Women

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Women" by Foreigner from their 1979 album Head Games, and Zoo Freaks, you’re in for some cool trivia about this track! Released as the fourth single on March 3, 1980, in Japan and the U.S., "Women" hit No. 41 on the Billboard Hot 100. Written by guitarist Mick Jones, the song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of women in various scenarios—behind bars, in fast cars, or stealing the show with rock ‘n’ roll flair. The B-side, "The Modern Day," also penned and sung by Jones, gave fans a deeper look into his vocal contributions. Interestingly, the Head Games album sparked controversy with its cover art featuring a young woman in a men’s bathroom, which some retailers refused to stock, deeming it tasteless. Foreigner defended the imagery, emphasizing their admiration for women, with "Women" itself being a playful yet bold celebration of female energy. In a 2017 interview with Billboard, Mick Jones reflected on the band’s knack for crafting radio-friendly hits like this one, blending gritty rock with catchy hooks that defined their sound.

Digging into another tidbit, the song’s recording process was a turning point for Foreigner. Head Games was the first album to feature new bassist Rick Wills, who replaced Ed Gagliardi, and it was co-produced by Roy Thomas Baker, famous for his work with Queen. This shift brought a polished yet raw edge to tracks like "Women," recorded at Atlantic Studios in New York with final mixing at Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles. On social media, Foreigner’s official Facebook page, with over 2.9 million likes, shared a post on September 11, 2024, celebrating the album’s 45th anniversary, asking fans to name their favorite track—plenty of Zoo Freaks would likely shout out "Women" for its infectious groove. The band’s Instagram also keeps the vibe alive with throwback photos and tour updates, connecting with fans who still rock out to these classics.

Now, let’s rewind to how Foreigner got their start. Formed in New York City in 1976, the band was the brainchild of British guitarist Mick Jones, previously with the band Spooky Tooth, and multi-instrumentalist Ian McDonald, a founding member of King Crimson. They teamed up with American vocalist Lou Gramm, drummer Dennis Elliott, keyboardist Al Greenwood, and bassist Ed Gagliardi. The name "Foreigner" came from the mix of British and American members—Jones, Elliott, and McDonald were British, while Gramm, Greenwood, and Gagliardi were American, making half the band "foreigners" no matter where they played. Their self-titled debut album in 1977 exploded with hits like "Feels Like the First Time" and "Cold as Ice," selling over 4 million copies in the U.S. alone. By the time Head Games dropped, Foreigner had cemented their status as rock giants, with worldwide sales now exceeding 80 million records, including 37.5 million in the U.S., according to their Wikipedia bio.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, Foreigner’s official website offers tour dates, merch, and a fan club. You can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest news—like their 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction! Fan communities thrive online too. Check out the Foreigner Fans Facebook group, where over 10,000 members share concert stories and rare vinyl finds. Another gem is the fan site Foreigner Fan Club, packed with exclusive content and band updates. So, Zoo Freaks, keep those dials locked on THE ZOO as the Crew spins more Foreigner classics!