Lowdown and Dirty

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Lowdown and Dirty" by Foreigner from their 1991 album Unusual Heat, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this gritty rock anthem. One juicy piece of trivia about the song comes from its place in Foreigner's history as the lead single from their only album featuring vocalist Johnny Edwards. Edwards, who replaced the iconic Lou Gramm, brought a raw edge to "Lowdown and Dirty," which peaked at #4 on the Mainstream Rock chart. In a 2016 interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, Edwards shared that he was initially hesitant to join Foreigner, as he was loyal to his band Wild Horses, but Mick Jones convinced him to take the leap, promising a fresh direction for the band. The song's lyrics, with lines like "I'm gonna get lowdown and dirty, run wild in the night," reflect a rebellious spirit, and Edwards noted in the same interview that the track was one of the most fun to record due to its high energy and unpolished vibe.

Another tidbit about "Lowdown and Dirty" is its music video, which you can check out on YouTube. Posted in 2020 on Foreigner's official channel, it captures the early '90s rock aesthetic with dramatic lighting and band performance shots. Fans on Foreigner’s Facebook page have commented on the video, with some calling it a hidden gem that deserved more airplay. The song itself, while not a Billboard Hot 100 hit, resonated with diehard fans, as seen in posts on the Foreigner Fans Facebook group, where members share stories of blasting it during road trips. A reviewer on Melodic Music Reviews in 2016 praised the track as a standout rocker, noting its catchy hook and Edwards’ powerful vocal delivery, though they lamented the album’s timing, as it competed with the rise of grunge.

Foreigner’s journey began in 1976 in New York City, founded by guitarist Mick Jones, a British musician who’d previously played with acts like Spooky Tooth. Jones, eager to create a transatlantic rock sound, teamed up with multi-instrumentalist Ian McDonald and American vocalist Lou Gramm, among others. According to their bio on Foreigner’s official website, the band’s name came from the mix of British and American members, a nod to their "outsider" status in both countries. Their self-titled debut in 1977, featuring hits like "Feels Like the First Time," skyrocketed them to fame, blending hard rock with melodic hooks. Jones’ vision, as he shared in a 2017 Instagram post celebrating the band’s 40th anniversary, was to craft songs that felt timeless, a goal that carried through even to albums like Unusual Heat.

Over the years, Foreigner has maintained a strong online presence. You can follow them on their official website for tour dates and merch, on Facebook for fan interactions, and on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content. Their X account keeps the Zoo Freaks updated with throwback posts and concert news. For fans wanting to connect, the Foreigner Fans Facebook group is a lively spot to swap stories and memorabilia. Another fan hub, Foreigner Rocks, offers detailed discographies and fan reviews, perfect for diving deeper into tracks like "Lowdown and Dirty."