Written By Mikey Sutton • Editor-in-Chief • Owner
Foreigner‘s 1981 smash “Waiting for a Girl Like You” is among the decade’s indelible ballads; however, the best version of the song is not as well-known.
For those who grew up in the ’80s, “Waiting for a Girl Like You” is the ultimate make-out soundtrack.
It is the equivalent of 10cc’s “I’m Not in Love” for the ’70s and Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” in the ’90s.
However, the Extended Edit of “Waiting for a Girl Like You” is like a nine-minute orchestra of unrequited love and burning sensuality.
If sex, the passionate kind, became a song, it would sound like this.
“Waiting for a Girl Like You” was the second single from Foreigner’s 4 LP.
The record sold seven million copies.
Image: Atlantic
In fact, it’s an album you’ll find in many ’80s music collections.
Furthermore, tracks such as “Urgent” and “Juke Box Hero” became staples of classic-rock radio.
But “Waiting for a Girl Like You” was no arena fist-pumper.
This bittersweet song of romantic yearning rivaled Journey’s “Open Arms,” released the same year.
In other words, it’s a rock group doing one for the ladies.
However, the version heard on Top-40 radio back then and ’80s flashback programs now lacks the atmospheric beauty of this longer cut.
In this lengthy mix, Thomas Dolby’s swirling, melancholic synthesizers gradually enters the frame.
It’s a gorgeous, haunting intro that the single slices for commercial airtime.
Best Version Of ’80s Foreigner Ballad Is Probably One You Haven’t Heard
Dolby later became famous for the ’80s New Wave classic “She Blinded Me With Science.”
His keyboards on “Waiting for a Girl Like You” is not something he’s known for.
Honestly, I don’t know where this version originated.
Dolby’s synth work is stretched out, allowing it simmer in the air.
Lou Gramm’s raspy, yearning vocals don’t kick in until about 1:25 into the song.
Until Gramm sings, it’s Dolby’s show; those pulsating, sad keyboards are given emotional depth with their new length.
I have fond memories of the original; it reminds me of my first crush in seventh grade.
We all have those.
Music can be diaries of our lives; our past is frozen in the grooves.
Moreover, there’s something utterly invigorating when new life is breathed in old portraits.
Listening to this remix as a middle-aged man, letting Gramm’s soulful croon and Dolby’s dreamlike, love-struck synthesizers caress and break the heart, reminds me of how powerful music can be.
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