions Atlantic 75 Audiophile Series 45 RPM Edition)

(AAA) — Lacquers cut from the original analog master tapes by Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound.

Analogue Productions (Atlantic 75 Series)

Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Atlantic Records!

Foreigner's No. 1-selling fourth studio album!

Featuring "Urgent," "Waiting for Girl Like You," and "Juke Box Hero"

180-gram 45 RPM double LP

Mastered directly from the original master tape by Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sound

Pressed at Quality Record Pressings

Tip-on old style gatefold double pocket jacket by Stoughton Printing

"The (original edition pressing) is no slouch. It is no slouch at all. It's very presentable, in my opinion, as to what was recorded. Where the distinctions came about (with the AP 2x45), are in a couple of areas. The voice of Lou Gramm, a very important part of Foreigner's sound, is much more clear and laser-like with the Analogue Productions. I thought voice carried better and stuck out more, from the instrumentation. You could hear the voice well in the (original) but it was overridden a bit and blended in a bit more with the music. Whereas on the Analogue Productions, it had more of a distinctive sound to it and more of a presence." — "Urgent" track review from Foreigner 4, David Bianco, Safe & Sound Texas Audio Excursion, YouTube video

Throughout the course of three late-70s albums, Foreigner (along with Journey and Styx) was recognized as one of the top AOR bands of the era. But the band was still looking for that grand slam of a record that would push them to the very top of the heap.

Released in 1981, 4 would be that album, writes AllMusic.

In producer Robert John "Mutt" Lange — fresh off his massive success with AC/DC's Back in Black — guitarist and all-around mastermind Mick Jones found both the catalyst to achieve this and his perfect musical soulmate. Lange's legendary obsessive attention to detail and Jones' highly disciplined guitar heroics (which he never allowed to get in the way of a great song) resulted in a collaboration of unprecedented, sparkling efficiency where not a single note is wasted.

"Nightlife" kicks off a series of energetic and nearly flawless melodic rock songs on the album. Within this collection, you'll find tracks like "Woman in Black," "Don't Let Go," and the '50s-inspired "Luanne." However, the standout gem in this album is "Juke Box Hero." This song manages to be both a mainstream hit and exceptionally unique. It blends heavy metal guitar riffs, harmonized vocals, and lyrics that capture the desire to become a rock star.

But there's more to this album. It also includes the essential power ballad, "Waiting for a Girl Like You." This emotional song transcended genres, becoming one of the most successful tearjerkers of the decade. It's a constant presence on soft rock radio and has overshadowed another beautiful ballad from the album called "Girl on the Moon."

And let's not forget the surprising and funky "Urgent." This track stands out as one of the band's most memorable and uncharacteristic smash hits, thanks to Junior Walker's signature saxophone solo.

As awesome as the music is this definitive deluxe 180-gram 45 RPM 2LP package. Foreigner 4 has never sounded better!

(Above description from AcousticSounds.com)