ROCK MOMENT – Foreigner ‘That Was Yesterday’
Released in 1984 on Foreigner’s massively successful album Agent Provocateur, ‘That Was Yesterday’ emerged during a pivotal moment in the band’s evolution. Coming off the global success of ‘Waiting for a Girl Like You’ and preparing for what would become their biggest hit, ‘I Want to Know What Love Is,’ the band was shifting toward a more polished, emotionally driven sound. ‘That Was Yesterday’ captured this transition perfectly—melding rock intensity with dramatic synthesizer textures that reflected the musical direction of the mid-1980s.
The song was primarily written by Mick Jones, Foreigner’s founder and chief songwriter, who often drew from turbulent relationships and the challenges of fame. Lyrically, ‘That Was Yesterday’ explores the emotional aftermath of a broken relationship—someone torn between lingering resentment, longing, and the desire to move forward. Its theme of confronting the past while trying to reclaim personal strength helped it resonate with listeners who were navigating their own emotional turning points.
In the studio, Foreigner worked with producer Alex Sadkin, known for his sleek, radio-ready production style. The recording sessions emphasized layered keyboards, crisp drums, and Lou Gramm’s powerful and expressive vocals. Gramm’s delivery—moving from restrained tension in the verses to full emotional release in the chorus—became one of the song’s most memorable elements. The track also made strong use of the Synclavier and other cutting-edge digital instruments, giving it the atmospheric sheen that defined much of 1980s rock.
Released as the follow-up single to ‘I Want to Know What Love Is,’ the song charted successfully and became a staple of Foreigner’s live shows. Over time, ‘That Was Yesterday’ has earned recognition as one of the band’s most sophisticated and emotionally charged tracks, standing as a testament to their ability to blend heartfelt storytelling with rock-arena power.
