The Foreigner song “I Want to Know What Love Is” was released on November 13, 1984, as the lead single from their album “Agent Provocateur.” The song was written by the band’s guitarist, Mick Jones, and produced by Alex Sadkin and Mick Jones.
According to Mick Jones, the inspiration for the song came from a conversation he had with the singer, Diana Ross, who asked him “why can’t you write a song that is about love and not just another song about a broken heart?” Jones took the challenge and wrote “I Want to Know What Love Is” as a heartfelt exploration of the complexities and mysteries of love.
The song features powerful vocals from lead singer Lou Gramm, backed by a gospel choir, and a soaring melody that builds to a climactic finish. The song’s emotional lyrics and universal themes struck a chord with audiences around the world, and it quickly became a massive hit, reaching #1 on the charts in both the US and the UK.
“I Want to Know What Love Is” has since become a classic of the 80s, and its enduring popularity has been cemented by numerous covers and appearances in movies, TV shows, and commercials. The song’s message of vulnerability, connection, and longing for understanding in matters of the heart continues to resonate with listeners today.
