Foreigner - I Want to Know What Love is - 1984
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
What year was "I Want to Know What Love Is" released? (1984) (!1979) (!1981) (!1987)
Who wrote "I Want to Know What Love Is"? (Mick Jones) (!Lou Gramm) (!Ian McDonald) (!Al Greenwood)
Which album features "I Want to Know What Love Is"? (Agent Provocateur) (!4) (!Double Vision) (!Head Games)
What unique element did "I Want to Know What Love Is" incorporate into its sound? (Gospel choir) (!Symphonic orchestra) (!Electronic synthesizers) (!Harmonica)
In which two countries did "I Want to Know What Love Is" reach number one? (United States and United Kingdom) (!United States and Canada) (!United Kingdom and Australia) (!Australia and Canada)
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
What is the nationality of the band Foreigner? (British-American) (!American) (!British) (!Canadian)
Who was the lead vocalist of Foreigner when "I Want to Know What Love Is" was released? (Lou Gramm) (!Mick Jones) (!Ian McDonald) (!Dennis Elliott)
In which decade was Foreigner formed? (1970s) (!1960s) (!1980s) (!1990s)
Which of the following songs is also a hit by Foreigner? ("Cold as Ice") (!"Hotel California") (!"Bohemian Rhapsody") (!"Stairway to Heaven")
How many members were in the original lineup of Foreigner? (Six) (!Four) (!Five) (!Seven)
Quiz: Questions on the lyrics
Which of the following lines is from "I Want to Know What Love Is"? ("In my life there's been heartache and pain") (!"I can't stop loving you") (!"Love is a battlefield") (!"Every breath you take")
The lyrics "I want to feel what love is, I know you can show me" imply what? (A longing to understand and experience love) (!A confident understanding of love) (!A past experience of great love) (!Indifference towards love)
How do the lyrics "I'm gonna take a little time, a little time to look around me" reflect the song's theme? (They express a period of reflection and searching) (!They indicate a fast-paced lifestyle) (!They suggest a focus on material wealth) (!They show a desire for isolation)
The line "I've got nowhere left to hide, it looks like love has finally found me" suggests what? (A surrender to the inevitability of love) (!A desire to escape from love) (!Confusion about love) (!Regret about past relationships)
What emotion is primarily conveyed through the lyrics of "I Want to Know What Love Is"? (Longing and vulnerability) (!Anger and frustration) (!Joy and contentment) (!Indifference and detachment)
Memory
| 1984 | Year of "I Want to Know What Love Is" release |
| Mick Jones | Writer of "I Want to Know What Love Is" |
| Gospel Choir | Unique element in the song |
| Agent Provocateur | Album featuring the song |
| Lou Gramm | Lead vocalist during the song's release |
Open Tasks
Easy
- 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.
- Lyric Interpretation: Write a paragraph explaining your personal interpretation of the lyrics of "I Want to Know What Love Is."
- Music and Emotions: Discuss how "I Want to Know What Love Is" makes you feel and why.
Standard
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Song Cover Project: Create your own cover version of "I Want to Know What Love Is," focusing on a different musical style or arrangement.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Links
MUSIC QUIZ
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