Legendary rockers Foreigner are still going strong and putting on great live shows all over the globe. Their magnificent tunes have withstood the test of time and have turned into timeless anthems for multiple generations of rock music lovers. This new effort of theirs is in actual fact a live album albeit not in the conventional sense of the word as Mick Jones and his talented cohorts decided to team up with the 21st Century Symphony Orchestra & Chorus in order to add a new dimension to their compositions, which was a pretty cool move if you ask me.

The idea of performing with or alongside an orchestra is hardly anything new, but in Foreigner’s case it works way better than most other similar endeavors out there. Simply put, this is a stunning and memorable performance where everything flows together seamlessly. The entire affair is disciplined and focused, but never rigid or lifeless. The album has a warmth to it that is irresistible and the orchestra most certainly adds a symphonic and wonderful dimension to the band’s near-flawless repertoire. As if the songs did not already possess more than enough nuances and textures, the orchestra adds even more layers to the material, which is brilliant. Confidence oozes from the disc and you can tell that the entire ensemble is all fired up and eager to play. It all sounds crisp and clear yet organic and full of passion too, just as it ought to be.

Not only is this a pleasant surprise and one of the more interesting live albums to have come my way lately, but it also does the mighty Foreigner proud. You get all the classic cuts such as "Cold as Ice", "Waiting for a Girl Like You", "Double Vision", "Juke Box Hero", "I Want to Know What Love Is", and "Blue Morning, Blue Day", just to list a few examples. You know what to do here.

 

http://www.foreigneronline.com/