Rocktrospectiva: The Worthy Classic "Long Hard Look" Turns 35

 

Released on 9 October 1989, "Long Hard Look" was the second studio album by Foreigner lead vocalist Lou Gramm, it had a modest success that led him to officially but briefly leave the enormously popular band, the album spawned two singles "Just Between You And Me" and "True Blue Love".

Long Hard Look was another piece of professional pop/rock, similar to artist 1987 solo debut, Ready or Not. But the difference lies that this album was warmth and brittle. The tinny snare drum sound is juiced too high in the mix. Long Hard Look included the Top Ten hit "Just Between You and Me" and the Top 40 hit "True Blue Love." Both were smooth pop singles, but the latter is the superior tune despite charting lower. 

 

Gramm does manage to rock a bit on another three songs: "Angel With a Dirty Face," "I'll Come Running," and a cover of Small Faces' "Tin Soldier." The atmospheric "Warmest Rising Sun" is pleasant, and background vocals are contributed by Merry Clayton. Other well-known musicians providing assistance on Long Hard Look include guitarist Vivian Campbell, guitarist Nils Lofgren, bass guitarist Pino Palladino, and vocalist Siedah Garrett. Bass guitarist/rhythm guitarist Bruce Turgon later joined Foreigner when Gramm returned to the band and resumed his partnership with Jones. 

 

Considered by fans as a timeless classic, a master himself, retaining the pure vibrant Lou Gramm, a still major AOR classic, taking advantages from the best musicians Gramm ever had, so this is the main reason, this album is far beyond better than his first solo album, an instant classic. 

 

Long Hard Look Track List: 

 

1. Angel With A Dirty Face

2. Just Between You And Me

3. Broken Dreams

4. True Blue Love

5. I'll Come Running

6. Hangin' On My Hip

7. Warmest Rising Sun 

8. Day One 

9. I'll Know When It's Over

10. Tin Soldier.