ROCK MOMENT – Foreigner ‘Hot Blooded’
Foreigner’s ‘Hot Blooded’ is one of the band’s most electrifying hits—a bold, swaggering anthem that epitomized the late-1970s hard rock sound. Written by guitarist Mick Jones and vocalist Lou Gramm, the song was released in June 1978 as the lead single from their sophomore album Double Vision. It became a defining moment in Foreigner’s career, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and showcasing the tight musicianship and production that set them apart.
The recording of Double Vision took place primarily at Atlantic Studios in New York City and Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles. The sessions were overseen by producer Keith Olsen, known for his meticulous approach and previous work with Fleetwood Mac and Santana. Engineer Dave Wittman helped capture Foreigner’s clean yet powerful sound, emphasizing the interplay between Jones’ sharp guitar work and Ian McDonald’s keyboards.
Mick Jones originally developed the ‘Hot Blooded’ riff during a soundcheck on tour. Once the band hit the studio, Jones and Gramm expanded it into a full-fledged rocker. Gramm’s vocals were recorded through a Neumann U47 microphone to capture his raw, soulful edge, while the guitars were layered to create a thick, driving rhythm. Al Greenwood’s synthesizer fills added a sleek polish, and Dennis Elliott’s thunderous drumming gave the track its punchy backbone.
The entire Double Vision album was crafted to reflect Foreigner’s growing confidence as a touring powerhouse. The band worked long hours refining each track, ensuring every chorus hit hard and every riff was arena-ready. The success of ‘Hot Blooded’ gave Double Vision the momentum to go multi-platinum, solidifying Foreigner’s status among the great rock acts of the era.
Decades later, ‘Hot Blooded’ remains one of Foreigner’s most enduring songs—a testament to their precision in the studio, their chemistry as a band, and the timeless appeal of straight-ahead, hard-hitting rock and roll.
