Double Vision (Foreigner song)

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Double Vision is a song by Foreigner from their 1978 album also titled Double Vision. It was released as a single in the US on September 8, 1978, and in the UK on July 20, 1979. The track, written by Lou Gramm and Mick Jones and produced by Ian McDonald, Keith Olsen, and Jones, runs about 3 minutes and 29 seconds. It reached No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks and earned a gold certification, with strong success as a top-10 hit in Canada. The song remains a staple of Foreigner’s live shows.

Origin of the title:
The song’s title comes from a hockey moment in 1978. While Foreigner was recording, New York Rangers goalie John Davidson took a hit in a game against the Philadelphia Flyers, leaving him with double vision. Lou Gramm has explained that the line “double vision” stuck with him and became the song’s title. He also notes he had a TV in his vocal booth to watch the game while recording.

Reception:
Critics praised its driving hard-rock feel and catchy melody. Billboard suggested it was a stronger single than the previous release “Hot Blooded,” thanks to its infectious rhythm. Cash Box and Record World highlighted the strong guitar work and Gramm’s vocal performance, while Rolling Stone noted the title’s connection to pent-up emotion.

Legacy:
Double Vision is Foreigner’s gold-certified hit and helped cement the band’s popularity. It’s widely played at concerts and remains one of their best-known songs. The B-side of the single was “Lonely Children.”