Too Late

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some righteous vibes as we spin "Too Late" by Foreigner from their 2009 album Can't Slow Down here at THE ZOO! This track is a high-energy rocker that first appeared on the band’s 2008 compilation album No End in Sight: The Very Best of Foreigner, marking their first new studio release since 1994’s Mr. Moonlight. It’s got that classic Foreigner sound—catchy hooks and soaring vocals—but with a fresh twist, thanks to new lead singer Kelly Hansen. The song was co-produced by Marti Frederiksen and Mick Jones’ stepson, Mark Ronson, who brought a modern edge to the band’s signature style. Fun fact: Can’t Slow Down was initially sold exclusively through Wal-Mart in the U.S., a move that mirrored other classic rock acts like AC/DC and The Eagles, tapping into a massive retail audience.

Dive deeper into "Too Late" and you’ll find it’s a testament to Foreigner’s staying power. The song’s release as a single in June 2008 came at a time when the band was reinventing itself with a new lineup. Kelly Hansen’s powerful vocals gave the track a fresh yet familiar feel, and it resonated with fans, helping Can’t Slow Down debut at #29 on the Billboard 200. In a 2009 interview with Songfacts, the band shared that the album’s title track was inspired by their performance at the Samsung 500 at Texas Motor Speedway, where NASCAR fans snapped up so many CDs that their 2008 compilation re-entered the charts. While "Too Late" wasn’t directly tied to NASCAR, its driving rhythm captures that same road-ready energy, perfect for cruising with the Zoo Crew’s free-spirited vibe.

Let’s rewind to how Foreigner got their start, a story that’s as wild as a Zoo Freak dance party. Formed in New York City in 1976, the band was the brainchild of British guitarist Mick Jones, who’d previously played with Spooky Tooth and backed artists like George Harrison. After the collapse of the Leslie West Band, Jones found himself jamming in a New York rehearsal space provided by manager Bud Prager. He linked up with keyboardist Al Greenwood and soon met multi-instrumentalist Ian McDonald, a founding member of King Crimson. The lineup solidified with American vocalist Lou Gramm, drummer Dennis Elliott, and bassist Ed Gagliardi. The band’s name, Foreigner, came from a clever nod to its half-British, half-American roster—wherever they played, half the band would be “foreigners.”

Their big break came when A&R rep John Kalodner spotted a demo tape labeled “Trigger” on Atlantic Records’ president Jerry Greenberg’s desk. It wasn’t the band Trigger, but Jones’ new project. Kalodner pushed for a deal, and after six months of rehearsals, Foreigner recorded their self-titled debut in 1976 at The Hit Factory and Atlantic Recording Studios. Released in 1977, the album spawned hits like “Feels Like the First Time” and “Cold as Ice,” selling over five million copies in the U.S. alone. With Mick Jones’ songwriting and Lou Gramm’s soulful voice, Foreigner became a staple of ‘70s and ‘80s rock, blending gritty riffs with radio-friendly hooks. They’ve since sold over 80 million records worldwide, cementing their legacy as AOR legends.

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with Foreigner on their official website, where you’ll find tour dates and merch. Connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates, from new releases to Mick Jones’ reflections on their Rock Hall induction. Fans are also buzzing in communities like the Foreigner Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks can swap stories and share their love for the band. For more fan-driven content, check out Foreigner Forums, a hub for diehards discussing everything from “Too Late” to classic hits. Keep it groovy, and let’s keep rocking with Foreigner at THE ZOO!