Rainbow (Joe Lynn Turner) v.s. Foreigner

detuned wrote:

I would say that Foreigner has more memorable songs...Rainbow was the better band musically.

That's my thoughts too.

Foreigner can rot in a sack.

Schbopo wrote:

Foreigner can rot in a sack.

Obviously an opinion from someone who only know Foreigner as a retro novelty act.

Had you been there in the day young man, I'd think you'd feel differently.

I saw Foreigner headline a concert in 1979 with Wet Willie and Nantucket supporting. I didn't know much about Wet Willie and really didn't care but at the time, Nantucket was one of my favorite bands. And they put on a good show.

Then Foreigner came out. Their show blew Nantucket away. I can still see the fog and lights during "Star Rider".

So, please don't dismiss Foreigner so easily. As someone who was alive during their ascendance, I think they have a major influence on the pop metal scene that followed them.

Schbopo wrote:

Foreigner can rot in a sack.

You might as well just have slapped my mama as say that.

You have made a very powerful enemy today, young man.

Apparently Spec and I agree on Foreigner.

I am trying to look at from Shanana's point of view, and again if I was his age I would just think Foreigner sounds like music your father listened to, not timeless, so I doubt that Shmmmbop can understand how important Foreigner were to development of what would become pop metal in the 80's.

manny wrote:

I am trying to look at from Shanana's point of view, and again if I was his age I would just think Foreigner sounds like music your father listened to, not timeless, so I doubt that Shmmmbop can understand how important Foreigner were to development of what would become pop metal in the 80's.

But using those ears, doesn't Rainbow sound just as dated?

Foreigner is timeless. Disagree if you like but they still sound great today with Kelly Hansen singing. If you're curious, pick up Foreigner's "Extended Versions" disc. It features the new lineup and I think it sounds great.

JLT Rainbow is my favorite incarnation of that band, but compared to the Foreigner catalogue, I have to go with Mick and the boys.

tohostudios wrote:

manny wrote:

I am trying to look at from Shanana's point of view, and again if I was his age I would just think Foreigner sounds like music your father listened to, not timeless, so I doubt that Shmmmbop can understand how important Foreigner were to development of what would become pop metal in the 80's.

But using those ears, doesn't Rainbow sound just dated?

I hate to admit since I am Ritchie Blackmore fanboy but yes the Joe Lynn Turner led Rainbow also sounds dated.

SpectreFate wrote:

Foreigner is timeless. Disagree if you like but they still sound great today with Kelly Hansen singing. If you're curious, pick up Foreigner's "Extended Versions" disc. It features the new lineup and I think it sounds great.

JLT Rainbow is my favorite incarnation of that band, but compared to the Foreigner catalogue, I have to go with Mick and the boys.

Which is interesting because in this poll I went with Rainbow.

But the two are that close in most people's opinion.

I do think that Foreigner's success influenced Blackmore to revamp Rainbow first with Graham Bonnet and than Joe Lynn Turner to go in more commercial direction, listen to the albums Rainbow did with Dio leading the band and than compare them with Turner era, they are the same band in name only.

Spec, I have that Foreigner 'Extended Versions' and it is excellent live album with alot of energy and breathes new life into songs that frankly have been overplayed to death IMO.

True manny, I'd liked to see Foreigner live at any point to see the energy they have on stage. I disagree with Schloppyjoe's opinion on Foreigner too but there was a time they fell outta favor with me too.

manny wrote:

I am trying to look at from Shanana's point of view, and again if I was his age I would just think Foreigner sounds like music your father listened to, not timeless, so I doubt that Shmmmbop can understand how important Foreigner were to development of what would become pop metal in the 80's.

I'm not denying their importance, nor dismissing their talent. It's just that every song I've ever heard from them I've thought of as complete crap. Boston I can enjoy. Foreigner, nope.

I voted for Rainbow because they had fewer songs that I disliked than Foreigner. But I have favorite songs from both those bands, and Foreigner gets credit for being schlock pioneers I guess.

For what it's worth, my favorite albums from that general direction, in order.

1. Foreigner s/t
2. Rainbow- Bent Out of Shape
3. Shadow King- s/t
4. Joe Lynn Turner- Rescue You
5. Bad Company- Fame & Fortune (not related, but has the same feel to it).

SAHB Healer wrote:

I voted for Rainbow because they had fewer songs that I disliked than Foreigner. But I have favorite songs from both those bands, and Foreigner gets credit for being schlock pioneers I guess.

For what it's worth, my favorite albums from that general direction, in order.

1. Foreigner s/t
2. Rainbow- Bent Out of Shape
3. Shadow King- s/t
4. Joe Lynn Turner- Rescue You
5. Bad Company- Fame & Fortune (not related, but has the same feel to it).

Couldn't quite get into that album. I don't remember it being Foreigner-ish.

Quote :

Couldn't quite get into that album. I don't remember it being Foreigner-ish.

Brian Howe was cursed with a voice very similar to Lou Gramm. Some of his stuff can't help but be compared to Foreigner (see the "Nugent" album), but other than that comparison, I don't see Fame and Fortune as too Foreigner-esque, although it is very poppy.

Rainbow... by FAR!!! and bacause JLT is cute. LOL

I've heard JLT called a lot of things and cute was not one of them.

I go with a JLT fronted Rainbow over Foreigner. Truth be told, of it's early to mid 80's radio rock, I prefer Night Ranger. Although, Dio led Rainbow crushes all of this. Peace.

If this were Rainbow with Dio, then that's where my vote would've gone, but otherwise I like Foreigner better.

Foreigner 9.5/10
Rainbow 9/10

I like Foreigner but Rainbow kicks their butt no matter who's singing.

In this poll I gotta go with Foreigner.

Journey...

But here, I'll go for Rainbow.

detuned wrote:

Foreigner was the perfect "radio friendly" rock band. They were good musicians and songwriters...but it was also methodically calculated for mass acceptance. Loud enough to be "fun", but safe for parents with impressionable kids. A happy medium ground...as long as you don't think about it too deeply.

Nicely put.