“I Want to Know What Love Is” is a power ballad by the British-American rock band Foreigner, released in November 1984 with “Street Thunder (Marathon Theme)” on the B-side. It is one of the band’s most famous and enduring songs, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and topping the charts in several other countries, including the UK. The song was the lead single from their fifth studio album, Agent Provocateur, and became a defining moment in the band’s career, cementing their place as one of the top rock bands of the 1980s.
“I Want to Know What Love Is” is an emotional song about longing, vulnerability, and the search for deeper meaning in love. The lyrics express a desire to understand and experience true love, with the narrator reflecting on their emotional struggles and seeking guidance in matters of the heart. Musically, “I Want to Know What Love Is” is a rock ballad with strong influences of gospel and soul. The song is built around a rich arrangement of synthesizers, piano, and orchestral strings, creating a grand and emotional sound. The track’s slow tempo and atmospheric production emphasize its introspective and heartfelt nature. Lead vocalist Lou Gramm delivers a powerful and soulful performance, his voice conveying both vulnerability and strength. His delivery on the chorus, particularly the plea for understanding and love, adds emotional weight to the song. The band is also joined by the New Jersey Mass Choir, whose gospel-influenced backing vocals add a spiritual, uplifting dimension to the track, especially in the song’s climactic final chorus.
The song was written by Mick Jones, Foreigner’s guitarist and primary songwriter (although former Foreigner frontman Lou Gramm asserts that he contributed to the song). Jones has described “I Want to Know What Love Is” as one of the most personal and introspective songs he has ever written. He wanted to explore deeper emotions and step away from the band’s more traditional rock sound to create something more universal and timeless. Jones said the inspiration for the song came during a period of personal reflection, as he sought to understand love and its many complexities. The song’s emotional depth and sincerity are reflected in its powerful lyrics and soaring arrangement, marking a shift in Foreigner’s style towards more introspective material.
“I Want to Know What Love Is” was a massive commercial success. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. in early 1985 and remained at the top for two weeks. The song also reached No. 1 in the UK, making it Foreigner’s first (and only) chart-topping single in both countries. It topped the charts in several other countries, including Canada, Australia, and Sweden, and became a global hit. The song’s success helped propel the album Agent Provocateur to multi-platinum status, making it one of Foreigner’s most successful albums. The song has since sold millions of copies worldwide and is considered one of the best-selling singles of all time.
“I Want to Know What Love Is” remains one of the most iconic power ballads of the 1980s and is widely considered Foreigner’s signature song. Its blend of rock, pop, and gospel influences, combined with its heartfelt lyrics, has given it a timeless appeal. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Mariah Carey and Tina Arena, further solidifying its place in popular music history.