Released in 1984, Foreigner’s deeply moving ballad “I Want To Know What Love Is” remains one of the most iconic songs of the rock era. It transcends the traditional boundaries of its genre, blending emotional depth with grand, sweeping musical arrangements. This powerful piece of music continues to resonate with listeners across generations. Today, we’ll dive deep into the song’s origin, the album it came from, the instruments and sounds that shaped its soul-stirring atmosphere, and recommend similar songs that fans are sure to appreciate.
The Album: Agent Provocateur
“I Want To Know What Love Is” was released as the lead single from Foreigner’s fifth studio album, Agent Provocateur. Launched in December 1984, this album marked an important evolution in the band’s sound. After dominating the late ’70s and early ’80s with a blend of hard rock and pop, Agent Provocateur showcased a more emotional, introspective side of Foreigner.
The album was both a critical and commercial success. It topped charts around the world, with “I Want To Know What Love Is” becoming Foreigner’s first and only number-one hit on both the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart. Despite the band’s rock background, this album leaned into a more polished, radio-friendly sound, integrating lush arrangements and powerful ballads that captivated audiences worldwide.
Notably, Agent Provocateur is filled with songs that explore themes of longing, heartbreak, and redemption. However, it’s “I Want To Know What Love Is” that became the emotional centerpiece, embodying the spirit of the album with its grandeur and sincerity.
The Instruments and Sounds of the Song
Foreigner was known for their polished production values, and “I Want To Know What Love Is” is no exception. This track is a masterclass in layering sounds and creating an emotional crescendo that builds steadily from beginning to end.
At its core, the song features a gentle piano introduction that sets a reflective, somber tone. The piano carries the melody softly at first, providing a foundation upon which the rest of the instruments slowly build. The use of the piano in the arrangement brings a tender, human quality to the piece of music, setting the stage for the journey to come.
As the song progresses, electric guitar swells enter, adding warmth and emotional depth. The guitar work is subtle but significant—it doesn’t dominate the arrangement but enriches it, weaving harmoniously with the other instruments.
One of the most striking features of the track is the use of a gospel choir in the final choruses. Foreigner enlisted the New Jersey Mass Choir to perform the backing vocals, creating a soaring, almost spiritual climax that lifts the song to anthemic heights. Their voices, layered behind Lou Gramm’s passionate lead vocal, create an overwhelming feeling of yearning and hope, perfectly matching the song’s universal themes.
Other key instruments include bass and drums, which are measured and restrained throughout most of the track, giving it a steady heartbeat without overwhelming the delicate arrangement. Synthesizers are also layered subtly in the background, a hallmark of mid-1980s production, lending a shimmering atmosphere without becoming overbearing.
In short, the careful balance of guitar, piano, choir, and orchestration is what gives “I Want To Know What Love Is” its lasting emotional power.
The Story Behind the Song
Written by Foreigner guitarist and founding member Mick Jones, “I Want To Know What Love Is” came from a place of personal reflection. Jones described the writing process as a “spiritual experience,” and many listeners have felt a transcendent quality in the song.
Lyrically, it addresses the universal longing to experience true love, a feeling that transcends specific relationships or circumstances. Its simplicity is its strength—almost anyone, regardless of background, can relate to the plea at the heart of the song.
Interestingly, although Foreigner is often categorized as a rock band, this particular ballad crosses multiple genres—adult contemporary, gospel, and pop—making it a perfect choice for fans of soulful, heartfelt music.
Why the Song Endures
The brilliance of “I Want To Know What Love Is” lies in its emotional honesty. While the production values are grand and the arrangement sweeping, at its heart, the song remains intimate and personal.
Lou Gramm’s vocal performance is another standout feature. His raw, earnest delivery imbues every line with authenticity. Gramm doesn’t just sing the words—he feels them. This genuine emotion, paired with the rich, textured arrangement, elevates the song beyond a simple rock ballad into a timeless anthem for anyone searching for connection.
The careful use of the piano and guitar create the perfect musical backdrop, allowing Gramm’s voice and the gospel choir to shine without unnecessary embellishment. It’s a beautiful example of how restraint and thoughtful production can produce a truly transcendent piece of music.
From a technical standpoint, “I Want To Know What Love Is” also showcases a masterful understanding of dynamics. The song begins quietly, builds steadily, and concludes with a powerful crescendo, taking listeners on an emotional journey that’s both uplifting and cathartic.
Listening Recommendations: Songs Similar to “I Want To Know What Love Is”
If you find yourself moved by the sweeping emotion and grand arrangements of “I Want To Know What Love Is,” here are a few similar songs you might enjoy:
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“Open Arms” by Journey
A quintessential power ballad featuring emotional vocals, rich piano accompaniment, and soaring guitars. -
“Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)” by Phil Collins
A heartfelt piano-driven ballad that explores themes of heartbreak and longing. -
“Faithfully” by Journey
Another Journey classic, filled with sincerity and melodic richness. -
“Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler
A dramatic and powerful ballad with sweeping orchestration and an unforgettable vocal performance. -
“The Flame” by Cheap Trick
A late-80s ballad that similarly blends rock instrumentation with tender emotion.
Each of these songs carries the same emotional weight and musical grandeur that makes “I Want To Know What Love Is” so special. They are all perfect companions for listeners who appreciate a well-crafted album or an unforgettable piece of music.
Final Thoughts
“I Want To Know What Love Is” is much more than just a rock ballad from the 1980s—it’s a cultural touchstone, a song that taps into universal emotions with sincerity and grace. Foreigner managed to create a track that is both intimate and grand, simple and complex, personal and universal.
Through its brilliant arrangement of guitar, piano, choir, and subtle synths, and with a vocal performance that remains unmatched decades later, this song stands as one of the greatest ballads ever recorded.
Whether you’re revisiting it for the hundredth time or discovering it anew, “I Want To Know What Love Is” is a reminder of the enduring power of music to express the deepest human emotions. It’s a song that deserves a permanent place on any playlist dedicated to the most stirring love songs of all time.
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Lyrics: I Want To Know What Love Is
I gotta take a little time
A little time to think things over
I better read between the lines
In case I need it when I’m olderNow this mountain I must climb
Feels like a world upon my shoulders
Through the clouds I see love shine
It keeps me warm as life grows colderIn my life there’s been heartache and pain
I don’t know if I can face it again
Can’t stop now, I’ve traveled so far
To change this lonely lifeI wanna know what love is
I want you to show me
I wanna feel what love is
I know you can show meI’m gonna take a little time
A little time to look around me
I’ve got nowhere left to hide
It looks like love has finally found meIn my life there’s been heartache and pain
I don’t know if I can face it again
I can’t stop now, I’ve traveled so far
To change this lonely lifeI wanna know what love is
I want you to show me
I wanna feel what love is
I know you can show meI wanna know what love is
I want you to show me
And I wanna feel, I want to feel what love is
And I know, I know you can show meLet’s talk about love
I wanna know what love is, the love that you feel inside
I want you to show me, and I’m feeling so much love
I wanna feel what love is, no, you just cannot hide
I know you can show me, yeahI wanna know what love is, let’s talk about love
I want you to show me, I wanna feel it too
I wanna feel what love is, I want to feel it too
And I know and I know, I know you can show me
Show me love is real, yeah
I wanna know what love is…