Introduction:
“I Want to Know What Love Is,” a timeless power ballad by the British-American rock band Foreigner, was officially released as a single in November 1984. It served as the lead single from their fifth studio album, Agent Provocateur, which followed in December of the same year. The song is firmly rooted in the soft rock and power ballad genres, known for its emotional depth, soaring vocals, and a prominent gospel choir. This blend of rock sensibilities with a more melodic and heartfelt approach struck a chord with audiences worldwide.
The song’s achievements are nothing short of monumental. “I Want to Know What Love Is” became Foreigner’s biggest hit to date, reaching number one on both the UK Singles Chart (where it displaced Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”) and the US Billboard Hot 100 (knocking Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” from the top spot). It marked their first and only pop chart-topper in either country, solidifying their mainstream appeal. Beyond the US and UK, the single dominated charts globally, hitting number one in countries such as Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and Sweden, and reaching the top two in Switzerland and South Africa.
Its success was not merely a fleeting moment; “I Want to Know What Love Is” was ranked as the number four Billboard Hot 100 single of 1985. It achieved platinum certification in the US and eventually went double-platinum in the UK in 2023, reflecting its enduring popularity. More recently, in January 2025, the 1999 remastered version of the song surpassed one billion streams on Spotify, joining an elite “Billions Club” and further cementing its legacy as one of the most beloved and enduring anthems of the 1980s and beyond. The song’s profound lyrics, attributed primarily to Mick Jones, and its impactful arrangement, including the New Jersey Mass Choir, have ensured its place in popular culture, leading to numerous covers by other prominent artists and frequent appearances in films and television.