The hard rock group that made a multiplatinum debut last year follows up with another spirited collection of rock'n'roll that perhaps should stand as a model for competitors, so strong is the material. The six-man ensemble of noted English and American musicians has found a successful formula for combining driving rock with a sense of melody and lyrical precision. Guitarist/keyboardist/vocalist Mick Jones has sharpened his writing skills so greatly that they contain more melody and are custom made for the outstanding vocals of Lou Gramm. The rich, textured vocals and harmonies are striking as are the guitar and bass Iines. Keith Olsen moves in as producer here (along with Jones and guitarist Ian McDonald) and draws all of Foreigner's intensity. Best cuts: "Hot Blooded," "Double Vision," "Blue Morning, Blue Day," "Back Where You Belong," "I Have Waited So Long," "Tramontane."

- Billboard, 1978.

Bonus Reviews!

I like rock and roll so much that I catch myself getting off on "Hot Blooded," a typical piece of cock-rock nookie-hating carried along on a riff-with-chord change that's pure (gad) second-generation Bad Company. Fortunately, nothing else here threatens their status as the world's dullest group. Inspirational Verse: "She backhanded me 'cross my face." C-

- Robert Christgau, Christgau's Record Guide, 1981.

Building on the success of the first album, this followup yielded the Top 20 hits "Hot Blooded," "Double Vision," and "Blue Morning, Blue Day." * * *

- Donna DiChario, The All-Music Guide to Rock, 1995.

For a taste of the band's status as sorta-metal, sorta classic rockers, try the sophomore album, Double Vision. Fortified with hits such as "Blue Morning, Blue Day" and the title track, it's a prototypical 70s arena rock album. * * * 1/2

- Eric Deggans, Musichound Rock: The Essential Album Guide, 1996.

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