Lou Gramm - Questions And Answers (The Atlantic Anthology)

Lou Gramm

Questions And Answers

The Atlantic Anthology

(Cherry Red)

7/10

By Decibel Report - May 13 2021

As lead singer for Foreigner, who experienced a hot run of hits from a multi-million selling accrual of outstanding albums, Lou Gramm’s voice filled the radio airways during the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s proving himself to be a bona fide jukebox hero.

Finding himself in a hiatus from Foreigner in 1987, Gramm commenced on recording his first solo album Ready Or Not. The stripped back and simpler rock approach from the slicker production values and arrangements of Foreigner created a strong and direct album of rock radio-friendly songs. This first solo release turned out to be a family affair as Gramm’s brother Ben Jr and father Ben Sr contribute on drums and trumpet respectively. The pumping melody of the title track and Midnight Blue, both big hits, reveal a strong album of AOR songs with Nils Lofgren delivering nifty guitar interplay throughout.

Gramm’s follow up solo release suffers a bit from the much fabled second album syndrome. In part, the inconsistency of the material is probably caused by the energy expended on Foreigner’s 1987 Inside Information album release and tour. Nevertheless, Long Hard Look spawned another solo hit single with Just Between You And Me keeping Gramm on the jukeboxes throughout the USA and beyond.

Supplementing these two Atlantic solo albums is a round-up of 12” single remixes and soundtrack songs and interviews. This is a welcome and weighty reminder of the original voice of Foreigner cut loose on this round up of his successful solo excursions.