About the song
For those of us who came of age in the early 80s, certain songs possess an almost uncanny ability to transport us back to that era. Foreigner‘s “Urgent,” the lead single from their 1981 multi-platinum album 4, is undoubtedly one of those tracks. It’s a song that perfectly encapsulates the sound of a generation, a potent blend of hard rock energy, pop sensibility, and a touch of soulful grit.
From the moment that instantly recognizable guitar riff explodes out of the speakers, “Urgent” grabs you by the collar and refuses to let go. It’s a masterclass in controlled intensity, with Mick Jones’s driving guitar work providing the perfect counterpoint to Lou Gramm’s powerful, yearning vocals. The song builds with an irresistible momentum, fueled by a relentless rhythm section and punctuated by Junior Walker’s scorching saxophone solo. It’s a sonic thrill ride that still sounds as fresh and exciting today as it did over four decades ago.
But “Urgent” is more than just a catchy rock anthem. It’s a song that speaks to a deep-seated human desire for connection and release. The lyrics, though simple, tap into a universal longing for something more, something that transcends the mundane realities of everyday life. Whether you’re yearning for love, escape, or just a moment of pure, unadulterated passion, “Urgent” provides the perfect soundtrack.
What truly sets “Urgent” apart is its ability to bridge the gap between hard rock and pop, appealing to a broad audience without sacrificing its edge. It’s a testament to Foreigner‘s songwriting prowess and their ability to craft music that is both commercially successful and artistically satisfying. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal, a reminder that great music has the power to transcend generations and connect with us on a deeply emotional level.
So, let’s turn back the clock and revisit this iconic track. Let the driving rhythms and soaring vocals of “Urgent” transport you back to a time when music was raw, passionate, and undeniably urgent.
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