Foreigner had a problem in 1984. They were basically the kings of "corporate rock," a term critics used back then to describe bands that sold millions of records but supposedly lacked soul. Then came Mick Jones. He sat down at a keyboard in the middle of the night, feeling a weird, spiritual pull he couldn't quite explain. He started playing those iconic opening chords. He wasn't thinking about radio play or chart positions. He was just a guy wondering why his life felt a bit empty despite the fame. That’s how I want to know what love is started—not as a calculated hit, but as a desperate, honest plea for something real.
People still get the song's meaning wrong. They think it's just another power ballad about a breakup. Honestly, it’s much deeper than that. Jones was going through a period of self-reflection, looking for a universal sense of connection rather than just a romantic partner. When Lou Gramm finally laid down the vocals, the raw vulnerability in his voice changed everything. It didn't sound like a rock star singing; it sounded like every person who’s ever felt alone in a crowded room.
The Gospel Risk That Changed Rock History
Music in the mid-80s was getting shiny. Synthesizers were everywhere. Most bands were adding layers of digital gloss to hide thin songwriting. Foreigner went the opposite direction. They brought in the New Jersey Mass Choir. This was a massive gamble. At the time, mixing a hard rock identity with a full-gospel choir wasn't exactly a proven formula for success.
Mick Jones has often told the story of how the atmosphere in the studio changed the moment the choir started singing. It wasn't just professional musicians hitting notes. It was a spiritual experience. You can hear it in the final mix—that wall of sound that hits you during the climax. Jennifer Holliday, a powerhouse from Broadway's Dreamgirls, was also there, adding her incredible range to the background.
The recording process was actually pretty tense. Lou Gramm and Mick Jones were starting to drift apart creatively. Gramm wanted to keep the band's harder edge. Jones was following this new, softer, more introspective path. Ironically, the tension between the "rock" sensibility and the "soul" aspiration is exactly what gives the track its legs. If it had been too polished, it would have been forgettable. Because it feels a little rough around the edges—a little too big for its own good—it resonates.
Why We Are Still Obsessed With "I Want to Know What Love Is"
The song hit number one in both the US and the UK. That’s a rare feat. But the reason it stays on every "Greatest of All Time" list isn't just because of the sales numbers. It's the universal nature of the lyrics. When you sing I want to know what love is, you aren't necessarily thinking about Foreigner. You're thinking about your own life.
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The Power of the Simple Hook
- It uses basic language to express a complex emotion.
- The tempo is slow enough to let the words breathe.
- The "call and response" with the choir mimics a communal prayer.
There is a psychological element at play here, too. Musicologists often point out that the song follows a classic "tension and release" structure. The verses are somewhat cold and clinical, reflecting the isolation Jones felt. Then, the chorus explodes. It’s a literal representation of opening up your heart. It’s cathartic.
The Controversy and the Covers
Not everyone was a fan of the new direction. Some old-school Foreigner fans felt the band had "sold out" by moving away from the guitar-heavy riffs of Double Vision or Hot Blooded. They thought the song was too sentimental. But the numbers told a different story. It became the band's biggest hit, eclipsing almost everything else they had done.
Then came the covers. Oh, the covers.
- Mariah Carey took a crack at it in 2009. While her version showcased her legendary range, many critics felt it lacked the "lived-in" grit of the original.
- Wynonna Judd gave it a country-soul makeover that actually worked surprisingly well.
- Tina Arena turned it into a massive European hit in the 90s.
Every time a new artist covers it, the song gets a new life. Why? Because the core question—what is love, really?—never goes out of style. We're all still trying to figure that out.
Behind the Scenes: The Technical Magic
Technically, the song is a masterpiece of 1980s production. It was produced by Mick Jones and Alex Sadkin. They used the Synclavier, a high-end synthesizer and sampler that cost a fortune at the time. That "breathy" texture in the background? That's digital technology being pushed to its limits to sound organic.
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They spent weeks on the mix. Jones was a perfectionist. He knew that if the choir was too loud, it would sound like a church record. If Lou's voice was too quiet, the rock fans would revolt. Finding that balance was a nightmare. They eventually found the "sweet spot" by stripping away some of the heavier drum tracks and letting the vocal harmonies carry the weight. It's a lesson in "less is more," even if the final result sounds massive.
Real-World Impact
The song has been used in countless movies and TV shows, from Miami Vice to Rock of Ages. It’s a shorthand for "character is having an emotional breakthrough." But more importantly, it has been played at thousands of weddings and, surprisingly, funerals. It occupies this weird space in the cultural zeitgeist where it fits both celebration and mourning.
Navigating the Meaning of the Lyrics
If you look closely at the bridge, the lyrics say, "In my life, there's been heartache and pain / I don't know if I can face it again." That's heavy stuff for a pop song. It acknowledges that seeking love isn't just about butterflies and rainbows. It's about being tired. It’s about being "travel-weary" in a metaphorical sense.
Most people skip over the verses to get to the "big part." That’s a mistake. The verses provide the context. Without the admission of pain, the request for love has no value. It’s the contrast that makes the song work.
Actionable Takeaways for the Modern Listener
If you’re revisiting this classic or hearing it for the first time, there’s a way to appreciate it beyond just humming along in the car.
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Listen to the 1984 Original Version first.
Avoid the remixes or the remastered versions that crank the volume too high. You want to hear the dynamic range. Notice how the song starts almost in a whisper and ends in a shout.
Pay attention to the backing vocals.
Try to isolate the choir in your ears. The complexity of those harmonies is what gives the song its "haunted" quality. It’s not just one melody; it’s a dozen voices all searching for the same answer.
Research the Foreigner 4 era.
To understand why this song was such a pivot, listen to the album 4 right before you listen to Agent Provocateur. The shift from "Urgent" to "I Want to Know What Love Is" is one of the most fascinating stylistic jumps in rock history.
Consider the spiritual context.
Whether you’re religious or not, the song uses the "language" of faith to talk about human connection. It’s a great example of how pop music can tap into something deeper than just "boy meets girl."
The song isn't just a relic of the 80s. It’s a template for how to be vulnerable in a world that often demands we stay "rock solid." Mick Jones proved that you can be a world-famous rock star and still admit you’re lost. That’s probably the most "rock and roll" thing he ever did.