Cold As Ice (Acoustic)

The Zoo Crew is spinning a real gem tonight for all you Zoo Freaks out there, diving into the chill vibes of Foreigner's "Cold As Ice (Acoustic)" from their 2011 album Acoustique: The Classics Unplugged. This stripped-down version of the 1977 classic trades the original's punchy electric edge for a softer, more intimate feel, showcasing the timeless quality of the song's melody and lyrics. According to an interview with lead vocalist Kelly Hansen on Billboard, the acoustic rendition came about after a 2010 German radio tour where the band performed live unplugged sets. The response was so overwhelming that fans demanded a recorded version, leading to the creation of the Acoustique album. Hansen noted the challenge of reimagining such an iconic track, saying it was like "taking a well-known painting and redrawing it with new colors." The acoustic version keeps the song's icy emotional core—those lyrics about a lover's cold-hearted betrayal—while letting the vocals and subtle instrumentation shine.

Another cool tidbit about this track is how it fits into the broader context of the Acoustique project. The album was part of a larger 35th-anniversary celebration for Foreigner, which included a CD/DVD package called Feels Like the First Time, released exclusively through Walmart. The acoustic sessions were recorded at the Hit Factory in New York, with added strings and percussionists to give tracks like "Cold As Ice" a fresh yet familiar vibe. A post on Foreigner’s X account from 2024 reminisced about the band's debut album, which first introduced "Cold As Ice," highlighting its chart success and enduring fan love. The acoustic take was a way to honor that legacy while showing the band could still surprise listeners decades later.

Now, let’s rewind to how Foreigner got their start. Formed in 1976 in New York City, the band was the brainchild of British musician Mick Jones, who’d previously played with acts like Spooky Tooth and the Leslie West Band. Jones teamed up with ex-King Crimson member Ian McDonald and American vocalist Lou Gramm, along with a few other talented players, to create a sound that blended British rock sensibilities with American hard rock energy. Their self-titled debut album in 1977, featuring hits like "Feels Like the First Time" and, of course, "Cold As Ice," shot them to stardom, peaking at #4 on the Billboard 200. Jones once shared in an interview that the band’s name came from the mix of British and American members—feeling like "foreigners" no matter where they played. Over the years, the lineup has evolved, with Kelly Hansen taking over vocals in 2005, but Mick Jones remains the heart of the band, still leading sold-out tours.

For you Zoo Freaks who want to dive deeper into Foreigner’s world, check out their official channels. Their website, foreigneronline.com, is packed with tour dates, merch, and news. You can follow them on Facebook for updates and fan discussions, or catch behind-the-scenes snaps on Instagram. Their X account is active with posts about milestones and upcoming shows, like their 50th-anniversary Vegas residency announced in 2025. For fan communities, the Foreigner Fans Facebook Group is a lively spot where fans share memories, photos, and concert stories. There’s also a fan-run site, Foreigner Fever, dedicated to discographies, rare photos, and fan experiences. So, keep those dials locked on THE ZOO, and let’s keep rocking with Foreigner’s cool, acoustic vibes!