Foreigner - I Want To Know What Love Is

The power ballad was written by British keyboardist, singer and songwriter Mick Jones, the last remaining original member of the British-American rock band Foreigner. “I Want To Know What Love Is” was released November 13, 1984 (with “Street Thunder (Marathon Theme)” on the B-side) as the lead single from their fifth album, “Agent Provocateur” (December 7, 1984). The song was also issued as a 12-inch single with a longer time length of 6:23. The song features backing vocals from American singer and actress Jennifer Holliday, and keyboard work by Thompson Twins member Tom Bailey.

The song was written during a time of personal and professional reflection for Mick Jones, who described it as a deeply introspective piece. He was searching for meaning in relationships and life, which inspired the heartfelt lyrics of “I Want to Know What Love Is.” The theme of love, as a mystery to be discovered rather than an emotion easily understood, resonated deeply with listeners.

Jones initially envisioned the song as a typical power ballad but felt it needed a unique touch to convey its emotional depth. With its soaring vocals and gospel choir, the track took on a universal appeal, combining rock with elements of soul and gospel, which set it apart from typical rock songs of the era.

The lyrics of “I Want to Know What Love Is” are straightforward yet profound, dealing with the universal yearning for love and connection. The line, “In my life, there’s been heartache and pain; I don’t know if I can face it again,” speaks to past struggles and the desire for healing through love. This raw vulnerability made the song resonate with audiences, who found comfort in its expression of doubt, hope, and longing.

Jones himself has said that the song captures a moment of openness to love and the need to experience something greater than oneself. The theme of seeking and defining love, along with the song’s soulful tone, gave it a spiritual dimension, reaching people on a personal and emotional level.

Upon its release, “I Want to Know What Love Is” became a worldwide hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and topping the charts in multiple countries, including the UK, Canada, and Australia. It received widespread acclaim from critics, who praised its emotional depth and unique blend of rock and gospel influences. It also marked a high point in Foreigner’s career, solidifying their place as a dominant force in rock music during the 1980s.

The song was nominated for a Grammy Award and has since been covered by numerous artists across different genres, highlighting its cross-generational and cross-genre appeal, incl. Australian singer Tina Arena (1998), American country singer Wynonna Judd (2004) or Mariah Carey (2009).