Click… click… click goes the combination dial of the cavernous vault that contains all of Foreigner’s golden nuggets of sound, surrounded by a thick layer of dust and edged with the ghost threads of time. After an agonizingly high-pitched squeal that had spiders scurrying left and right, shelves were illuminated with a soft glow, revealing the treasured songs from long ago. All joking aside, renowned Music Producer Mutt Lange and the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, Foreigner, collaborated to brainstorm a Deluxe Edition of their six-times platinum, number one album, 4.
Looking back, 4 was initially released in 1981 and remains one of Foreigner’s most beloved studio albums. Re-released several times through the years, Rhino Records put out this new edition on September 12, 2025, as a commemoration of the band’s musical legacy. With over 50 years of experience under their belt, the band is more than ready to take on another musical tour as a personal testament to resilience and relevance.
Yes, Foreigner is, without question, a great band that keeps the flame alive of hope and determination in hearts that span generations, but what is so unique about this particular album? However, why should you bother to get this deluxe edition of 4? For one, it offers a panoramic view of the band’s creative process and evolution. With over 60 tracks to listen to, this boxed set, cupped in hands, is an unabridged tome that has never before been available. It is here, in one sleekly wrapped, black-ribboned package, with a lot of unexpected bonuses. With that in mind, the 4 CDs and Blu-Ray feature stereo remixes of originals, unreleased tracks, early versions, and instrumental versions. Each remixed song on the CDs is carved from the bedrock of emotions that are as relatable today as when they first came out. And if you are a vinyl fan, you can also find the 4 Deluxe Edition on wax, too.
Overall, the remixes add a fresh flavor and heighten the emotional response, but there is still more to come. Deciding on fleshing out a few tracks that fell unfinished in a heap on the 4’s studio floor, Lou Gramm animates “Fool If You Love Him” with his signature vocals punctuated with the peal of a cowbell. Which was dropped, unfinished, and revived in this album. This is definitely one to listen to keenly and marvel at how experience can resonate so deeply in the unknown terrain that is love.
An absolute banger, “Juke Box Hero” bursts forth like a geyser of harmony and hard-edged vocals, driven by the hunger to be visible to the world as a rock star. This song is an example of the transformative power that music wields over emotional states. The remix enhances the lyrics’ overall timbre and is irresistible to listen to. Although the concept of the Juke Box is obsolete, the desire to be a worldwide phenomenon is not.
The ballad “Waiting for a Girl Like You” feels like a poignant ache in the heart, sending a magnetic pull for that perfect soulmate who will make life complete. The melody drips with unspoken tenderness and angst. It resonates in the soul’s core, showering it with powerful sonic waves of inspired patience and hope.
With all this in mind, “I’m Gonna Win” is an energetic, anthemic piece of perseverance —a blatant refusal to give up and a dogged determination, powered by laser focus on overcoming obstacles. One can almost visualize the minute-by-minute action sequence of a hurdle jump.
Sprinkled in the mix are a good number of footage of live performances from the 1981 4 tour and exclusive photos. Listening to this brings one back in time to a simpler life that is gone. However, the feelings and memories are there to be released, as if a jewelry box is opened to reveal the treasures contained within. The timeless sparkle is there, ready to be shared with the younger generation. This reboot of favorite tunes is a great way to showcase a band’s quality and evolution. Beyond this, the band (with Luis Maldonado on vocals, who will be joined by original lead singer Lou Gramm, guesting on some of the songs) has 4 deluxe shows lined up through the end of 2025. All in all, Cryptic Rock gives the 4 Deluxe Edition 5 out of 5 stars.
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