When Foreigner burst onto the scene in the late 1970s, they brought with them a polished, energetic, and radio-friendly rock sound that would define much of the era’s mainstream rock landscape. One of the most memorable tracks from their debut self-titled album, “Feels Like the First Time”, became an instant classic, showcasing the band’s knack for infectious hooks, driving rhythms, and masterful production. This song not only introduced the world to Foreigner but also cemented their position as one of the era’s most successful rock acts. In this review, we’ll dive deep into the album’s background, the song’s structure and instrumentation, its lyrical themes, and why it continues to resonate with listeners decades later.
The Album: Foreigner (1977) – A Rock Debut with Staying Power
Released in March 1977, Foreigner’s self-titled debut album was a powerful statement from a band comprised of both British and American musicians. The record was a commercial triumph, peaking at number 4 on the Billboard 200 and eventually achieving multi-platinum status. It produced several hit singles, but “Feels Like the First Time” served as the lead single and the perfect introduction to the band’s sound.
The Foreigner album was built on a blend of hard rock guitar riffs, memorable choruses, and anthemic energy. Produced by John Sinclair and Mick Jones (Foreigner’s founding guitarist and main songwriter), the record boasted crisp, radio-ready production that balanced raw rock energy with refined studio polish. Alongside “Feels Like the First Time,” other standout tracks included Cold as Ice and Long, Long Way from Home, both of which demonstrated the band’s ability to fuse melodic pop sensibilities with rock power.
From the moment the album hit the shelves, Foreigner proved they weren’t just another rock band — they were a piece of music excellence, armed with a debut that still holds up remarkably well today.
Instrumentation and Sonic Texture
“Feels Like the First Time” is a masterclass in balancing rock grit with melodic accessibility. The song’s arrangement features a powerful combination of guitar, piano, bass, drums, and subtle synthesizer elements, each playing a crucial role in shaping its signature sound.
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Guitar: Mick Jones’s guitar work drives the track, opening with a punchy, ringing chord progression that immediately commands attention. The electric guitar tone is bright but slightly overdriven, giving it both clarity and edge. Throughout the track, the guitar riffs provide a rhythmic foundation, while short melodic fills add flavor between vocal lines.
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Piano and Keyboards: The piano is an understated but essential element in the arrangement, adding harmonic depth and a slight pop sheen to the otherwise rock-focused instrumentation. The keyboard layers are subtle, ensuring the track remains grounded in guitar rock while still benefiting from extra tonal richness.
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Rhythm Section: The bass and drums lock in tightly, delivering a steady groove that propels the track forward. Dennis Elliott’s drumming is precise and energetic, using punchy snare hits and cymbal crashes to build excitement toward the chorus. Ed Gagliardi’s bass lines provide a warm, full low end that complements the guitar without overpowering it.
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Vocals: Lou Gramm’s lead vocals are one of the defining features of the song. His voice carries a blend of power and emotion, perfectly capturing the song’s themes of new beginnings and emotional intensity. His dynamic delivery — from the controlled verses to the soaring chorus — ensures the song remains engaging from start to finish.
The production quality is clean yet energetic, a hallmark of late-’70s arena rock. The mix allows each instrument to shine, creating a layered soundscape that invites repeated listens.
Lyrical Themes – The Excitement of New Love
At its heart, “Feels Like the First Time” is about the rush and exhilaration of experiencing something — or someone — new. The lyrics capture that heady combination of anticipation, passion, and optimism that comes with fresh beginnings.
Lines like “I would climb any mountain, sail across the stormy sea” paint vivid pictures of commitment and adventure, while the chorus — “It feels like the first time” — encapsulates the emotional essence in just a few words. It’s a universal sentiment, relatable to anyone who has ever felt the spark of love or excitement in a new relationship.
What makes the song particularly effective is its simplicity. The lyrics aren’t overly complex, but they’re delivered with sincerity and conviction. This directness, paired with the powerful instrumental arrangement, makes the song an anthem for both romantic and emotional renewal.
Why It Resonates Decades Later
“Feels Like the First Time” is more than just a nostalgic throwback; it’s a song that still feels fresh today. Here’s why:
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Timeless Structure: The verse-chorus-bridge format is classic but executed flawlessly. There’s a clear build in energy that keeps listeners engaged from the first note to the last.
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Emotional Universality: Whether you’re experiencing love for the first time or rediscovering it, the song taps into feelings that transcend generations.
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Musical Craftsmanship: Every element — from Mick Jones’s guitar riffs to Lou Gramm’s vocals — is delivered with precision and passion, creating a seamless blend of rock power and melodic appeal.
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Production Quality: Even by modern standards, the track’s mix holds up, with a clarity that allows each instrument to breathe while still delivering the full force of a rock anthem.
For fans of classic rock, it’s a reminder of an era when radio hits could be both commercially appealing and musically robust. For new listeners, it’s a gateway into the golden age of ’70s rock.
The Role in Foreigner’s Legacy
As the band’s debut single, “Feels Like the First Time” played a pivotal role in shaping Foreigner’s identity. It introduced their signature blend of rock and pop elements, setting the stage for a career that would see them release numerous hits throughout the late ’70s and ’80s.
The song remains a staple in Foreigner’s live performances, often serving as a crowd favorite and sing-along moment. Its enduring popularity is a testament to both the song’s craftsmanship and the lasting appeal of Foreigner’s sound.
Recommended Listening – Similar Songs to Explore
If “Feels Like the First Time” resonates with you, there are plenty of other tracks from the same era that capture a similar spirit. Here are a few recommendations:
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“Cold as Ice” – Foreigner
From the same debut album, this track pairs catchy piano hooks with sharp guitar work and showcases Foreigner’s knack for crafting instantly memorable choruses. -
“More Than a Feeling” – Boston
Another ’70s rock anthem, this song blends soaring vocals, layered guitars, and an emotional core that makes it timeless. -
“Don’t Stop Believin’” – Journey
Though from the early ’80s, its uplifting message and unforgettable piano intro make it a spiritual cousin to Foreigner’s work. -
“Wheel in the Sky” – Journey
A driving, melodic rock track with a sense of movement and exploration that matches the energy of “Feels Like the First Time.” -
“Any Way You Want It” – Journey
High-energy and packed with catchy hooks, this song shares the upbeat, feel-good qualities that make Foreigner’s hit so enduring. -
“Just What I Needed” – The Cars
Though leaning more toward new wave, this track’s crisp guitar and pop sensibility align with the same audience appeal.
Final Thoughts
“Feels Like the First Time” isn’t just an introduction to Foreigner — it’s an enduring example of how rock can be both powerful and approachable. The combination of passionate vocals, tight musicianship, and relatable lyrics has kept it relevant for over four decades.
Whether you’re discovering it for the first time or revisiting it after years, the song has a way of reigniting that spark of excitement — the same kind that inspired Mick Jones when he penned it. It’s more than a rock single; it’s a moment captured in sound, a piece of music that continues to inspire and energize listeners.
Foreigner’s debut album set the bar high, and “Feels Like the First Time” remains one of its crown jewels. With its perfect mix of guitar-driven rock, piano accents, and emotional directness, it stands as a reminder that great songs don’t just capture a moment in time — they live on, ready to make every listen feel brand new.