РАРИТЕТИ

An English version of the fourth full-length studio album, "Hodina Slovenčiny" (1985), by famous Slovakian Pop-Rock band.
The album have different track listing and excludes track "Emdéžet".
Opus, 1985/1986 (9113 1665). Made in Slovakia (Czechoslovakia). Pressed in Czech (Czechoslovakia). First press. Used.


Tracklist:

Side A
1. Vanilla Shanilla 3:12
2. Good And Bad 3:16
3. School Party 2:59
4. Pearl In The Shell 3:50
5. You Get It Hot 3:03
6. Fool In Vain 3:40

Side B
1. Don't Break Me Down 4:34
2. High Energy 4:25
3. I Ain't Alone 4:29
4. Ripper Of The Day 3:22
5. Loneliness Of Secret Heart 4:48

Total playing time: 42:08 min.

The third Single from "The Final Countdown" album by legendary Swedish Hard Rock/Heavy Metal band.
Band's highest-charting song on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at #3 (#1 on the Radio and Records chart) during the fall of 1987. It also reached #36 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. The song was written by Joey Tempest and Mic Michaeli in 1985. An early version of the song, that consisted of just keyboards and vocals, was played on a tour in Sweden the same year. The demo version was similar, but the final version that was included on the album "The Final Countdown" included the whole band playing.
The track on the B-side of the 7" Single was "Love Chaser".
This Maxi-Single version also includes "Danger On The Track" song.
HOT International/CBS Records AB/Epic Records, 1987 (EPC 650354 6). Made in Holland. First press. 45 PRM. Used (cover/disc): EX+/EX+.


Tracklist:

Side 1
1. Carrie 4:29

Side 2
1. Love Chaser 3:28
2. Danger On The Rack 3:45

Total playing time: 11:42 min.

The fourth full-length studio album by the legendary Swedish Hard Rock band.
CBS Records Inc./Epic, 1988 (EPC 462449 1). Made in Holland. First press. OIS. 


Tracklist:

Side One
1. Superstitious  4:35
2. Let The Good Times Rock  4:04
3. Open Your Heart  4:04
4. More Than Meets The Eye  3:20
5. Coast To Coast  4:00
6. Ready Or Not  4:05

Side Two
7. Sign Of The Times  4:15
8. Just The Beginning  4:32
9. Never Say Die  4:00
10. Light And Shadows  4:04
11. Tower's Callin'  3:48
12. Tomorrow  3:04

Total playing time: 47:51 min.

The fourth full-length studio album by the legendary Swedish Hard Rock band.
CBS Records Inc./Epic, 1988 (462449 1). Made in Australia. First press. OIS. Used (cover/disc): EX/VG+.


Tracklist:

Side One
1. Superstitious  4:35
2. Let The Good Times Rock  4:04
3. Open Your Heart  4:04
4. More Than Meets The Eye  3:20
5. Coast To Coast  4:00
6. Ready Or Not  4:05

Side Two
7. Sign Of The Times  4:15
8. Just The Beginning  4:32
9. Never Say Die  4:00
10. Light And Shadows  4:04
11. Tower's Callin'  3:48
12. Tomorrow  3:04

Total playing time: 47:51 min.

The Soundtrack-Single by legendary Swedish Hard Rock/Glam Metal band.
"Rock The Night" first released in 1985 as a single from the soundtrack to the Swedish film "On The Loose". The song was written by vocalist Joey Tempest in 1984 and premiered on the band's Wings Of Tomorrow Tour the same year. Just more than a year and a half later, in 1986, the song was re-recorded and re-released as the second international Single from the album "The Final Countdown". The original 1985 release has a rawer, more "Metallic" Hard Rock sound than the more polished version released from "The Final Countdown" the following year. The B-side for both releases was a 1985 re-recording of the band's debut single, "Seven Doors Hotel".
There were two music videos released for "Rock The Night", one corresponding to each of the different versions. The original 1985 version, directly incorporated into the "On the Loose" film, features the band performing the song on stage, interspersed with shots of various audience members singing along and otherwise observing/reacting to the song. The second video was directed by Nick Morris and shot at the Hard Rock Cafe in Stockholm. It was the first Europe music video to feature the band's new guitarist Kee Marcello, since the original guitarist John Norum (who had recorded the guitar parts) had left the band weeks before the video shoot. The video begins with Europe arriving on their tour bus and walking into the Hard Rock Cafe, where the people inside are watching a video... of Europe's "Rock the Night". Some customers start recognizing them. Joey begins singing while the band is looking at the Cafe's order menu. The other band members use forks and other improvised "instruments" to mime the music. The rest of the people inside soon become a crowd, clapping and cheering them on. Live footage was also included, although overdubbed by the studio version of the song. After the chorus, Joey uses a ketchup bottle as an imaginary microphone, before the waiter delivers a real wireless one. Right before the solo, Kee removes a guitar from the Cafe's wall. They take the stage during the solo and perform the remainder of the song.
The 1986 release became a Top 10 hit in France, Germany, Holland, Spain, Belgium, Ireland and Switzerland, and peaked at #12 on the UK Singles Chart and #30 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States in early 1987.
This 7" vinyl is an original 1985 single version.
Hot International/CBS Inc./Epic Records, 1985 (A 6166). Made in Holland for Scandinavia. First press.


Tracklist:

Side One
Rock The Night 4:15

Side Two
Seven Doors Hotel (New Version) 4:56

Total playing time: 9:11 min.

The first and the lead Single from the fourth full-length studio album, “Out Of This World”, by legendary Swedish Hard Rock/Glam Metal band.
It performed moderately well, peaking at #31 on the US Billboard Hot 100, #9 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks, and #34 on the UK Singles Chart. It was the last song by Europe to chart on the US Hot 100.
The video for "Superstitious" was filmed at Hempstead House, on Long Island, New York. When performing the song live, Europe often include a part of Bob Marley's "No Woman, No Cry" in the middle of the song.
The 7" vinyl single was pressed globally in several editions, often featuring the B-side track "Lights and Shadows".
CBS Records Inc./Epic Records, 1988 (EPC 652879 0). Made in Holland. First press. Used (cover/disc): VG+/NM.


Tracklist:

Side 1
Superstitious 4:09

Side 2
Lights & Shadows 4:03

Total playing time: 8:12 min.
 

The first and the title Single from the third full-length studio album by legendary Swedish Hard Rock/Glam Metal band.
Written by lead singer Joey Tempest, the song was based on a keyboard riff he made in the early 1980s, with lyrics inspired by David Bowie's "Space Oddity". The band had not originally planned to release the song as a single, and some members wanted "Rock the Night" to be the first single. "The Final Countdown" was written to be an opening song for concerts, and they never thought it would be a hit. When their record company Epic Records suggested, however, that it should be the first single, the band decided to release it.
"The Final Countdown" became a success on the charts worldwide after its release during 1986 and 1987, reaching number one in 25 countries (including the UK, where it spent two weeks at the top, and was certified Gold in that country in 1986, and is Europe's only Top 10 hit to date), and is widely regarded as the band's most popular and recognizable song. The single reached number 8 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, and is the most successful song from the album on the Billboard's Album Rock Tracks chart, peaking at number 18 (and charting for 20 weeks). The song is also the band's highest-charting single in Australia and Canada, peaking at number 2 and at number 5.
The music video by Nick Morris, made to promote the single, has received over 1.3 billion views on YouTube. The video features footage from the band's two concerts at Solnahallen in Solna, Sweden as well as extra footage of the sound checks and footage from Stockholm.
The song "Pictures", from the 2017 album "Walk The Earth", is a sequel to "The Final Countdown".
"The Final Countdown" 7-inch vinyl features the iconic title track on the A-side and "On Broken Wings" on the B-side. Released by Epic Records, this 45 RPM staple of 80s Glam Metal remains a highly collectible piece of Arena Rock history and 1986s global anthem!
CBS Records AB/Epic Records, 1986 (EPCA 7127). Made in Holland. First press. Tour Calendar edition. Used (cover/disc): EX+/EX+.


Tracklist:

Side A
The Final Countdown 3:59

Side B
On Broken Wings 3:38

Total playing time: 7:37 min.

The first and the title Single from the third full-length studio album by legendary Swedish Hard Rock/Glam Metal band.
Written by lead singer Joey Tempest, the song was based on a keyboard riff he made in the early 1980s, with lyrics inspired by David Bowie's "Space Oddity". The band had not originally planned to release the song as a single, and some members wanted "Rock the Night" to be the first single. "The Final Countdown" was written to be an opening song for concerts, and they never thought it would be a hit. When their record company Epic Records suggested, however, that it should be the first single, the band decided to release it.
"The Final Countdown" became a success on the charts worldwide after its release during 1986 and 1987, reaching number one in 25 countries (including the UK, where it spent two weeks at the top, and was certified Gold in that country in 1986, and is Europe's only Top 10 hit to date), and is widely regarded as the band's most popular and recognizable song. The single reached number 8 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, and is the most successful song from the album on the Billboard's Album Rock Tracks chart, peaking at number 18 (and charting for 20 weeks). The song is also the band's highest-charting single in Australia and Canada, peaking at number 2 and at number 5.
The music video by Nick Morris, made to promote the single, has received over 1.3 billion views on YouTube. The video features footage from the band's two concerts at Solnahallen in Solna, Sweden as well as extra footage of the sound checks and footage from Stockholm.
The song "Pictures", from the 2017 album "Walk The Earth", is a sequel to "The Final Countdown".
"The Final Countdown" 7-inch vinyl features the iconic title track on the A-side and "On Broken Wings" on the B-side. Released by Epic Records, this 45 RPM staple of 80s Glam Metal remains a highly collectible piece of Arena Rock history and 1986s global anthem!
CBS Records AB/Epic Records, 1986 (EPCA 7127). Made in Holland. First press. Used (cover/disc): EX/EX+.


Tracklist:

Side A
The Final Countdown 3:59

Side B
On Broken Wings 3:38

Total playing time: 7:37 min.
 

The third full-length studio album by the legendary Swedish Hard Rock band.
Comes with a Final Countdown Tour poster.
CBS Inc./Epic Records, 1986 (EPC 26808). Made in UK. First press. Poster + insert. Used (cover/disc): EX/EX.


Tracklist:

Side One
1. The Final Countdown  5:09
2. Rock The Night  4:04
3. Carrie  4:29
4. Danger On The Track  3:45
5. Ninja  3:47

Side Two
6. Cherokee  4:12
7. Time Has Come  4:00
8. Heart Of Stone  3:46
9. On The Loose  3:08
10. Love Chaser  3:28

Total playing time: 39:48 min.

The third full-length studio album by the legendary Swedish Hard Rock band.
SBS Inc./Epic Records, 1986 (BFE 40241). Made in USA. First press. OIS. Embossed cover. Used (cover/disc): EX+/NM.


Tracklist:

Side 1
1. The Final Countdown 5:10
2. Rock The Night 4:03
3. Carrie 4:30
4. Danger On The Track 3:45
5. Ninja 3:46

Side 2
6. Cherokee 4:13
7. Time Has Come 4:01
8. Heart Of Stone 3:46
9. On The Loose 3:08
10. Love Chaser 3:27

Total playing time: 39:49 min.

The third full-length studio album by the legendary Swedish Hard Rock band.
SBS Inc./Epic Records, 1986 (EPC 26808 | BFE 40241). Made in Holland. First press. OIS. Embossed cover. Used (cover/disc): NM-/NM.


Tracklist:

Side 1
1. The Final Countdown 5:10
2. Rock The Night 4:03
3. Carrie 4:30
4. Danger On The Track 3:45
5. Ninja 3:46

Side 2
6. Cherokee 4:13
7. Time Has Come 4:01
8. Heart Of Stone 3:46
9. On The Loose 3:08
10. Love Chaser 3:27

Total playing time: 39:49 min.

The fifth full-length studio album by legendary German Thrash Metal band.
A mixture of material comprising fast and Thrashy numbers, melodic hooks and mid-tempo songs.
With no interest in repeating themselves or treading water, Exumer always set out to create a record that is not only better but also markedly different to that which preceded it.
A 42-minute full on attack, the Thrash faction hold nothing back as they unleash hell as only they can, yet with more variety and dynamics than ever before!
This is definitely one of 2019's Thrash Metal highlights!!
180-gram black vinyl includes XL poster, lyric insert and mp3 download card with album + bonus tracks.
Cover and poster autographed by all band members in August 2019.
Metal Blade Records GmbH, 2019 (3984-15630-1). Made in Germany. First press.


Tracklist:

Side Hostile
1. Hostile Defiance 3:41
2. Raptor 4:38
3. Carnage Rider 3:47
4. Dust Eater 3:24
5. King`s End 3:22

Side Defiance
1. Descent 4:07
2. Trapper 3:31
3. The Order Of Shadows 4:06
4. Vertical Violence 3:37
5. Splinter 2:57

Total playing time: 37:10 min.


Samples: https://exumerofficial.bandcamp.com

The second full-length album by the German Melodic Hard Rock band.
Considered by many as the band's 'epitome' in their sort-lived career, "Rainmaker" sold really good in Japan - 140000 copies, during the Grunge 'tornado' - and 'established' the band as a fave for lots of melody-related Hard Rockers. Self-produced, this effort is slightly more 'mellow' related to the 1991 debut, now keener on the AOR 'key ingredients'. Acoustic guitars here and there, great soloing, terrific - again - vocals and a 'fat' rhythm section are included. Nonetheless, tunes like "Burning Heart" (the band's first single/video), "What Did You Find", "Get A Little Closer" and "Desolation Angels" - in a non-fillers album - will persuade you; objections overruled!
In terms of musical magic, this release offer you the chance to get a grip on some excellent compositions. Who can oppose to such superiority offered by Fair Warning, a German band that - proved or not - can touch your heart really deep!!
Japanese edition comes with OBI and includes two bonus tracks!
WEA Music K.K., 1995/1997 (WPCR-220). Made in Japan.


Tracklist:
1. Stars And The Moon 4:10 
2. One Way Up 3:32 
3. Too Late For Love 4:02 
4. The Heart Of Summer 3:45 
5. Don't Give Up 4:11
6. Lonely Rooms 4:55 
7. Desert Song 6:48 
8. Pictures Of Love 4:40 
9. Desolation Angels 3:37 
10. Angel Of Dawn 3:55 
11. Burning Heart 3:53 
12. What Did You Find 4:59
Bonus Tracks:
13. Get A Little Closer 4:16 
14. Rain Song 3:50
Total playing time: 60:33

The first Single from the third studio album, “Flames Of Love”, by legendary German Italo Disco/Eurodisco singer.
Metronome Musik GmbH, Hamburg, 1986 (887 091-7). Made in Germany. First press. 45 PRM. Used (cover/disc): VG+/EX.



Tracklist:

Side A
China Blue 4:40

Side B
Save The Moment 3:00

Total playing time: 7:40 min.

The second Single from debut album, “Get Your Kicks” (1985), by legendary German Italo Disco singer.
Metronome Musik GmbH, 1984 (881 264-1). Made in Germany. First press. 45 RPM. Used (cover/disc): NM/NM.


Tracklist:

Seite 1
Chinese Eyes 5:48

Seite 2
Burn with Impatience 4:58

Total playing time: 10:46 min.

Japanese edition of the fifth full-length studio album by legendary American Progressive Metal band.
Perhaps most significant album in the Fates Warning discography, as this was the album that departed most stridently from their old sound and forged irrevocably into Progressive Metal territory.
"Perfect Symmetry" was Fates Warning's second album with singer Ray Alder, who fully participated in the writing of the album. It was also the band's first album with drummer Mark Zonder.
Their Metal influences still dominate the band's overall sound; however, Mark Zonder's unique approach to drumming add another level of depth and credibility to the music. His double bass, odd-time introduction to "Part of the Machine" is the session's defining moment, "Through Different Eyes" is a catchy song that provides insight into the band's future Pop/Metal direction, and "Static Acts" still stands as one of the most aggressive songs the band ever recorded. Ray Alder's aggressive singing has a genuine quality, which allows him to legitimately convey his anger and pain without sounding clichéd. "A World Apart" is one of the weaker songs here; however, there is some impressive odd-metered drumming from Zonder. "At Fates Hands" has become one of the band's classic songs, and for good reason. The incorporation of the violin and piano provide a refreshing change from the overall Metallic sound. While Alder and Zonder prove here that the band is capable of achieving many different moods and sounds, the instrumental section of the song reveals that both Jim Matheos and Frank Aresti are still dependent on their Metal guitar style. The most powerful song in terms of lyrics, singing, and playing is "Nothing Left to Say", which stands as the band's high-water mark.
"Nothing Left to Say" was featured on the soundtrack to the 1991 film "Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare". An instrumental version of "At Fates Hands", renamed "At Fate's Fingers", was released on the 1991 compilation album Guitar's Practicing Musicians Vol. 2.
The album was relatively successful in the charts, reaching No. 141 on the U.S. Billboard 200 (the second-highest position in the band's history) and remaining on that chart for nine weeks.
An historic recording in the Progressive Metal genre!
Japanese edition includes band logo sticker.
Metal Blade Records/Pony Canyon Inc., 1989 (PCCY-00007). Made in Japan. First press.


Tracklist:
1. Part Of The Machine 
2. Through Different Eyes 
3. Static Acts 
4. A World Apart 
5. At Fates Hands 
6. The Arena 
7. Chasing Time 
8. Nothing Left To Say
Total playing time: 42:07 min.


Samples: https://fateswarning.bandcamp.com​​​​​​

The debut full-length studio album by German New Wave/NDW/Punk Rock band.
Marifon, 1981 (47 999 OT). Made in Germany. First press. OIS. Used (cover/disc): VG+/VG+.


Tracklist:

SEITE 1
1. Amerika 2:57
2. Mein Guru 3:07
3. Kauf Mir Lieber ´ne Blonde Gummipuppe 1:52
4. Kein Verkehr 3:08
5. Mach Dich Lieber Anders Tod 3:37
6. Eines Tages Auf Dem Elektrischen Stuhl 2:28

SEITE 2    
1. Du Machst Mich Krank 2:27
2. Der Inder 3:40
3. Du Bist Mein Typ 3:02
4. Overdrive 3:43
5. Ich Muß Hier Raus 2:36
6. Coole Beziehung 3:12

Total playing time: 35:49 min.

The fourth full-length studio album by legendary British-American Melodic AOR/Soft Rock band.
Over the course of their first three late-'70s albums, Foreigner had firmly established themselves (along with Journey and Styx) 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. 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.
The album was originally titled "Silent Partners" and later was changed to "4", reflecting both the fact that it was Foreigner's fourth album and that the band's membership had reduced from six to four members. Musically, it showed Foreigner shifting from Hard Rock to more accessible mainstream Rock and Pop music. The release of "4" coincided with the launch of MTV later that August.
"Nightlife" is only the first in a series ("Woman in Black", "Don't Let Go", the '50s-tinged "Luanne") of energetic, nearly flawless melodic Rockers, and with "Juke Box Hero", the band somehow managed to create both a mainstream Hit Single and a highly unique-sounding track, alternating Heavy Metal guitar riffing, chorused vocals, and one of the ultimate "wanna be a Rock Star" lyrics. As for the mandatory power ballad, the band also reached unparalleled heights with "Waiting for a Girl Like You". One of the decade's most successful cross-genre tearjerkers, it has since become a staple of Soft Rock radio and completely eclipsed the album's other very lovely ballad, "Girl on the Moon", in the process. And last but not least, the surprisingly Funky "Urgent" proved to be one of the band's most memorable and uncharacteristic smash hits, thanks to Junior Walker's signature saxophone solo. Through it all, vocalist Lou Gramm does his part, delivering a dazzling performance that confirmed his status as one of the finest voices of his generation. Mick Jones has rated three of the songs from "4" ("Urgent", "Juke Box Hero" and "Girl on the Moon") among his 11 favorite Foreigner songs.
"4" was a commercial success worldwide, holding the No. 1 position on the Billboard 200 chart for a total of 10 weeks. It eventually sold over six million copies in the U.S. alone. Several of its singles were hits, including "Urgent", "Waiting for a Girl Like You" and "Juke Box Hero".
Three years later, Foreigner would achieve even greater success on a Pop level with the uneven "Agent Provocateur", but by then Jones and Gramm were locked in an escalating war of egos that would soon lead to the band's demise. All things considered, "4" remains Foreigner's career peak.
Atlantic Recording Corporation/WEA Musik GmbH, 1981/1982 (91 607 2). Made in Germany. Club Edition. Second press. Used.


Tracklist:

Side 1
1. Night Life 3:48
2. Juke Box Hero 4:18
3. Break It Up 4:11
4. Waiting For A Girl Like You 4:49
5. Luanne 3:25

Side 2
1. Urgent 4:29
2. I'm Gonna Win 4:51
3. Woman In Black 4:42
4. Girl On The Moon 3:49
5. Don't Let Go 3:48

Total playing time: 42:10 min.

The fourth full-length studio album by legendary British-American Melodic AOR/Soft Rock band.
Over the course of their first three late-'70s albums, Foreigner had firmly established themselves (along with Journey and Styx) 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. 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.
The album was originally titled "Silent Partners" and later was changed to "4", reflecting both the fact that it was Foreigner's fourth album and that the band's membership had reduced from six to four members. Musically, it showed Foreigner shifting from Hard Rock to more accessible mainstream Rock and Pop music. The release of "4" coincided with the launch of MTV later that August.
"Nightlife" is only the first in a series ("Woman in Black", "Don't Let Go", the '50s-tinged "Luanne") of energetic, nearly flawless melodic Rockers, and with "Juke Box Hero", the band somehow managed to create both a mainstream Hit Single and a highly unique-sounding track, alternating Heavy Metal guitar riffing, chorused vocals, and one of the ultimate "wanna be a Rock Star" lyrics. As for the mandatory power ballad, the band also reached unparalleled heights with "Waiting for a Girl Like You". One of the decade's most successful cross-genre tearjerkers, it has since become a staple of Soft Rock radio and completely eclipsed the album's other very lovely ballad, "Girl on the Moon", in the process. And last but not least, the surprisingly Funky "Urgent" proved to be one of the band's most memorable and uncharacteristic smash hits, thanks to Junior Walker's signature saxophone solo. Through it all, vocalist Lou Gramm does his part, delivering a dazzling performance that confirmed his status as one of the finest voices of his generation. Mick Jones has rated three of the songs from "4" ("Urgent", "Juke Box Hero" and "Girl on the Moon") among his 11 favorite Foreigner songs.
"4" was a commercial success worldwide, holding the No. 1 position on the Billboard 200 chart for a total of 10 weeks. It eventually sold over six million copies in the U.S. alone. Several of its singles were hits, including "Urgent", "Waiting for a Girl Like You" and "Juke Box Hero".
Three years later, Foreigner would achieve even greater success on a Pop level with the uneven "Agent Provocateur", but by then Jones and Gramm were locked in an escalating war of egos that would soon lead to the band's demise. All things considered, "4" remains Foreigner's career peak.
Atlantic Recording Corporation, 1981 (SD 16999). Made in the USA. First press. Used.


Tracklist:

Side 1
1. Night Life 3:48
2. Juke Box Hero 4:18
3. Break It Up 4:11
4. Waiting For A Girl Like You 4:49
5. Luanne 3:25

Side 2
1. Urgent 4:29
2. I'm Gonna Win 4:51
3. Woman In Black 4:42
4. Girl On The Moon 3:49
5. Don't Let Go 3:48

Total playing time: 42:10 min.

The fourth full-length studio album by legendary British-American Melodic AOR/Soft Rock band.
Over the course of their first three late-'70s albums, Foreigner had firmly established themselves (along with Journey and Styx) 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. 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.
The album was originally titled "Silent Partners" and later was changed to "4", reflecting both the fact that it was Foreigner's fourth album and that the band's membership had reduced from six to four members. Musically, it showed Foreigner shifting from Hard Rock to more accessible mainstream Rock and Pop music. The release of "4" coincided with the launch of MTV later that August.
"Nightlife" is only the first in a series ("Woman in Black", "Don't Let Go", the '50s-tinged "Luanne") of energetic, nearly flawless melodic Rockers, and with "Juke Box Hero", the band somehow managed to create both a mainstream Hit Single and a highly unique-sounding track, alternating Heavy Metal guitar riffing, chorused vocals, and one of the ultimate "wanna be a Rock Star" lyrics. As for the mandatory power ballad, the band also reached unparalleled heights with "Waiting for a Girl Like You". One of the decade's most successful cross-genre tearjerkers, it has since become a staple of Soft Rock radio and completely eclipsed the album's other very lovely ballad, "Girl on the Moon", in the process. And last but not least, the surprisingly Funky "Urgent" proved to be one of the band's most memorable and uncharacteristic smash hits, thanks to Junior Walker's signature saxophone solo. Through it all, vocalist Lou Gramm does his part, delivering a dazzling performance that confirmed his status as one of the finest voices of his generation. Mick Jones has rated three of the songs from "4" ("Urgent", "Juke Box Hero" and "Girl on the Moon") among his 11 favorite Foreigner songs.
"4" was a commercial success worldwide, holding the No. 1 position on the Billboard 200 chart for a total of 10 weeks. It eventually sold over six million copies in the U.S. alone. Several of its singles were hits, including "Urgent", "Waiting for a Girl Like You" and "Juke Box Hero".
Three years later, Foreigner would achieve even greater success on a Pop level with the uneven "Agent Provocateur", but by then Jones and Gramm were locked in an escalating war of egos that would soon lead to the band's demise. All things considered, "4" remains Foreigner's career peak.
Atlantic Recording Corporation/WEA Musik GmbH, 1981 (ATL 50796 (SD 16999) ). Made in Germany. First press. Used.


Tracklist:

Side 1
1. Night Life 3:48
2. Juke Box Hero 4:18
3. Break It Up 4:11
4. Waiting For A Girl Like You 4:49
5. Luanne 3:25

Side 2
1. Urgent 4:29
2. I'm Gonna Win 4:51
3. Woman In Black 4:42
4. Girl On The Moon 3:49
5. Don't Let Go 3:48

Total playing time: 42:10 min.