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“In The Eye Of The Storm is not going to rub shoulders with the classics.” Foreigner’s new album is a pleasant souvenir with almost zero atmosphere
Foreigner have released "In The Eye Of The Storm", a live album that serves as the soundtrack to a concert film of the same name, marking the band's 50th anniversary since forming in 1976 under guitarist Mick Jones. The five tracks were recorded on Ellis Island in New York in September 2025 during a thunderstorm that nearly disrupted filming, though the reviewer notes the finished product is far calmer than its dramatic backstory suggests, and unlikely to stand alongside the band's classic-era work.
The current line-up features no original members, though legendary vocalist Lou Gramm and original keyboardist Al Greenwood make guest appearances alongside long-serving singer Kelly Hansen and newer guitarist Luis Maldonado. The setlist leans on early hits including Double Vision, Feels Like The First Time, Hot Blooded and Long, Long Way From Home, plus I Want To Know What Love Is. The review praises the performances as passionate but criticises the production for presenting songs as discrete tracks with almost no audible crowd noise, leaving the record feeling atmosphere-free despite its live billing.
In short
- Foreigner release live album "In The Eye Of The Storm" for their 50th anniversary
- Recorded on Ellis Island in September 2025 during a thunderstorm
- Reviewer says it lacks atmosphere due to minimal crowd noise
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A live album can effectively serve as a polished artistic document rather than raw concert footage. Clean production emphasises musicianship and vocal clarity, which suits its purpose as both audio recording and concert film companion, allowing listeners to appreciate performances with precision and focus.
The case against
A live album should capture the authentic energy and atmosphere of a concert event. Removing crowd noise and presenting tracks as isolated items undermines the visceral quality that makes live music distinctive. The dramatic recording circumstances and passionate performances deserved production that honoured rather than sanitised the essential character of the live experience.
Explained simply
Foreigner is an American rock band that became one of the biggest acts in stadium rock during the late 1970s and 1980s. They are known for chart-topping anthems and have sold millions of records, establishing themselves as one of the most commercially successful rock acts of their generation.
The band has released a live album titled "In The Eye Of The Storm" to commemorate their 50th anniversary since forming in 1976. The five tracks were recorded on Ellis Island in New York in September 2025 during a concert that was filmed, with the dramatic stormy weather during recording now part of the project's narrative.
Today's line-up of Foreigner features no original members, though notable figures from the band's past including original vocalist Lou Gramm and original keyboardist Al Greenwood make guest appearances. The setlist draws heavily from the band's classic hits, including Double Vision, Feels Like The First Time and I Want To Know What Love Is, connecting listeners to the era when Foreigner dominated the rock charts.