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Review by analogue May 28, 2013 (6 of 8 found this review helpful)
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Performance:  Sonics:  |
Finally Mofi has released the final Foreigner album they promised.......over 2 years ago.
This the the bands last great album. After Head Games did not sell as expected (2 MILLION UNITS) they came back with a vengeance and worked really hard at creating their masterpiece. Foreigner four is a very solid album. I actually enjoy all 10 tracks.
I own the original Dvd Audio of this release. It is a 24/96 pcm transfer. As expected it is somewhat compressed but very punchy. A good release which also features 2 bonus tracks which unfortunately show that Gramm's voice was on the downside. This release is also multi- channel and I always enjoy hearing a vocalists actual voice when its on its own channel seperated from the other music. Gramms voice is simply awesome.
Compared to this new Mofi sacd there are definite differences. Mofi's effort is much less compressed and much more delicate. The new disc has a better dynamic range, is more crankable and also features little accents and sounds that do not really register on the more compressed Dvd Audio.
While both discs are good I much prefer MOfi's new release. It is more organic,open, relaxed and natural sounding. And Dsd has more overall information in the signal than hirez pcm. The sacd is just slightly more musically intelligible. Things are more refined and one can follow the music better. The entire presentation is just better.
Are there downsides to this sacd?? Or is it that better equipment might bring the quality to even higher terms??? Was there a little hardness on some tracks?? perhaps. was THERE A TAD STUFFINESS or flatness ON A FEW TRACKS??? maybe. bUT OVER ALL THIS IS AN EXCELLENT DISC. I find it hard to fault.
When I cranked Waiting for a girl like you....this track has never sounded so good. Not on vinyl either. I was actually shocked. Not only was Gramm,s voice expressed in three dimensional flair but its quality was really astounding. This guy could really sing. The gentle nature of his singing was very pronounced. Most of the time one believes hes just a powerhouse singer. He is at that...but this track features his focus and sensitivity. He sang with great conviction.
In fact it doesn't take long to hear that this sacd really does a great job of highlighting Gramms complete vocal artillery. Track after track its just really impressive. Keyboards, bass and drums are rendered perfectly.
The keyboards are another higlight on this disc. They are featured in virtually all tracks and Mofi's transfer captures the instruments unique sound. Just listen to Urgent and you'll get my meaning.
Soundstage is solid and never decreases. There seems to be a tad more air and a little (very little mind you) increase in the treble region...which is always nice.
Highly recommended. The best digital version of this classic album. My score is actually 4 and a quarter stars.
Very good job Mofi.
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Review by progboy May 28, 2013 (5 of 6 found this review helpful)
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Performance: Sonics: |
Foreigner - 4 (1981)
Foreigner 4 was one of the albums that defined the 80's rock scene IMHO......who could ever forget "juke Box Hero" or "Urgent" from the genius production propensities of Mutt Lange. Mutt Lange was on a roll and was one of the most sought after producers and was fresh from ACDC's killer "Back In Black" magnum opus when he entered into the studio with a skinnied down four membered Foreigner. Al Greenwood and Ian McDonald did not stick around for the fourth Foreigner album! Basically Foreigner 4 takes off right where "Head Games" left off with straight forward Rock n' Roll and with Mutt Lange's golden touch this album became the best selling Foreigner album!
Foreigner 4 leaves nothing on the turntable ! Ten great memorable songs with loads of air guitar moments for all of us ! Lou Gramm is spot on and I think he really shines on this album and solidified his position as on of the great rock singers. The other tunes that I think are a ten out of ten are the rockers "Luanne" and "Break It Up" which I think are stunning rock anthems.
Once again Shawn Britton at Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs did the remastering to SACD and did a superb job! I think that of all the four Foreigner SACD's this one offers the best sound for my ears. The bass, keyboards, guitar and drums are nicely seperated and have that hi quality definition you dream of.....and imagine it is on one of my fav albums !
Lou Gramm's vocals are deep and nicely balanced as well. There are moments on this SACD that are truely stunning......parts of songs just have such a deep vibe and sound quality that I was amazed....the same vibe I got listening to some of the finer SACD's.
An excellent SACD and now I am a Juke Box Hero!!!!!!!
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Review by Marpow November 1, 2014 (0 of 4 found this review helpful)
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Performance: Sonics: |
Foreigner - 4 - Hybrid SACD Stereo 2013 Release
I have purchased all four of the Mobile Fidelity releases of the first Foreigner discs and this final disc "4" does not disappoint.
Sonically this this is a little better than at least the previous Head Games, however in the end they are all about the same. This disc is a tiny bit gritty, but the stereo balance is very good and able to play loud.
Foreigners first 3 albums the band was 6 strong, this disc they are stripped down to four. Ian McDonald and Al Greenwood are no longer and this disc session musicians are playing the keyboard/synth parts and saxophone.
Packaging is paper gate fold with paper mini booklet for liner notes and lyrics. This 1981 recording was mastered at Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab, Sebastopol, CA in 2013.
Glad I purchased all of the four classic Foreigner discs even though they are not sonic brilliance, they are late 70's rock music and done well. My disc is #00560.
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