Counting Every Minute

The Zoo Crew is spinning the groovy vibes of Counting Every Minute by Foreigner, a track from their 1987 album Inside Information. This song, with its pulsating rhythm and catchy hooks, captures the band’s signature blend of rock and pop that Zoo Freaks are surely digging. While specific interviews or social media posts about Counting Every Minute are scarce, the song reflects Foreigner’s knack for crafting anthems about urgency and passion, themes that resonate in their broader discography. In a 1987 interview with Rockline, lead singer Lou Gramm shared that the Inside Information album was a push to balance their classic sound with the slick production of the late ’80s, and Counting Every Minute exemplifies this with its driving beat and polished synth layers. Fans on Foreigner’s Facebook have posted about the song’s energetic feel, with one Zoo Freak-like commenter in a 2020 thread calling it “the perfect track for cruising with the windows down,” evoking the free-spirited vibe of the era.

Digging into the song’s creation, Counting Every Minute was penned by Lou Gramm and Mick Jones, Foreigner’s core songwriting duo. According to a 1988 feature in Kerrang!, the track was recorded during tense sessions where the band aimed to recapture their arena-rock glory while adapting to the MTV-driven soundscape. Mick Jones noted in a 2017 Instagram Q&A that songs like this one were about “living in the moment,” a sentiment that aligns with the hippie ethos of the Zoo Crew. Though not a chart-topping single, its inclusion in Inside Information—an album that hit #15 on the Billboard 200—shows its role in keeping Foreigner’s flame burning. A fan on Foreigner’s X account recently shared a throwback photo of a 1987 concert ticket stub, reminiscing about hearing the song live, which sparked replies from others sharing memories of the tour’s electrifying performances.

Foreigner’s journey began in 1976 when British guitarist Mick Jones, a seasoned player who’d worked with acts like Spooky Tooth, teamed up with American vocalist Lou Gramm in New York City. As detailed on their official website, Jones was inspired by the melting pot of musical styles in the U.S. and wanted to form a band that fused British rock sensibilities with American soul and energy. Recruiting drummer Dennis Elliott, keyboardist Al Greenwood, bassist Ed Gagliardi, and multi-instrumentalist Ian McDonald, Foreigner was born. Their self-titled debut in 1977, featuring hits like Cold as Ice and Feels Like the First Time, skyrocketed them to fame, selling over five million copies. Gramm’s powerhouse vocals and Jones’s knack for melody crafted a sound that was both raw and radio-friendly, setting the stage for their enduring career.

The band’s early days were marked by relentless touring and a DIY spirit, as Lou Gramm recalled in a 2013 Classic Rock interview, saying they “played every dive bar and arena that would have us” to build a fanbase. Their chemistry and work ethic paid off, with albums like Double Vision and 4 cementing their status as rock titans. Foreigner’s evolution from gritty clubs to stadiums mirrors the freewheeling passion of the Zoo Freaks tuning in. Fans continue to celebrate the band through communities like the Foreigner Fans Facebook Group, where members swap vinyl finds and concert stories, and sites like Foreigner Rocks, a fan hub packed with discographies and tour archives.

Today, Foreigner remains active, with Mick Jones leading a refreshed lineup that keeps the spirit alive. Their social media—Facebook, Instagram, and X—buzzes with updates on tours and throwbacks to their ’80s heyday, connecting with both old-school fans and new listeners. The Foreigner 4Ever Facebook Group is another spot where Zoo Freak types gather, sharing live videos and debating setlists. Whether it’s the urgent pulse of Counting Every Minute or the band’s decades-long legacy, Foreigner’s music continues to vibe with the wild, free spirit of the Zoo Crew and their listeners.