Released in June 1981 with “Girl on The Moon” on the B-side as the lead single from their fourth studio album 4, “Urgent” marked a bold new direction for Foreigner. Blending their hard rock roots with funky rhythms, synth textures, and one of the most iconic saxophone solos in rock history, the song became a major hit—and a defining moment in the band’s evolution.
By the early ’80s, Foreigner was already a successful arena rock band, known for hits like “Cold as Ice” and “Hot Blooded.” But with 4, co-produced by Robert John “Mutt” Lange (of AC/DC and later Def Leppard fame), they aimed to modernize their sound. “Urgent” was the result: a genre-bending track that kept their melodic strength but introduced a fresh, contemporary edge.
The song kicks off with a tense, pulsing synth bassline, setting a sense of immediate momentum. Mick Jones’ sharp guitar riffs and Lou Gramm’s powerful, urgent vocals give the song its rock backbone. But the real curveball—and the song’s most memorable element—is the saxophone solo performed by the legendary Junior Walker, a Motown veteran. His fiery, improvised solo explodes into the track midway through, adding raw soul and elevating the song into a whole new dimension.
The song was a commercial success, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and becoming one of Foreigner’s biggest hits. It also topped the Billboard Rock Tracks chart and helped propel the 4 album to multi-platinum status.
“Urgent” stood out not only because of its hybrid style but also because it showed Foreigner’s willingness to take risks. In an era where many rock bands stuck to formula, they embraced electronic elements and funk-inflected grooves without losing their identity.