Agent Provocateur

by Foreigner

Overview

It took Foreigner three years to release a follow-up to its 1981 blockbuster, 4. Perhaps that wait wasn't long enough, because Agent Provocateur is a prime example of the best and worst traits of AOR: a handful of remarkable songs padded by toothless filler. Despite contributing a few killer riffs to Foreigner's '70s canon, guitarist/keyboardist Mick Jones isn't known for his six-string abilities. His biggest strength is his knack for melody as a songwriter, keyboardist, and producer, and all these qualities are evident on Agent Provocateur. Of course, vocalist/songwriter Lou Gramm is indispensable as the band's golden-throated frontman. Jones largely guided things behind the studio console, but a co-producer usually helped, such as Alex Sadkin on this album. "I Want to Know What Love Is" became Foreigner's first and only number one single, and it's not hard to see why. Its dreamy, hypnotic feel is due in part to Gramm's soulful lead vocals and the New Jersey Mass Choir's background vocals. Jennifer Holliday and the Thompson Twins' Tom Bailey help out as well. "That Was Yesterday," a terrific hit single, features a catchy chorus and a nifty synthesizer lick. "Reaction to Action" and "Down on Love" were both minor hits, but there's a huge difference in quality between the two; the former is the epitome of bland, formulaic AOR, while the latter includes a pleasant chorus and a warm keyboard melody. "A Love in Vain" and "Growing Up the Hard Way" have a few good moments too. ~ Bret Adams

Product Details

Release Date:	10/14/2016
Label:	Music On Vinyl
UPC:	8719262001626

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Foreigner   Primary Artist
New Jersey Mass Choir of the GMWA   Guest Artist,Vocals,Choir/Chorus,Vocals (Background)
Jennifer Holliday   Guest Artist,Vocals,Vocals (Background)
Bob Mayo   Piano,Keyboards,Synthesizer,Vocals (Background)
Ian Lloyd   Vocals,Vocals (Background)
Dennis Elliott   Drums,Vocals
Jack Waldman   Synthesizer
Larry Fast   Synthesizer
Joe Leeway   Vocals (Background)
Don Harper   Vocals,Vocals (Background)
Dave Lebolt   Synthesizer
Wally Badarou   Synthesizer,Analogue Synthesizer
Mick Jones   Bass,Guitar,Vocals,Keyboards,Synthesizer,Guitar (Bass),Multi Instruments,Vocals (Background)
Tom Bailey   Vocals,Vocals (Background)
Mark Rivera   Vocals,Saxophone,Vocals (Background)
Lou Gramm   Vocals,Percussion
Rick Wills   Bass,Guitar (Bass),Vocals (Background)
Alannah Currie   Vocals (Background)
Brian Eddolls   Synthesizer
Jack Walkman   Synthesizer

Technical Credits

Mick Jones   Producer,Composer
Frank Filipetti   Engineer
Alex Sadkin   Producer
Ted Jensen   Digital Remastering
Larry Alexander   Engineer
Joe Ferla   Engineer
Don White   Composer
Wally Badarou   Digital Synthesizer
Josh Abbey   Engineer
Jennifer Holliday   Arranger
George Marino   Mastering Engineer
Lou Gramm   Composer
Jason Corsaro   Engineer
Tim Crich   Assistant Engineer
Gordon Payne   Composer
Howie Lindeman   Engineer
Scott Mabuchi   Assistant Engineer
Bob Defrin   Design,Art Direction
Ten Jensen   Mastering Engineer
Bobby Cohen   Assistant Engineer