About the song
In 1981, a song unlike anything Foreigner had done before emerged from the studio. “Urgent,” the lead single from their album “4,” became a rock radio staple, captivating audiences with its infectious energy and innovative blend of genres. This introduction delves into the fascinating story behind the song’s creation, from its unexpected origins to its lasting impact on the music scene.
The journey began with a seemingly discarded guitar riff by Mick Jones, the band’s guitarist. Producer Robert John “Mutt” Lange, known for his work with AC/DC, saw potential in the raw idea, urging Jones to develop it further. This insistence on exploring unpolished concepts became a defining aspect of “Urgent.”
The recording process brought together a unique collaboration. Foreigner worked with Thomas Dolby, then an up-and-coming synthesizer whiz, who infused the song with its distinct electronic textures. The saxophone, a trademark Foreigner element, received a double dose of personality. Mark Rivera, the band’s regular saxophonist, laid down a rhythmic foundation, while the legendary Motown musician Junior Walker delivered the iconic, scorching solo. Walker’s contribution came about serendipitously, with him coincidentally being in New York during the recording sessions.
“Urgent” wasn’t simply a product of studio polish. The band embraced a spirit of experimentation. Dolby’s earlier work provided the inspiration for the song’s central theme. Lange, impressed by a demo titled “Urges,” convinced Dolby to incorporate the concept into the lyrics, giving birth to the urgent pleas that became the song’s title.
The result was a song that defied categorization. “Urgent” blended elements of rock, soul, and synthesizers, creating a sound that felt both fresh and familiar. Critics were effusive in their praise, hailing the song’s infectious energy and the brilliance of the saxophone solo. “Urgent” soared to the top of the Billboard Rock Tracks chart and became a permanent fixture on album-oriented rock radio.
Though not their biggest commercial hit, “Urgent” holds a special place in Foreigner’s legacy. It cemented their reputation as innovators who weren’t afraid to push boundaries. Even today, the song’s raw energy and infectious groove continue to resonate with audiences, a testament to the power of embracing the unexpected and the enduring appeal of a truly urgent rock anthem.
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Lyrics
You’re not shy, you get around
You wanna fly, don’t want your feet on the ground
You stay up, you won’t come down
You wanna live, you wanna move to the sound
Got fire in your veins
Burning hot but you don’t feel the pain
Your desire is insane
You can’t stop until you do it again
But sometimes I wonder as I look in your eyes
Maybe you’re thinking of some other guy
But I know, yes I know, how to treat you right
That’s why you call me in the middle of the night
You say it’s urgent
So urgent, so oh-oh urgent
Just wait and see
How urgent my love can be
It’s urgent
You play tricks on my mind
You’re everywhere, but you’re so hard to find
You’re not warm or sentimental
You’re so extreme, you can be so temperamental
But I’m not looking for a love that’ll last
I know what I need, and I need it fast
Yeah, there’s one thing in common that we both share
That’s a need for each other anytime, anywhere
It gets so urgent
So urgent
You know it’s urgent
I wanna tell you it’s the same for me
So oh-oh urgent
Just you wait and see
How urgent our love can be
It’s urgent
You say it’s urgent
Make it fast, make it urgent
Do it quick, do it urgent
Gotta rush, make it urgent
Want it quick
Urgent, urgent, emergency
Urgent, urgent, emergency
Urgent (urgent), urgent (urgent), emergency
Urgent (urgent), urgent (urgent), emergency
So urgent, emergency
It’s urgent