Foreigner - I Want to Know What Love is - 1984





Foreigner's "I Want to Know What Love Is" (1984)

Foreigner's "I Want to Know What Love Is" is a classic rock ballad that has touched the hearts of many since its release in 1984. This song, known for its emotive lyrics and powerful melody, was a significant hit for the British-American rock band Foreigner. It showcases a blend of rock, pop, and gospel elements, making it a timeless piece in music history.

Background and Release

The song was written by Mick Jones, the lead guitarist of Foreigner. It was released as a single from their album "Agent Provocateur." The song quickly climbed the charts, reaching number one in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Its success was attributed to its universal theme of longing and the quest for understanding love, a theme that resonates with many.

Musical Composition

The track is notable for its melodic structure, which combines a soft rock sound with a gospel choir, adding a unique layer of depth and emotion to the song. The use of choir in a rock song was relatively unusual at the time and contributed significantly to the song's distinctive sound and appeal.

Impact and Legacy

"I Want to Know What Love Is" has left a lasting impact on the music industry. It has been covered by numerous artists and featured in various movies, TV shows, and commercials, cementing its status as an iconic song of the 80s. The song's enduring popularity is a testament to its emotional resonance and the skillful musicianship of Foreigner.

For more information, you can visit the Wikipedia page on this song.


Interactive Tasks

Quiz: Questions on the song

Who wrote "I Want to Know What Love Is"?

What unique element did "I Want to Know What Love Is" incorporate into its sound?

In which two countries did "I Want to Know What Love Is" reach number one?

What year was "I Want to Know What Love Is" released?

Which album features "I Want to Know What Love Is"?





Quiz: Questions on the Performer

How many members were in the original lineup of Foreigner?

Who was the lead vocalist of Foreigner when "I Want to Know What Love Is" was released?

What is the nationality of the band Foreigner?

In which decade was Foreigner formed?

Which of the following songs is also a hit by Foreigner?





Quiz: Questions on the lyrics

Which of the following lines is from "I Want to Know What Love Is"?

What emotion is primarily conveyed through the lyrics of "I Want to Know What Love Is"?

The lyrics "I want to feel what love is, I know you can show me" imply what?

How do the lyrics "I'm gonna take a little time, a little time to look around me" reflect the song's theme?

The line "I've got nowhere left to hide, it looks like love has finally found me" suggests what?





Memory

Lead vocalist during the song's releaseUnique element in the songYear of "I Want to Know What Love Is" releaseAlbum featuring the songLou GrammWriter of "I Want to Know What Love Is"1984Mick JonesGospel ChoirAgent Provocateur





Open Tasks

Easy

  1. Exploring 1980s Rock Music: Create a playlist of top rock songs from the 1980s, including "I Want to Know What Love Is," and describe what makes each song iconic.
  2. Lyric Interpretation: Write a paragraph explaining your personal interpretation of the lyrics of "I Want to Know What Love Is."
  3. Music and Emotions: Discuss how "I Want to Know What Love Is" makes you feel and why.

Standard

  1. Comparative Music Analysis: Compare and contrast "I Want to Know What Love Is" with another love ballad from the 1980s in terms of lyrics, melody, and overall impact.
  2. Music Video Analysis: Watch the music video of "I Want to Know What Love Is" and analyze how the visuals complement or enhance the song's themes.
  3. Historical Context: Research the music scene of the early 1980s and discuss how "I Want to Know What Love Is" fit into the trends and themes of that era.

Difficult

  1. Song Cover Project: Create your own cover version of "I Want to Know What Love Is," focusing on a different musical style or arrangement.
  2. In-depth Song Analysis: Write a detailed analysis of "I Want to Know What Love Is," exploring its musical structure, lyrical themes, and cultural impact.
  3. Interview Project: Conduct interviews with people from different generations and ask them about their memories and opinions of "I Want to Know What Love Is."



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Oral Exam

  1. Music Evolution: Discuss how the integration of a gospel choir in a rock song like "I Want to Know What Love Is" reflects the evolution of music genres in the 1980s.
  2. Emotional Impact of Music: Explain how a song like "I Want to Know What Love Is" can evoke strong emotions and memories in listeners, despite the passage of time.
  3. Cultural Significance: Analyze the cultural significance of "I Want to Know What Love Is" in the context of 1980s music and its lasting impact on modern music.
  4. Songwriting Techniques: Discuss the songwriting techniques used in "I Want to Know What Love Is" and how they contribute to its effectiveness as a power ballad.
  5. Music Industry Changes: Explore how the music industry has changed since the 1980s and what a band like Foreigner would need to do to replicate the success of "I Want to Know What Love Is" today.


OERs on the Topic


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