ROCK MOMENT – Foreigner ‘Feels Like The First Time’
When Foreigner exploded onto the scene in 1977, they did it with an anthem that sounded both fresh and instantly classic. ‘Feels Like the First Time,’ their debut single, introduced the world to a band that blended arena rock energy with polished, radio-ready hooks—and it immediately put them on the map.
The song was written by guitarist and band founder Mick Jones. At the time, Jones had just relocated to New York City and was beginning a new romantic chapter in his life. He channeled those feelings of renewal into the lyrics and music. Lou Gramm, newly recruited as lead vocalist, delivered the track with soaring emotion, a performance that would soon mark him as one of rock’s defining singers.
Behind the scenes, the song was recorded at Atlantic Studios in New York with producer Gary Lyons. The sessions were meticulous, as the band wanted a big, polished sound that would stand out on FM radio. Mick Jones tracked multiple layers of guitar to give the song its punch, while Al Greenwood’s Hammond organ lines added depth and atmosphere. Lou Gramm recorded several vocal takes to capture just the right mix of grit and clarity. The final mix balanced rock power with radio smoothness, a formula that would become Foreigner’s trademark.
Released in March 1977 as the lead single from Foreigner, ‘Feels Like the First Time’ shot up to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its success helped the debut album sell over five million copies in the U.S. alone. Along with “Cold as Ice” and “Long, Long Way From Home,” the track established Foreigner as one of the most exciting new acts in rock.
On stage, ‘Feels Like the First Time’ became an instant favorite, with Gramm’s vocals and Jones’ riffs electrifying audiences night after night. Decades later, the song still holds its place as both a concert highlight and a staple of classic rock radio, a powerful reminder of the band’s arrival and the timeless thrill of new beginnings.
