About the song
“Urgent,” the vibrant 1981 hit by Foreigner, exemplifies the band’s dynamic blend of rock, soul, and experimental sounds, marking a departure from their previous albums with its bold musical direction. Guitarist Mick Jones initially conceived the song’s infectious opening riff as an experimental instrumental piece, which producer Robert John “Mutt” Lange recognized for its potential despite its initial formlessness. Jones described “Urgent” as a fusion of rock and soul elements, characterized by its quirky yet captivating vibe.
During the recording sessions at a Manhattan studio, Foreigner collaborated with Thomas Dolby, then an emerging talent, to incorporate synthesizer elements that would enhance the song’s rhythmic punch. Dolby’s contributions, including his distinctive synth work, added a modern edge to Foreigner’s trademark sound. Mark Rivera, the band’s saxophonist, played a pivotal role with his rhythmic saxophone contributions, including the iconic siren-like riff that became synonymous with “Urgent.” The legendary tenor saxophone solo was delivered by Motown star Junior Walker, whose raw and impassioned performance perfectly complemented the song’s energetic atmosphere.
Lange’s meticulous production style was evident in the studio, where he pushed for perfection from Dolby while opting for Walker’s spontaneous first take, appreciating its raw authenticity. This blend of precision and spontaneity contributed to the song’s vibrant appeal and enduring popularity.
Upon its release, “Urgent” quickly climbed the charts, peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and securing the number one spot on the Billboard Rock Tracks chart for four consecutive weeks. Its success bolstered Foreigner’s album “4,” which achieved multi-platinum status and became a cornerstone of their discography. Despite initial modesty in the UK, subsequent re-releases bolstered its chart position, further solidifying its status as a fan favorite worldwide.
Critically acclaimed for its infectious groove and standout performances by Dolby, Walker, and Rivera, “Urgent” remains a highlight of Foreigner’s career. Billboard hailed it as the band’s greatest song, emphasizing its irresistible blend of guitars, keyboards, and soulful saxophone. Classic Rock History recognized it among the band’s top tracks, celebrating its rowdy, bouncy feel and addictive appeal.
Overall, “Urgent” stands as a testament to Foreigner’s ability to innovate within the rock genre while incorporating diverse musical influences. Its enduring popularity and critical acclaim underscore its timeless appeal and its place as a classic in rock history, capturing the essence of Foreigner’s musical journey and their lasting impact on the music industry.
Video
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