Foreigner – Can’t Slow Down (2009)
Finally!! Mick Jones has released a new Foreigner album with the touring lineup that includes Kelly Hansen (Hurricane, Unruly Child) on vocals and Jeff Pilson (Dokken, War & Peace) on bass, and Brian Tichy (Pride & Glory) on drums. If you are expecting a dirty, balls out rocker you may be a little disappointed, but not surprised because that is not what Foreigner has evolved into over the years, but with the release of Can’t Slow Down fans of such releases as 4, Agent Provocateur, and Inside Information will rejoice. Admittedly I was a little iffy when I heard Kelly Hansen was singing with Foreigner a few years ago, that was until I heard the Extended Versions Live album after that I was hooked. I will let everyone know this right now, Kelly Hansen sounds absolutely phenomenal on Can’t Slow Down.
The title track “Can’t Slow Down” gets us going on the right track, it has that classic Foreigner sound everyone knows and loves. I can see why NASCAR wants to use this foot tapping rocker. One thing Hansen never got a real chance to do in Hurricane or even on Unruly Child’s “Waiting For The Sun” was sing on some slower mid tempos and ballads, but on Can’t Slow Down he get his chance in spades and he damn sure makes the most of the opportunities. “In Pieces” is his first shot and he absolutely nails it, this song definitely needs a shot as a single, I have a feeling it will scorch the charts once it is released. Aside from Hansen’s vocals, Jeff Pilson lays down some very nice bass lines, but Michael Bluestein’s keyboards really stand out filling out the song, this is definitely one of my favorite songs on the album. The first single from Can’t Slow Down is next and “When It Comes To Love” is already on the charts, and this mid-tempo number will fit in perfectly with such songs as “Waiting For A Girl Like You”, “I Want To Know What Love Is”, and others. Some more nice keyboards from Bluestein and Tom Gimbel’s saxophone is a nice touch also. “Living In A Dream” picks up the pace with a little nod back to Foreigner’s 70s sound, love the horns laced throughout and Tichy’s drumming as well. “Ready” and “Give Me A Sign” keep the train rolling with two more solid tracks. I can’t see the guys not playing “Ready” live as this upbeat anthem would definitely get the crowd going. “I’ll Be Home Tonight” is another mid-tempo number made for radio, Hansen shines once again. “Too Late” is another nod back to Foreigner’s 70s sound and it could easily fit onto “Head Games” or “Double Vision”. “As Long As I Live” and “Fool For You Anyway” are two more tracks that really stand out on Can’t Slow Down.
Can’t Slow Down is a 2 cd/dvd set from Wal Mart, and like the other Wal Mart exclusive releases like Kiss’s Sonic Boom and Journey’s Revelation there is a remix cd of some Foreigner’s classics, if you have any doubt about Kelly Hansen filling Lou Gramm’s shoes I suggest you give the remixes a listen. Not to take away from the performances of Mick Jones, Jeff Pilson, and the others on Can’t Slow Down because they are sound great on this album, but for me Kelly Hansen’s vocals are what made this album. I’ve always been a fan of his singing but I think his performance on Can’t Slow Down may well be the best of his career. I’m already looking forward to this line-up’s next album, hopefully Mick and the guys don’t make us wait to long.
Rating: Out of 10
Track Listing:
Disc 1 – Can’t Slow Down
1. “Can’t Slow Down”
2. “In Pieces”
3. “When It Comes to Love”
4. “Living in a Dream”
5. “I Can’t Give Up”
6. “Ready”
7. “Give Me a Sign”
8. “I’ll Be Home Tonight”
9. “Too Late”
10. “Lonely”
11. “As Long As I Live”
12. “Angel Tonight”
13. “Fool For You Anyway”
Disc 2 – Remixes
1. “Feels Like the First Time”
2. “Cold as Ice”
3. “Hot Blooded”
4. “Blue Morning, Blue Day”
5. “Double Vision”
6. “Dirty White Boy”
7. “Head Games”
8. “Jukebox Hero”
9. “Urgent”
10. “I Want to Know What Love Is”
Disc 3 – DVD
1. “Double Vision”
2. “Head Games”
3. “That Was Yesterday”
4. “Say You Will”
5. “Starrider”
6. “Feels Like the First Time”
7. “Urgent”
8. “Juke Box Hero”
9. “I Want To Know What Love Is”
10. “Hot Blooded”
Foreigner is:
Kelly Hansen – Lead Vocals
Mick Jones – Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals, Piano
Thom Gimbel – Guitars, Saxophone, Backing Vocals
Michael Bluestein- Keyboards
Jeff Pilson – Bass
Brian Tichy – Drums
You must see Foreigner live to fully appreciate how amazing they are!!! “Can’t Slow Down” studio recordings are very good — the band adds more layers and jams live!! Te CSD DVD of the European concerts is very good — beautifully edited and mixed. The Extended Versions CD is wonderful; although Michael Bluestein and Brian Tichy were not yet part of the group. The energy and enthusiasm the band radiate live are what just puts them in the phenomenal category! I have seen them live 8 times in the last year and a half — they truly engage the audiences!! My friend and I were dancing in the aisle during “Cold As Ice” and Kelly hopped off the stage, came down the aisle, danced with us for a minute; then hopped through the row of seats, up the other aisle and back on stage while the band was playing the instrumental! This moment was especially sweet because the guy behind us was yelling at us to sit down and shut up (unclear on the concept of concert attendance). Anyone who was sitting immediately jumped up and stood for the rest of the concert! Kelly’s vocals are just great and all the guys are so talented. They truly play so well together and their chemistry just radiates. This was a sold out concert and the crowd was blown away: die hard fans, long time fans of the original line-up and those who had never heard them live — all comments were so positive and lots of folks bought the new 3 pack CD/DVD combo. A good portion of the sales went to the Red Cross for Haiti relief! Foreigneronline.com has the 2010 tour schedule which is constantly being expanded and updated!!! If you go to youtube and put in “When It Comes to Love” Live House of Blues, Chicago, you will find the video I shot from the front row of the debut of the song! It is not professional, but not bad for a my Canon digi camera. Also, the beautifully shot professional video for WICTL is there. “Can’t Slow Down” professional vid is there, too. Please go see them live — you will be so excited!! Enjoy!!!!
Kelly Hansen really blew us away when we happened to catch the new Foreigner on VH1. We bought the new album on the spot. Kelly adds his own style but nails the songs note for note, and leaves you satisfied. He does not stomp on these classic songs, but he does fill Lou’s shoes gracefully and energetically. I think Mick and the boys owe Kelly a lot for bringing this band back to life. What a welcome break from all the shit that is being released today.
Sorry about that Brian. I realized my error after I’d already posted the comment.
I have to agree with both of you. I picked this one up on the release day, and I am amazed at how good it sounds. Kelly Hansen is the perfect replacement for Lou Gramm.
Sorry Bob, but Rob didn’t write the review I did. I’m glad you liked it though and I’m glad I am not the only one out there that thinks Hansen’s vocals fit the band to a T
Rob, I couldn’t agree with you more. “Can’t slow down” is a surprisingly good record. I’d classify it as hard-edged pop, and there’s definitely nothing wrong with that. I was absolutely blown away when the first note came out of Kelly hansen’s mouth. His vocal style fits the foreigner sound perfectly.