Spellbinder

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some righteous vibes as The Zoo Crew spins "Spellbinder" by Foreigner from their killer album Double Vision! This track, nestled on the 1978 release, is a deep cut that never hit the charts as a single but still casts a spell with its raw energy and tale of love's hypnotic grip. According to Genius Lyrics, "Spellbinder" tells the story of a man ensnared by a captivating woman, with lyrics like "She’s a spellbinder" and "I was under her spell, I was in a trance." It’s a perfect jam for those late-night drives or when you’re lost in the groove at THE ZOO. Guitarist Mick Jones, who co-wrote the song with vocalist Lou Gramm, has cited it as one of his top 11 favorite Foreigner tracks, as noted in a Wikipedia entry, showing its special place in the band’s heart. PopMatters critic Evan Sawdey called it a "rewrite" of an earlier song, pushing Foreigner’s sound into a more commercial shape, but its gritty edge keeps it real for the Zoo Freaks digging those classic rock roots.

While there’s no direct interview quote about "Spellbinder" itself, the album Double Vision has some wild trivia tied to its title track that gives context to the era. In a Songfacts interview, Mick Jones shared that the song "Double Vision" was inspired by a hockey game where New York Rangers goalie John Davidson got concussed, with the announcer noting he suffered from "double vision." Jones and Gramm, both Rangers fans, caught the phrase and ran with it, though many fans thought the song was about drugs. This vibe of grabbing inspiration from unexpected moments likely fueled tracks like "Spellbinder" too, crafted during the same creative burst in 1978. A 2017 post on X from @ForeignerMusic celebrated the 39th anniversary of Double Vision, reminding fans of its enduring legacy, which keeps songs like "Spellbinder" alive for The Zoo Crew to spin.

Now, let’s rewind to how Foreigner got rolling. Formed in New York City in 1976, the band was the brainchild of British guitarist Mick Jones, who’d already cut his teeth with acts like Spooky Tooth and the Leslie West Band. Jones, a seasoned songwriter, teamed up with multi-instrumentalist Ian McDonald, formerly of King Crimson, and American vocalist Lou Gramm, whose powerful pipes became the band’s signature. They rounded out the lineup with drummer Dennis Elliott, keyboardist Al Greenwood, and bassist Ed Gagliardi. The name "Foreigner" came from the mix of British and American members—half the band were "foreigners" no matter where they played, as Jones explained in a Wikipedia bio. Their self-titled debut in 1977 exploded with hits like "Feels Like the First Time" and "Cold as Ice," selling over five million copies in the U.S. alone. By the time Double Vision dropped in 1978, Foreigner was a global force, with sales topping 80 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling rock bands ever.

For Zoo Freaks who wanna stay connected, you can catch Foreigner’s official updates at their website, where you’ll find tour dates and merch. They’re active on Facebook, sharing throwbacks and tour news, and their Instagram is packed with live shots and behind-the-scenes vibes. Follow them on X for real-time updates, like their 2017 post about Double Vision’s anniversary. Fans can also dive into communities like the Foreigner Fans Facebook group, where diehards swap stories and setlists. For more fan-driven love, check out Foreignermania, a fan site with discographies and news. So, crank up "Spellbinder," Zoo Freaks, and let The Zoo Crew keep the Foreigner magic flowing!