Foreigner: Double Vision

Foreigner's 1978 sophomore album didn't suffer the usual jinx. Double Vision exceeded the blockbuster debut, went seven times platinum, and cemented the band as AOR royalty. "Hot Blooded," "Double Vision," and "Blue Morning, Blue Day" became FM radio fixtures. The album peaked at number three on the Billboard 200 and earned platinum certification one week after release. Lou Gramm's golden pipes combined with Mick Jones' layered guitar approach created radio ready rock with actual craft behind it.

The album has never lacked for vinyl pressings. Original Atlantic pressings with Marino and Olsen mastering (Pogo in the deadwax) sound excellent when you find clean copies. Mobile Fidelity issued two versions: an early Japanese pressing from 1981 (MFSL 1-052) and a 2011 half speed remaster (MFSL 1-341) cut from the quarter inch 15 IPS analog master. Opinions diverge sharply on both.

The MoFi Controversy
The 2011 MoFi half speed master divides listeners more than any other pressing. Some call it fantastic with wide soundstage, great instrument separation, and deep thumping bass. Others find it thin, borderline aggressive, and lacking the dynamics you'd expect from an audiophile release. This is unfortunately a reality of a MoFi era. The older 1981 Japanese MoFi suffered from the lifeless, sucked out midrange common to early MoFi pressings. That sound is well documented on their Doors and Genesis releases from the same era.

The Analogue Productions 45 RPM
Ryan K. Smith mastered this at Sterling Sound from the original tapes. QRP pressing across four sides at 45 RPM. First 2,000 copies numbered. The presentation upgrades from the original single pocket jacket to a gatefold featuring more of Norman Seeff's band photos. The metallic silver custom label matches the original.

The 45 RPM treatment extracts clarity and separation that previous pressings obscure. "Hot Blooded" opens with Mick Jones' chugging guitars and Ed Gagliardi's bass line revving like a fired up engine. Jones' ability to layer guitars comes through with detail and richness. "Blue Morning, Blue Day" reveals harmonies and a walking piano melody that sit buried in the mix on other versions.

Lou Gramm's vocals are the secret weapon that gave Foreigner both grit and soul. On "You're All I Am," the proto power ballad, his voice shines with presence. The harmonies separate cleanly. Dennis Elliott's kick drum punches with authority that balances the track's airiness. "Love Has Taken Its Toll" opens with a three dimensional crescendo. The tambourine hard pans right. Ian McDonald's saxophone solo has room to breathe.

The soundstage is wide and properly balanced. Drums have impact without being pushed back. Vocals sit front and center where they belong. The bass is tight and punchy with proper extension. Transient information comes through fast and clear rather than smeared.

The pressing quality from QRP is reference level. Dead quiet, perfectly flat, well centered. Stoughton tip on gatefold with film lamination. The packaging and manufacturing meet the standard Chad Kassem established for the Atlantic 75 series.

The Vinyl Verdict
This comes down to whether you prioritize clarity and separation or warmth and organic texture. The Analogue Productions 45 RPM delivers the former with authority. It's brighter and more detailed than the MoFi. Some will hear that as revealing. Others will hear it as slightly aggressive.

Original pressings with good mastering (Marino/Olsen) remain formidable when you find clean copies. They're plentiful and cheap. The 2011 MoFi has passionate defenders despite equally passionate critics. The early MoFi Japanese pressing is widely considered inferior.

For most collectors, the Analogue Productions pressing represents the safe bet. It's the newest, cleanest, most detailed version available. The 45 RPM format gives dense arrangements room to breathe. Ryan Smith's mastering work is top tier. QRP's pressing quality eliminates variables.

If you're building a collection of the Atlantic 75 series, this fits seamlessly. If you want the absolute best sounding version of Double Vision regardless of format wars, the evidence suggests this edges out the competition. If you prefer vintage pressings with tubey magical midrange, hunt for original Atlantics. If you already own the 2011 MoFi and love it, you're fine.

Double Vision being Foreigner's best selling album made it a logical choice for audiophile treatment. Any record shopper can find original pressings for the price of a cup of coffee from 7 Eleven. This pressing serves as a feast. 💵

💰Invest
💵 Consider
💸 Pass