The Lou Gramm Band – S/T (Release Year – 2009)
Where have you been Lou Gramm? The heralded singer of such great classics as Juke Box Hero, Double Vision, Hot Blooded, and Midnight Blue has been stunningly silent this decade. That has now changed with the formation of The Lou Gramm Band. Teamed up with brothers Ben and Richard, The Lou Gramm Band self-titled debut disc will be released this June.
One thing that surprised me about this disc is that Lou Gramm has turned into a Christian rocker. Most of the songs center on God, the Lord, and Lou’s relationship with Him. Songs such as Willing To Forgive, So Great, Redeemer, and That’s The Way God Planned It, all focus on redemption, forgiveness, and loving the Lord. This may explain where Lou’s been for the past few years, he was off finding religion.
The disc kicks off with Baptized By Fire which sounds like a typical Lou Gramm/Foreigner rocker. The guitar work by Don Mancuso sets the tone and pace. The rock & roll vibe is definitely apparent. Lou’s voice still sounds great. Although he may not be able to scream like it was the early 80s, he can still bring the rock as a front man.
Made To Be Broken is the best song on the disc, and shows that Lou can still deliver the goods like the days of old. A touch of the Foreigner sound creeps into this song. It would fit in nicely with any of their 80s releases. The guitar work is tight, the chorus memorable, and Lou’s voice sounds like 1985 all over again.
That’s The Way God Planned It is a song that really surprised me. It plays like a church hymn with a chorus that would get a lot of airplay on the Christian Lite FM radio stations. Complete with pipe organ and preacher’s lyrics, this song is without a doubt, the biggest disappointment of the disc.
Single Vision is not a follow up to the huge Foreigner hit Double Vision. Rather, it is a song that speaks about life without God, and how the teachings of the Lord should be in the classroom and that God should still be in the pledge of allegiance. It may be slightly controversial subject matter, but it certainly is a catchy tune.
The disc closes with You Saved Me, a slow, melodic, clunker of an ending. The piano intro is a nice touch, and the guitar solo is brilliantly performed, but the vocals don’t match the music, and once again, the heavy theme of reconnecting with God paints the entire song. This is another tune that is more church hymn than rock song.
So, is The Lou Gramm Band worth the price? Well, if you’re a fan of Foreigner and miss the vocal stylings of Lou, then yes. If you’re only a casual fan, you may want to download Made To Be Broken on ITunes, and skip the rest.
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
- Baptized By Fire
- Made To Be Broken
- Willing To Forgive
- That’s The Way God Planned It
- (I Wanna) Testify
- So Great
- Redeemer
- Single Vision
- Rattle Yer Bones
- You Saved Me
The Lou Gramm Band Is
Lou Gramm – Lead vocals
Ben Gramm – Drums
Richard Gramm – Bass
Andy Knoll – Keyboards
Don Mancuso – Guitars
Reviewed by Ryo Vie
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Ryo, I saw Foreigner on their first tour and plan to see Lou again in a week. There is not a dissapointment on this CD. Lou is stronger than ever! The Billy Preston copy of That’s The Way God Planned It, is right on the money, with Billy’s Hammond B-3 sound. He nailed it! God has been good to Lou and to us all………..
I just love this man and the great vocalist he is! I started listening to foreigner around 1984-85 and i listening to it often, several times a week.
Gramm and Foreigner is still great here, in Norway, and Lou still ROCKS!
Hopefully i will see them live somewhere, hopefully before he quit singing… Rock on, Lou!
Hi Bettytypo,
I’m glad you enjoyed my review and the new CD from Lou Gramm Band. Those guys are even more amazing in person. I had the pleasure of interviewing Lou Gramm and Don Mancuso for one of the entertainment magazines I work for. The interviews are online at http://www.myspace/jjrupp1 Enjoy and thanks again.
Bettytypo here. Read your review Ruppert. Lou Gramm Band is a rare breed indeed. LGB is hot Italian stock stallion rock. Add a blessed twist of love for God in there and boy! oh! boy! oh! boy!
LGB is the BEST spaghetti and meatballs in town!!!
Try to beat that with your pogo stick! boing..boing..boing….splat! Way to go Ruppert!
Just received my CD today and Lou still sounds great. I’ve known that he has been working in this album for quite awhile and he faith in God was not a surprise, as I read that he started his journey with God in the late 90′s, early 2000.
Good for him. We’re with ya Lou and God bless you. I love all of his music and he has been one on my faves since the 70′s.
I ain’t heard the CD yet. But I’ve been a fan since childhood, and seen Foreigner when I was 21…got Mick’s pick.
Anyway, it’s unfortunate for Lou that his health did what it did to him. His look is completely different…but that’s neither here nor there…at least he’s still around.
Hi Eric,
I’m sorry you were dissapointed that my review didn’t mention Lou’s health but I wanted to focus on the CD only. I’m very familiar with Lou’s health issues having followed him throughout his career. He is a wonderful person and I’m so happy he has great fans like yourself that continue to support him. I’m also glad you enjoyed the CD. Have a blessed day.
One thing I’m surprised that wasn’t mentioned in EITHER of these comments / reviews, is Lou Gramm’s health.
He was silent from most of 1997 on out because he had a brain tumor that required a 9 hour operation. It was affecting his voice / speech, memory, eyesight, pituitary gland, everything. The tumor couldn’t be completely removed because it would destroy his pituitary gland so they had to leave some in. He’s lucky to be alive. Then he spent a year with chemotherapy and physical therapy, and still had to take over 15 medications a day for a long time. I think he’s down to about 8 now. That explains his completely different look. He started performing around 2002 or so again and has made a tremendous recovery.
This new album is fantastic. Sure his voice isn’t QUITE what it was, but in addition to all his health problems, and the fact he’s almost 60, he sounds FANTASTIC! Much better over the years of his recovery. This is also why he chose a christian rock CD. His health scares have brought him much closer to god.
Anyway I hope this provides some information for the new fans of Lou Gramm, and this album. To me, he will always be the defining voice of not just Foreigner, but Rock And Roll!
The long awaited return of one of Rock’s greatest voices is finally over. Lou Gramm the legendary singer who’s career of hit songs span over thirty years has just released his newest CD titled `The Lou Gramm Band’. It’s a different departure for Lou because it’s his first step into the world of Christian Rock. If this CD is any indication of which way he should move then this was a step in the right direction. The music stays true to Lou’s heart and his messages inside stay true to his soul. Fans that have followed his career will be very pleased with this CD and he’s sure to make new ones in the Christian community. The band consists of some of the best musicians out there today including Don Mancuso on Guitar, Andy Knoll On Keyboards, Ben Gramm on Drums, Richard Gramm on Bass and the legend himself Lou Gramm on vocals.
“Made To Be Broken” is a hard rocking song driven by amazing guitar riffs, wonderful keyboard play and excellent melodies. It’s a story about someone fighting with the inner struggles of everyday life. It tells the tale of that person asking for guidance to get them to the right path.
“Reedemer” is a Blues song with a lot of keyboards in it. There’s a nice guitar solo both electric and acoustic halfway through this song. It tells a story about someone that is giving advice based on their own circumstances. Once you hear the song you’ll find yourself singing the title over and over again because the hook is so mesmerizing.
“Willing To Forgive” is a song that begins with amazing acoustic guitar work to wake up your senses. Then Lou’s legendary voice kicks in and away you go. The chorus is amazing and you’ll be singing right along with Lou and the guys. The music makes you think of sunny days sitting by the lake and just enjoying life. It tells the tale of someone who has made mistakes and is thankful for forgiveness.
“Baptised By Fire” is a hard rocking song showcasing Lou’s amazing vocal styling that should be cranked all the way up. It’s a song that can and should be played on today’s radio. The guitar riffs, pounding drums, keyboard play and overall energy grabs a hold of you and won’t let go.
“So Great” is another energetic song that once again showcases Lou’s hard rocking voice. The music features more amazing guitar work done masterfully by Don Mancuso. The chorus is catchy as well as hypnotic. It also features the Heavenly voices of Lou’s children reciting a prayer. The title says it all.
“Single Vision” is a true example of why Lou has made so many hits using his God given talents. His voice brings a smile to your face while you’re listening to the chorus and wonderful lyrics of this song. The song sends a message to everyone that we need to become one with our brothers and our sisters. It also asks the question when did we stop giving thanks back to our creator.
“You Saved Me” is easily the most romantic and enchanting song on this CD. Lou’s voice echo’s throughout each line giving you a little taste into his soul. His voice has never been stronger and the message he is sending is crystal clear. The music is again well done and adds a beautiful element to this gem. Thank you for this song.
By John J. Ruppert 6-9-2009