Heart Turns To Stone

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as they spin "Heart Turns to Stone" by Foreigner from their 1987 album Inside Information. This track, the third single from the album, showcases the band's shift toward a softer rock sound. Written by lead singer Lou Gramm and guitarist Mick Jones, the song tells the story of a cheating boyfriend who loses his partner when she finally rejects him, her heart turning to stone. According to Songfacts, the lyrics capture the consequences of betrayal, with the protagonist realizing too late the damage he's caused. The song peaked at #7 on the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart but only reached #56 on the Billboard Hot 100, a contrast to the album's earlier hits like "Say You Will." Last.fm notes that the song's music video, available for free viewing, complements its emotional narrative with visuals that highlight Foreigner's polished '80s aesthetic.

Another tidbit about "Heart Turns to Stone" comes from Wikipedia, which mentions that Cash Box praised the track for its accessibility, even labeling it "corporate rock" that still resonated with listeners. The song's production, featuring layers of synthesizers and smooth vocals from Lou Gramm, reflects the album's slick, electronic-heavy style. Inside Information itself was a commercial success, debuting at #15 on the Billboard 200 and earning Platinum certification in the U.S. A recent post on X from Foreigner's official account celebrated the album’s release anniversary in December 1987, asking fans for their favorite tracks and spotlighting the "Heart Turns to Stone" video, showing the band’s enduring pride in this era of their work.

Foreigner was born in 1976 in New York City, founded by English musician Mick Jones, formerly of Spooky Tooth, and ex-King Crimson member Ian McDonald, alongside American vocalist Lou Gramm. Jones, a seasoned songwriter, aimed to blend British rock influences with American energy, creating a sound that would dominate the airwaves. The band’s name came from the mix of British and American members, a nod to their transatlantic identity. Their self-titled debut album in 1977, featuring hits like "Feels Like the First Time" and "Cold as Ice," catapulted them to stardom, selling over four million copies in the U.S. alone. Last.fm highlights their formidable legacy, with ten multi-platinum albums and sixteen Top 30 hits, making them one of the most popular rock acts globally. The original lineup, including drummer Dennis Elliott and bassist Rick Wills, solidified their reputation through relentless touring and a string of successful albums in the late '70s and '80s.

Today, Foreigner continues to tour with Mick Jones leading a lineup that includes vocalist Kelly Hansen, bassist Jeff Pilson, and multi-instrumentalist Tom Gimbel. Their official website, foreigneronline.com, offers tour dates, a fan club, and exclusive merchandise. You can follow them on Facebook (1.7 million followers), Instagram (over 200,000 followers), and X (around 100,000 followers) for updates on shows and nostalgic posts about their classic hits. Fans, or Zoo Freaks looking to connect, can join the Foreigner Fans Facebook Group, a vibrant community sharing memories, photos, and discussions about the band’s music. While independent fan sites have waned in the social media age, as noted in a Reddit thread, dedicated fans keep the spirit alive through these online spaces.