Tooth and Nail

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Tooth and Nail" by Foreigner, a high-energy track from their 1984 album Agent Provocateur, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This song, the album's opener, is a gritty rock anthem that Classic Rock critic Malcolm Dome called "the antidote to 'I Want to Know What Love Is,'" highlighting its raw, aggressive edge as a counterpoint to the band’s softer ballad. Billboard praised the band for flexing "post-punk power chords with gusto," noting its bold, in-your-face energy. The track’s recording wasn’t without drama—drummer Dennis Elliott revealed that initial producer Trevor Horn left the project during sessions in England, feeling his electronic style clashed with Foreigner’s rock roots. Horn’s departure led to Alex Sadkin stepping in, but the sessions remained chaotic, with band leader Mick Jones sometimes absent for hours and lyrics still being written during mixing, as Sadkin lamented in an interview.

Another tidbit about "Tooth and Nail" comes from its context within Agent Provocateur, a concept album about a spy navigating life from both inside and outside perspectives, as noted on Rock Machine. This thematic depth gave the song a narrative bite, with lyrics like “I’m tired of all this cheap talk” reflecting defiance and struggle, resonating with fans who connected to its underdog spirit. While no specific social media posts from Foreigner’s official accounts dive deeply into "Tooth and Nail," their Instagram often shares throwback photos and tour memories, occasionally referencing the Agent Provocateur era, keeping fans nostalgic for tracks like this one. The song’s video, available on YouTube, captures the band’s 80s swagger, complete with big hair and leather jackets, a visual treat for Zoo Freaks craving retro vibes.

Foreigner got their start in 1976 in New York City, founded by British guitarist Mick Jones, who’d previously played with acts like Spooky Tooth and the Leslie West Band. Jones, a seasoned songwriter, teamed up with American vocalist Lou Gramm, whose powerful voice became the band’s signature. They added multi-instrumentalist Ian McDonald, drummer Dennis Elliott, keyboardist Al Greenwood, and bassist Ed Gagliardi to form a British-American rock outfit. According to their official biography, the band’s name came from the transatlantic mix of members—Jones and McDonald were from the UK, while the others were American. Their self-titled debut in 1977, with hits like “Feels Like the First Time” and “Cold as Ice,” skyrocketed them to fame, selling over five million copies in the U.S. alone. Jones’ vision for catchy, radio-friendly rock with emotional depth, paired with Gramm’s dynamic vocals, set Foreigner apart in the competitive 70s rock scene.

The band’s early days weren’t without challenges. As Jones shared in interviews on their Facebook, constant touring and pressure to follow up their debut tested their resilience. Yet, their work ethic paid off, with albums like Double Vision (1978) and Head Games (1979) cementing their status. Over the years, lineup changes occurred—McDonald and Greenwood left by 1980—but Jones and Gramm remained the core, guiding Foreigner through the 80s with hits like “Urgent” and “I Want to Know What Love Is.” Their X account frequently engages fans with updates on tours and milestones, reflecting their enduring connection with audiences. Today, Foreigner continues to tour, led by Jones and vocalist Kelly Hansen, with their legacy celebrated by Zoo Freaks and beyond.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, Foreigner’s official channels are active and engaging. Their website offers tour dates, merch, and a detailed history. The Facebook page shares live performance clips and fan interactions, while Instagram delivers behind-the-scenes content. On X, they post real-time updates and respond to fans. For fan communities, the Foreigner Fans Facebook Group is a vibrant space where devotees share concert photos, memorabilia, and stories about songs like "Tooth and Nail." Another fan hub, Foreigner’s Official Fan Club, offers exclusive content and meet-and-greet opportunities, perfect for Zoo Freaks looking to connect with fellow enthusiasts.