It's as Cold As Ice! Vocal ANALYSIS of Foreigner's Lou Gramm Live at The Rainbow in 1978!!

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

We just released merchandise! Check out the full line-up here: thecharismaticmerch.com

[@thefknzipster9137]

Love watching your videos. I'm no singer (i wish) but you're introducing me to some songs. You are very beautiful and very knowledgeable which makes for easy watching

[@timothygrayson]

Fascinated by the octopus friend you have? 😆

[@humhead08]

Can't open the page

[@MarkoMakela-mv8dt]

Hi you charismatic woman! I love you videos and this especialy cought my ear 'cos Lou Gramm had a very powerful voice. It cut trhough even those sometimes heavy instuments.

[@Firedog-ny3cq]

When will you release the "Wacka, Wacka, Wacka" t-shirt? You could retire on the proceeds.

[@gaefferson1]

Lou has one of the best voices in Rock n roll …His range is incredible

[@donnakubiski5572]

I love Lou Gramm's voice. Everyone keeps suggesting "I Want To Know What Love Is" as a great ballad, but I think "Waiting For A Girl Like You" is far superior. I also recommend "Urgent" and "Double Vision".

[@robinfra52]

Add Blue Morning!

[@yoohootube]

I agree so much, I want to hear all of these songs before I ever hear "I Want To Know What Love Is" again

[@Heidi328]

I’d recommend the ballad Down on Love

[@lastpenny849]

Star-rider, Woman in Black, Juke Box Hero, Nightlife all better than "I wanna know..". I got really sick of that song unfortunately.

[@crusheverything4449]

@@Heidi328- Down on Love is such an incredible song! Why it wasn’t a Top 10 hit is way beyond me. I applaud your taste, Heidi!!

[@madsquishy3410]

My favorite thing is just watching this dude stand up there with his t shirt and tight jeans on, floppy hair and no guy liner, chewing gum, and just absolutely killing it the whole time. What a legend

[@ClausenLT]

I have this concert of Blu-ray and the whole thing is awesome. And I have the system to truly enjoy it.

[@Music-Is-Real-Love]

❤️

[@VeryUsMumblings]

All talent. No frills! 👍

[@Boa_Omega]

Love catching up on the backlog of Reactions with such a loeevely human and reactor as Elizabeth.

[@mlkuhnpdx]

Lou Gramm has amazing range in his voice and is put on display in "Juke Box Hero". You have to listen to it to appreciate his range.

[@flogginhammers4393]

Several years ago Foreigner played an outdoor concert in my city. I was working EMS back stage and was summoned to an artists trailer. Walked in and there sat Mick Jones. He had fallen on stage the night before in Atlanta and wanted his knee wrapped before they went on stage. While I was wrapping his knee I heard from the back of the trailer vocals essentially the same as in the beginning of this video. The voice kept going up and down scales. It stopped and in walked Lou Gramm. Super nice man with a very powerful voice. I felt honored to have heard him warming up.

[@tigioma3761]

This. Is. So. COOL ! ! !

[@nephilim55]

That probably wasn't Lou Gramm

[@Kazeemi2810]

@@nephilim55 He did say "several years ago"...

[@nephilim55]

@@Kazeemi2810 and? Several = more than two but not many. Kai has been the singer for almost 2 decades.

[@billjackling3422]

Sorry not Lou Unfortunately

[@pjones8404]

One of the true greats. There is only one Lou Gramm and while someone else might be able to sing his notes..they can never replace his energy, passion, originality and power. Just spectacular. And can we please give some serious love to drummer Dennis Elliott. He was horribly underrated!!

[@lisawall3386]

Precisely! Drummers and bassists, often underappreciated.

[@generic53]

Same for Steve Perry.

[@cherilee4392]

I'd love to hear one on Steve Perry as well as Justin Hayward and Miljenko Matijevic as well. Fantastic singers!

[@michaelplott7481]

Great roller skating song 🤘🏻🎅

[@metalmark1214]

Great pick Elizabeth. Foreigner has numerous great songs to dive into. Too many to list.

[@LeftJoystick]

“Waiting For a Girl Like You” and “I Want To Know What Love Is” are just….idk…they defined rock love ballads for me. They’ve got some epically good songs.

[@randyraines8611]

Yesterday is my favorite. Good listen

[@timplant646]

The moment has finally arrived. I have been eagerly waiting for you to review Foreigner for 2 years. Lou Gramm is one of the best rock vocalists of all time. My personal favorite. Foreigner has at least 10 or 15 incredible songs.

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

Kirk keeps telling me so, and walks around the house singing their songs all the time. I might know a few of them now!

[@jsleeio]

@@TheCharismaticVoice does he tell you it's URGENT

[@SammyRebbo]

Would you say this....feels like the first time?

[@zoltankanyo9472]

@@jsleeio It's urgent, urgent, urgent, urgent, urgent

[@PK_Mega_Awesome]

@@TheCharismaticVoice kirk's been waiting.. for a girl like you.. to listen to more foreigner

[@paulhollstein8650]

Thank you for watching Lou! He's one in a million and a fantastic human being. I've been fortunate enough to meet him and spend some time with him the past twenty years and he can still bring it!

[@markwood1097]

yeah, those classic rockers are a blast! known a few myself, ordinary but so different in same breath. Lou was probably the best vocalist I ever heard going to jr high way back then so memorable the music so many made, back then! I guess why they call it CLASSIC rock.. boy were we lucky! hope you & Lou still doing well............

[@joannholmes8726]

He just pushed disco out of the way, thank you so much!!!!!!

[@andrew348]

I also spent fortunate time with him wonderfully

[@tomlester8705]

I think "Feels Like the First Time" was their first big single. Love the instrumental throughout the song.

[@1503rascon]

Lou gramm! Epic voice. Thank you

[@Heidi328]

Ohhhh Lou is one of my al time favorite vocalists!! Nobody has the tone!! Soooo rich

[@AudiophileTubes]

Lou Gramm is one of the all time greats! A powerhouse of a rock vocalist!

[@trentfollmer1462]

His pitch stability can not be beat...Never heard anyone so precise...True rock star.

[@ronnienose8608]

Ronnie James Dio was just as good with his pitch.

[@crusheverything4449]

@@ronnienose8608- YES!!! Steve Walsh, as well. 🤘🏼

[@PaulyV56]

Just saw Lou 2 weeks ago. What a career. His health has taking its toll live vocally, but, Hes Lou F'n Graham. 1 of the greatest rock vocalist.

[@pg1633]

Lou Gramm is one of my top 5 favorite singers of all time.

[@williamscoggin1509]

I was lucky enough to go see the double vision tour in the latter 1970's. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@petersparker]

What's great is that Lou started as drummer and did not aspire to sing or front a band. But he just had the goods! Rochester represent!

[@melissaslater2575]

October 1979 - my first concert - Foreigner and Lou Graham- amazing!

[@mrabc12345678911111]

Lou was the 👌

[@badspasm1]

I never seen em live but if I heard that intro i would asume they were jumping into cold as ice!! Just like most people in the audience was thinking.

[@stubrice9726]

Waiting on a girl like you or double vision are both awesome examples of his beautiful voice. He’s, if not the best example, definitely one if the top late 70’s early 80’s rock singers period.

[@joshneal7286]

They were great in concert!

[@kdm71291]

Lou Graham is one of the best voices in rock!

[@Music-Is-Real-Love]

YES!!!!!.

[@pamaasah]

See your reactions, it is the perfect formula to change my sad mood for an incredible state of joy

[@excaping1]

A great concert set, and superior quality recording ... and the voice of a superior front man. Having grown up with them (I saw this show in Philly) I feel this period is the last time they were a real "Rock and Roll Outfit", as they quickly slid more into the Ballad and Power Ballad direction. Excellent old skool head phone material.

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

Mercury Studios has done a dynamite job remastering a lot of these older performances!

[@crusheverything4449]

Foreigner gets a bad rap for turning into a “ballad band”, but that was really only their singles. The rest of their albums were melodic hard rock and of a very consistent, high quality. Those types of “they went soft” comments usually come from people who didn’t buy albums and were only exposed to what pop stations were playing. 🙄

[@joannholmes8726]

@@crusheverything4449 We used to buy albums based on a hit, so great!

[@melelenath]

@@jomamma1750 Good observation. But Lou's interviews and autobiography - in which he is very candid - suggest that the coke came later. Since this is at the beginning of his career with Foreigner, probably just gum in this case!

[@melelenath]

@@jomamma1750 Such bile. I feel sorry for you.

[@donwilbanks2226]

I saw Foreigner live in the summer of 1978 in Fresno, CA. I had just graduated high school and was spending the summer away from Oklahoma with relatives in Fresno. Thanks for bringing back this great memory!

[@dfusit]

You should listen to “Midnight Blue” from Lou Gramm’s solo album. He is one of rock’s greatest vocal artists. Of course there’s always his power ballad “I Want To Know What Love Is” will blow you away.

[@johnsieverssr8288]

Heard them twice they were badass😊

[@scottbourret1190]

What an era for music. Foreigner, Bad Company, Boston, Journey, ACDC, Heart, REO Speedwagon and the list goes on. Wish I could have seen these concerts live while they were all in their prime.

[@boneycrane4889]

Much Love to you Mr.Gramm!!!!! Great deep dive…. ❤ from Webster ny

[@jeremynewcastle]

One of the greatest rock voices ever. He influenced a lot new generation of rock singers. He is in league with Dio, Paul Rogers and David Coverdale. These are the vocal institutions lots of singers modeled their voice to.

[@Rassskle]

Only because Gillan , Plant, Barnes, Farnham and Tom Jones are all too difficult to copy.

[@crusheverything4449]

@@Rassskle- Tom Jones is a good singer (still!), but he is not a rock singer.

[@Rassskle]

@@crusheverything4449 He rarely sung rock, that is true.... but his voice was suited for blues / soul and perfect for rock.

[@Cayo-s.Liberation]

I find you SO interesting… I LOVE how you see life… so unique, very innocent and quite beautiful. You actually see the vibrancy and aliveness of it all. I’m the same way. Life is just amazing isn’t it? Keep leading with your heart and continue to watch the magic unfold.

[@TheDirtRoadChapel]

I just love the color of Lou's voice. Strong, bluesy, and distinct.

[@sreggird60]

I've started introducing one of my great nieces to the music I listened to when I was about her age and she loves it. She's actually started watching your videos because she is taking music in school and wants to know all she can about it.

[@TristanandIsolt]

Something that often gets missed is that Foreigner had great harmonies.

[@josephdefilippis07]

The keyboardist you were talking about is Al Greenwood, the other keyboardist is Mick Jones

[@orman28]

These guys aren’t in the R&R hall of fame and it blows my mind.

[@melelenath]

Good news though: Lou will be inducted into the Metal Hall of Fame (they do rock as well as metal). This is likely to please him very much, as he loves rock most.

[@martymiller9802]

I really appreciate the diversity of subject matter you analyze. It keeps me on my toes and ears.

[@colrhodes377]

I'm in the Caribbean and Internet is few and far between. I have so much of your lovely channel to catch up with. However, I'm speaking to other music lovers and spreading the word!

[@TristanandIsolt]

Nice sweater Elizabeth.

[@capstan50g]

I can't imagine how many times I heard this song on the radio during my high school days, but it's still one of my favorite Foreigner songs. Lou Gramm's voice was a huge part of their success. It's very recognizable. Their catalog is full of hits, including my absolute favorite, Feels Like The First Time. Great reaction, Elizabeth!

[@jerrythor6102]

Definitely one of my favorite bands of all time. So many great songs. Memories 😊

[@kevinhoward8853]

I love Foreigner.😁

[@Moneymike8]

Finally Lou Gramm! Best singer ever!

[@TradBowBruce]

My generation had Steve Perry and Lou!!! The Mount Everests of vocal heights!!! All we could do was stare in awe...nobody has ever reached their level...

[@TradBowBruce]

@texmeontgthe_charismatic_v3404 great!

[@crusheverything4449]

There are other singers who are comparably good, such as Steve Walsh of Kansas, Ronnie James Dio, Rik Emmett of Triumph, Klaus Meine of Scorpions, Tony Harnell of TNT and Westworld… I could go on…

[@TradBowBruce]

@@crusheverything4449 all excellent picks! I'm partial to Lou being an upstate NY boy! Lol.

[@pooki903]

@@crusheverything4449 I'd say that of those that Gramm, Perry and Walsh had the most communicative and purely enjoyable vocal timbres to go along with their fantastic range and power.

[@daemonwhite3740]

Have you heard of Tobias Sammet and Avantasia / Edguy? Elizabeth actually did an analysis of an Avantasia song ... last year I wanna say?

[@edhcahill6163]

Lou will be on the Rock Legends Cruise in February 2023. Can't wait to see him again.

[@gumballthechewy]

Elizabeth's expressions of pure joy while exploring music is a beautiful light in these uncertain times! Never stop being you Elizabeth! You bring joy and happiness to thousands of people! Happy Holidays! Also, that sweater is kinda sus...

[@andrewperez8902]

Do more of a deep dive in the Foreigner catalog to hear his voice in full.

[@AlwaysAuntieDana]

Lou Gramm = One of the Greats

[@MegaDog555]

lou is from my hometown rochester ny i saw him when he was in black sheep too

[@lotusmanb3832]

Lou Gramm... one of the best to ever do it !

[@davidscott41]

Amazing keyboard works amazing also others songs

[@stevepulford216]

Lou is one of the greats for sure! Always a strong performer and genuinely cares about the audience. I've seen Foreigner live many times, one time he stopped the show halfway into the second song because he could see that something was wrong with the sound by the way the crowd was reacting (we couldn't hear the vocals), so they adjusted the levels and restarted the show from the beginning.

[@cultclassicsradio7634]

Was just listening to Foreigner, Lou is one of my favorite vocalists, and i thought you would have a blast analyzing him. If you're looking for another great one, Waiting for a Girl Like You is a powerful one!

[@jean-francoisbergevin6981]

Perfect babe analysing the perfect emotional voice.

[@hotbloodedcle]

A true rock icon of the 70's and 80's. I hope to see you checking out more Foreigner and Lou Gramm in the future!!

[@toddmerriss]

This is the only song that I remember where I was the first time hearing it. Late 70's. Blew me away!

[@Shamiterrific]

You are such a joy to watch! I've watched so, so many "react to music" videos. I've watched so many music professionals. You are by far my favourite. You actually listen to the music, and your joy is so visible. It's an absolute pleasure to experience music with you.

[@cloudyuk]

Only just seen this video. I love the amazing range that Lou Gramm had. My favourite example is With Heaven On Our Side.

[@MrYokelly]

I saw this tour in early 1979. It was my first concert when I was young. Fantastic show with Cheap Trick as the support. So nice to see this get analyzed.

[@Crimethoughtfull]

At one point in my life, Foreigner was my fav band. In fact, I was listening to Foreigner one night when I was driving my 2nd car--a 1986 Caprice Classic. It was like Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve...but the odo rolled to ALL ZEROS...while listening to Foreigner. It was magical. And this was like 2003 or so.

[@Imthrashsfu]

I remember in the late '70s and into the '80s Gramm and Journey's Steve Perry were considered the greatest male singers in rock. So much talent. Thanks for covering Foreigner!

[@pooki903]

Gramm lol. It's spelled right there.

[@Imthrashsfu]

@@pooki903 good for you. Thanks for the correction.

[@trajic9204]

You should watch the 1981 performance of Juke box hero, so intense with awesome camera work as well.

[@DizzyMan24]

Love these guys. You can always pick out his voice instantly.

[@diannec4372]

Wow! Memories! So cool!

[@v4victory665]

Excellent Choice Elizabeth, it's about time you got the chance to analyze one of the greatest vocals in Rock. Lou Gramm & Foreigner are legendary for a reason. Awesome !!! I will recommend Dennis Deyoung from Styx and Billy Squier and Mickey Thomas from Jefferson Starship for you. 👍 👍 💯

[@DoctorChange106]

thank you for analysis

[@MM_in_Havasu]

"Hot-Blooded" is one of my all-time favorite tunes from Foreigner, had the pleasure of seeing it performed live during their Double Vision concert/tour in 1978. Always love your analyses of contemporary rock groups/singers, Elizabeth! Thank you so much.

[@thomasgriffiths6758]

I never saw Foreigner as a full-band but I did see Lou Gramm open up for The Steve Miller Band during his Ready or Not album tour in the summer of 1989 Lake Compounce, Bristol, CT and he had that song Midnight Blue 🔵 that was popular. Very good show.

[@ixeyeb]

Lou Gramm and Paul Rogers are some of my two favorites in Rock. Both have such distinct voices, so clean and powerful. Please listen to Bad Company and more Foreigner!!

[@jeremycole3008]

"how about that" - Excellent song

[@melelenath]

Lou says he was inspired by Paul Rodgers.

[@jennifermyers8818]

soundgasm!

[@cheryldyer8165]

I absolutely love Lou Gramm's voice. I listen to his singing daily either with Foreigner, his solo Lou Gramm cd's, Shadow King and early singing on Black Sheep. His songs are unbeatable! Hope you review more of Lou Gramm.

[@robp683]

Foreigner is another of my all time favorites. So many great options of hearing Lou Gramm just get it. "You're all I am" is not mentioned enough.

[@z-man2343]

Louie Gramm(atico) grew up in my neighborhood and went to the same high school (a few years ahead of me) in a suburb of Rochester, NY. In fact, one of my buddies delivered the newspaper to his parent's house.

[@erinnswan7063]

Love that we are from the same home town!

[@Deetroiter]

Lou Gramm without a doubt is one of the most iconic voices ever. You can hear even a couple of notes and instantly know who it is. Has a certain power, huskiness, smooth and sexiness, etc to his vocals. Almost the whole package wrapped into one!

[@lordjosh9000]

Foreigner...I have been waiting for this. One of my favorite bands. You must listen to Urgent and Waiting For A Girl Like You, preferably the official music videos.

[@RVALMAT]

Lou Gramm is a real legend and he deserves much more recognition than he's got. I'm happy to find this great video. You are making justice to this highly talented singer. Many thanks!

[@jimhampton1464]

Dave Grohl said he chews gum on stage because, “It’s just to keep my throat and mouth lubricated-so when I scream balls, I don’t choke and vomit.” He says his pick is Dentyne Ice, black, blue, or green. He taught Bille Joe of Green Day how to sing and chew gum at the same time.

[@Dwendele]

I think Sammy Hagar chews gum on stage as well. There's several rock singers that do, for the reason stated by Grohl.

[@terric703]

I always wondered about that. Thanks!

[@stevecrescini2081]

John Lennon was an early pioneer gum chewer on stage

[@MonkeyJedi99]

I used to chew gum while singing in church, high school and college choirs. Not so much while playing trumpet or euphonium...

[@eliminator7ful]

Lou wasn't chewing gum. He was stretching his jaw. Elite professional male singers do this who sing in high register at the beginning of songs. Bobby Hatfield of the Righteous Brothers can be seen doing this too when he sings in the famous live Unchained Melody available on KZbin.

[@AlexAlexon3897]

🏵 I could be wrong, but I believe Lou Gramm's one of the very few non-smoking singers of the era. His voice has that clarity no one wants to lose. One of Mick Jones' best solos in this song. Thanks for covering Lou Gramm / Foreigner.🥣

[@melelenath]

You are right, Lou never smoked.

[@theronhayden4671]

Fav singer of all time! Lou doesn't get enough love! He's one of the best of the best

[@sirkat344]

I am so glad you chose to look @ Lou Gramm. There are many "Great R & R Voices", but surely he is one of them. One of the most easily recognized voices in the era. I always liked his gruffness in the louder/harder songs, yet he showed a unique mellow sound on the uber hit "Waiting For A Girl Like You" and "I Want To Know What Love Is". He has retired for the most part due to vocal issues, yet this year, he appeared on Alan Parsons' new album. There's a cool song to check out- to show the difference between then and now. Did enjoy how you got into his performance. 😊

[@BeanieScooter]

His book "Juke Box Hero" is awesome, too! GATES, NY homeown man!❤

[@davidsmith4957]

Lou Grammatico still sounds great!! One of the best singers ever!

[@Guiltless765]

Lou Gramm is one of my favorite singers.. Midnight Blue 🔵

[@tonynewell3801]

Okay, first of all I love your channel and deep dives. I especially love and enjoy your appreciation of artists that I've held dear to my musical journey. Namely, Geddy Lee, Steve Perry, and this particular video , Lou Gramm. I'm a 58 year old rocker and I'm not ashamed to admit that VERY often you have me in literal tears( I know, I'm dumb) but your appreciation of artists that have influenced me to a extreme degree validates me and my lifelong opinion. I knew as a teen that my musical instincts were valid in spite of my parental disagreements. I don't think you'll actually read this but I simply HAD to get this out or I think I might otherwise die. From the bottom of my heart, Thank you. You are essentially retroactively healing folks. Again. Thank you.

[@iammine7325]

Great song and band love there music for years.

[@DukeLP]

I actually went and saw Lou Gramm live a couple years ago, and he's still got it!

[@lisedixon]

I would love to hear your review on Lou Gramm singing Headknocker. It's a fun song! Thank you

[@randyfender6122]

Great song, and a great performance of it. Note that the "riffing" he did at the beginning was to the 2 main chords in the song, so a warm up was the right call I think. I love seeing you do classic rock reactions and analysis , and am hoping that you get around to Stevie Ray Vaughan doing Texas Flood Live at the El Macambo. I am curious to hear your thoughts on his singing, but also seeing your reaction to his singing while playing the way he does. Talk about energy...C'mon people, back me up on this one!

[@xxTICxxTOCxx]

I wore out my VHS copy of Live at the El Macambo, played it HUNDREDS of times. Even hearing any song from that night today has me fizzing at the bung wondering how great it would have been, as an Australian, to have been aware of SRV back before the Jagger/Bowie thing, and caught him live. ''I want's ta hug you, kiss you, squeeze ya till my arms fall off... '' lol, GREAT STUFF!!!

[@ingve77]

Now that's a good proposition. Get on it!

[@randyfender6122]

@@xxTICxxTOCxx I agree, and got a copy on DVD. No vocals, but Lenny is a favorite.

[@Dwendele]

For SURE! I saw Stevie several times live and he ALWAYS blew everyone's minds

[@ingve77]

@@Dwendele I had tickets to see Stevie but sadly he passed only a few days before the show. I was numb for weeks.

[@NotBenCoultry]

I can sing along with some amazing vocals - surprise myself a lot of the time, but I have yet to be able to get anything by Lou Gramm down even close to something I'm happy with. It's like he's singing two notes simultaneously sometimes.

[@adamjones6228]

Her facial expressions get me every time!

[@yoohootube]

I don't know how to sing, but I could always comfortably sing along with Foreigner

[@Zen-Mit-Chips]

Lou Gramm, one of the best pop / rock singers ever, such an incredible voice and instantly recognisable.

[@DirtyCatBox]

Instantly.

[@jeremycole3008]

Normally I would agree, and do love his stuff, but this live 1978 performance Eliz. featured seemed like he was just "phoning it in"

[@Zen-Mit-Chips]

@@jeremycole3008 I have to agree, it was not the best representation of his abillitys.

[@crusheverything4449]

I have a live Foreigner show from Tokyo ‘89 and Lou gives one of the most superhuman vocal performances I’ve ever heard in five decades as a music junkie. I don’t know who could match it… maybe Ronnie James Dio in his prime - it’s THAT good!

[@jeremycole3008]

@@crusheverything4449 is there a youtube posting of it, just curious

[@AndrewJones-cx6kl]

This just another one of those incredible 1970’s bands I grew up with. So much talent, no tricks, straight microphone with maybe a little delay, or reverb OR maybe none of that. Many times depending on the venue you’re playing you can get that great natural reverb! My name is “Randy Rhoads Prodigy” a proud Patreon, and I approve this message. Bahahaha😂😂😂