About the song
“Waiting for a Girl Like You” by Foreigner is one of the band’s most beloved and enduring hits, capturing the heartfelt longing and deep anticipation that can define love. Released in 1981 as part of Foreigner’s fourth album, 4, this song became a defining moment for the band, blending rock with a smooth, synth-heavy sound that marked a shift in their style. The album itself was a commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200, and the song was a major contributor to that success.
Written by band members Mick Jones and Lou Gramm, “Waiting for a Girl Like You” explores themes of longing and romantic yearning with sincerity and vulnerability. The track stands out with its lush keyboard lines and soft synths, a sound shaped by the innovative work of Thomas Dolby, who played synthesizer on the song. Dolby’s contributions, combined with Jones’ impassioned guitar work and Gramm’s powerful vocals, created a sound that resonated deeply with audiences of the time—and still does today.
On the Billboard Hot 100, “Waiting for a Girl Like You” achieved impressive staying power, spending a remarkable 10 weeks in the No. 2 spot, where it was kept from the top position by Olivia Newton-John’s “Physical.” Despite not reaching No. 1, its long run on the charts helped solidify its status as one of Foreigner’s signature songs, and it became a staple of classic rock and adult contemporary radio stations.
In addition to its success on U.S. charts, the song also saw popularity worldwide, appealing to listeners with its universal message of waiting for that one special person. The song’s lasting appeal lies in its ability to evoke the feeling of anticipation that many people experience in their search for love. For fans of Foreigner and classic rock alike, “Waiting for a Girl Like You” remains a timeless anthem, celebrated for its heartfelt lyrics, smooth instrumentation, and the iconic vocals of Lou Gramm that make the song unforgettable.
This track continues to draw in listeners, whether they are discovering Foreigner for the first time or revisiting the classics. For those interested, the 4 album also includes other Foreigner hits like “Urgent” and “Juke Box Hero,” offering a full experience of the band’s musical range and 1980s rock influence.