Released in November 1984 as the lead single from Foreigner's fifth album, Agent Provocateur , "" remains one of the most iconic power ballads in music history. The Story & Inspiration
Seeking an emotional "universal feeling," Jones added the New Jersey Mass Choir to the track. Legend has it that the choir only nailed the perfect take after gathering in a circle to say the Lord’s Prayer. Foreigner - I Want To Know What Love Is
It is consistently ranked by Rolling Stone as one of the [500 Greatest Songs of All Time](https://www.rolling stone.com). Released in November 1984 as the lead single
Songwriter and guitarist Mick Jones has famously stated that the song felt like a gift from a "higher force," written at 3:00 a.m. during a deeply introspective period following several failed relationships. It is consistently ranked by Rolling Stone as
The song has been reimagined by numerous artists, most notably Mariah Carey , whose 2009 version broke records in Brazil by staying at #1 for 27 consecutive weeks. Other covers include versions by Tina Arena and Wynonna Judd . Quick Facts
The song became Foreigner's biggest hit, reaching #1 in both the U.S. and the UK. In the U.S., it famously ended the six-week reign of Madonna's "Like a Virgin" in February 1985.
Lead singer Lou Gramm was initially hesitant about the song, fearing its soft, gospel-tinged sound would move the band too far away from their rock roots. Chart Success & Impact