“Midnight Blue” is a song by Lou Gramm, released in January 1987 as the lead single from his debut solo album, “Ready or Not.” Lou Gramm, best known as the lead vocalist for the rock band Foreigner, showcased his distinct voice and songwriting prowess with this track, which became a significant hit.
After achieving substantial success with Foreigner, Lou Gramm ventured into a solo career to explore his musical ideas more independently. “Midnight Blue” was co-written by Gramm and Bruce Turgon, a longtime collaborator and friend. The song features a blend of rock and pop elements, characteristic of the 1980s rock sound but also highlighting Gramm’s unique vocal style. The lyrics of “Midnight Blue” revolve around themes of resilience, determination, and hope. The phrase “midnight blue” symbolizes a challenging or dark time, but the song conveys a sense of optimism and the idea of pushing through difficulties. The lyrics, “No more timing each tear that falls from my eyes / I’m not hiding the remedy to cure this old heart of mine,” reflect a resolve to overcome past struggles and move forward with confidence.
Musically, “Midnight Blue” is characterized by its driving rock beat, melodic guitar riffs, and Gramm’s powerful, emotive vocals. The song opens with a catchy guitar riff that sets the tone for the rest of the track. The production is polished, with a mix of synthesizers and traditional rock instruments creating a dynamic and engaging sound.
“Midnight Blue” was a commercial success, reaching number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and spent five weeks on the top of the Mainstream Rock chart. The song also performed well on rock radio, becoming a staple on rock playlists and contributing to the overall success of Gramm’s solo debut album. The popularity of “Midnight Blue” helped establish Lou Gramm as a successful solo artist outside of his work with Foreigner.