I Want to Know What Love Is

Experience Foreigner's monumental 1984 power ballad, "I Want to Know What Love Is." This globally chart-topping soft rock anthem, featuring a soaring gospel choir, became the band's biggest signature song. Its heartfelt plea and immense emotional power resonated worldwide, defining an era of epic rock ballads.

Released as the lead single from Foreigner's 1984 album Agent Provocateur, "I Want to Know What Love Is" achieved phenomenal success, hitting number one in numerous countries including the US and UK. Written by Mick Jones and featuring the powerful backing vocals of the New Jersey Mass Choir, this soft rock masterpiece transcended typical rock boundaries.

With its deeply emotional lyrics and Lou Gramm's yearning vocals, complemented by the uplifting gospel choir, the song struck a universal chord. More than just a love song, its spiritual undertones and quest for genuine connection solidified its place as one of the most iconic and enduring soft rock power ballads of all time, showcasing Foreigner's immense crossover appeal.

SONG MEANING: This iconic ballad expresses a deep yearning to understand and experience true love after enduring past "heartache and pain." While addressed to a potential lover ("I want you to show me"), the lyrics, combined with the gospel choir, carry a profound, almost spiritual quest for genuine connection, understanding, and the healing power of love beyond superficiality.