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