Foreigner is back. For the first time in fifteen years the American group comes with new material. Fifteen years is quite a long time, especially in pop music, but Foreigner hardly hurts. Can't Slow Down can easily compete with their top albums from the eighties. The recipe has been tried and tested: melodic rockers such as the excellent title track are interspersed with lingering power ballads.
The old singer Lou Gramm is no longer participating, but Kelly Hansen appears to be a capable replacement. The production has been adapted to the requirements of this time, but the group has made sure not to sound too modern. The nice thing about Can't Slow Down is that the group radiates audible fun. The question is whether they will sell five million units from Can't Slow Down again, but it would be deserved if the fans of the past give this comeback a fair chance. (PdK)more
