Foreigner Thought This Big Early Hit Was Far Too Pop for Their Debut Album in 1977

Foreigner guitarist Mick Jones thought “Cold As Ice” was too pop-oriented to fit the band’s sound when it was being considered for their 1977 debut album. The song became the group’s second single and a major early hit, showing the versatility Jones wanted the band to have.

The track was added after producer Gary Lyons felt another song on the nearly completed album did not fit and asked the band to write a replacement. Jones developed the riff at home, then worked with Lou Gramm on the song; band member Ian McDonald recalled that a blizzard greeted them after an overnight vocal session in New York.