Complete Greatest Hits (CD - 2002)

Foreigner includes: Lou Gramm (vocals, percussion); Ian McDonald (guitar, reeds, horns, keyboards, background vocals); Mick Jones (guitar, piano, keyboards, bass, background vocals); Al Greenwood (keyboards, synthesizer); Ed Gagliardi, Rick Wills (bass, background vocals); Dennis Elliott (drums, background vocals).

Additional personnel includes: Jennifer Holiday, Sheryl Crow, Robin Zander (vocals); Jr. Walker (saxophone); Larry Fast, Wally Badarou, Thomas Dolby (synthesizer).

Producers include: John Sinclair, Gary Lyons, Keith Olsen, Mick Jones, Ian McDonald.

Compilation producer: David McLees.

Recorded between 1977 and 1992. Includes liner notes by Jerry McCulley.

All tracks have been digitally remastered.

Personnel: Ian McDonald (vocals, guitar, reeds, horns, keyboards); Mark Rivera (vocals, saxophone); Bob Mayo (vocals, electric piano, keyboards, synthesizer); John Purdell, Tom Bailey (vocals, keyboards); Dennis Elliott (vocals, drums); Beth Hooker, Donnie Harper, Ed Gagliardi, Ian Lloyd, Jennifer Holliday, Lou Gramm, Marilyn Martin, Rick Wills, Robert John "Mutt" Lange, Robin Zander, Sheryl Crow (vocals); Hugh McCracken (slide guitar); Joe Walker, Jr. (saxophone); Al Greenwood (keyboards, synthesizer); Rick Seratte, Michael Fonfara, Peter-John Vettese (keyboards); Dave Lebolt, Brian Eddolls, Jack Waldman, Larry Fast, Thomas Dolby, Wally Badarou (synthesizer); Mark Schulman (drums, percussion); Sammy Merendino (electronic percussion).

Audio Remasterer: Dan Hersch.

Liner Note Author: Jerry McCulley.

Despite never having been critical favorites, Foreigner always managed to maintain a dedicated fan base and presence on radio that continues in this day of strict classic-rock formatting. COMPLETE GREATEST HITS does a fine job of trotting out the genius of the Lou Gramm/Mick Jones songwriting team, responsible for guitar-driven classics ("Hot Blooded," "Feels Like The First Time") and thunderous arena rock ("Juke Box Hero," "Cold As Ice"). Former Johnny Hallyday music director and Spooky Tooth member Jones even managed to whip up a pair of prom/wedding perennials; "I Want To Know What Love Is" and "I Don't Want To Live Without You".

Along the way, Foreigner also managed to work with a wide array of famous names ranging from the wailing R&B sax legend Junior Walker on "Urgent" to Sheryl Crow and Cheap Trick's Robin Zander. Though not as comprehensive as JUKEBOX HEROES: THE FOREIGNER ANTHOLOGY, COMPLETE GREATEST HITS does a far better job showcasing some of the band's deeper cuts from their heyday than either THE VERY BEST...AND BEYOND or RECORDS (GREATEST HITS). minimize