Lou Gramm, former Foreigner frontman and 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, has released 'Long Hard Look,' the second single from his upcoming solo album 'Released.' The track, co-written with longtime collaborator Bruce Turgon, is described as a brooding, mid-tempo rock anthem. The album, set for release on March 27, 2026, features unreleased songs from the 1980s.
Lou Gramm has shared 'Long Hard Look,' the second single from his highly anticipated solo album 'Released,' following the earlier track 'Young Love.' The song, written by Gramm and his former Black Sheep bandmate Bruce Turgon, features soaring lead guitar from Alex Garcia, bass by Tony Franklin, and drums by Ben Gramm. It is characterized as a brooding, mid-tempo rock anthem driven by muscular guitars and Gramm's commanding vocals, balancing defiance and reflection with a gritty, introspective lyric and towering chorus.
'Released' marks Gramm's third solo studio album and his first since 1989's 'Long Hard Look.' Produced by Gramm with associate producer Matthew Gramm, the album consists of ten original songs co-written with Turgon, originally recorded in the 1980s after his solo releases 'Ready Or Not' (1987) and 'Long Hard Look' (1989). These tracks were revisited and completed from unreleased material, preserving the analog warmth of the original sessions. The track listing includes 'Young Love,' 'Lightning Strikes,' 'Walk The Walk,' 'Long Gone,' 'Heart And Soul,' 'Long Hard Look,' 'True Blue Love (Unplugged),' 'Deeper Side of Love,' 'Time Heals The Pain,' and 'Word Gets Around.' Guest musicians include Vivian Campbell of Def Leppard on guitar for 'Young Love' and Tony Franklin on bass for 'Long Gone.'
Gramm described the album in a statement: "My new album 'Released' is a collection of unreleased songs that were recorded in the 1980s during the production of my three previous solo albums. These are powerful, heartfelt songs with a great vintage sound taken right from my old multitrack tapes. This new album was a long time coming and it's a real nostalgia trip."
The idea to finish these songs came from Gramm's son Matthew, who suggested polishing the unfinished tracks from past sessions. In interviews, Gramm noted working with Turgon, a friend since their teenage years who later played bass in Foreigner, and explained that the album mixes polished older ideas with some newer material developed over two years.
Born in Rochester, New York, Gramm rose to fame as Foreigner's lead singer from 1976, contributing to hits like 'Feels Like The First Time' and 'I Want to Know What Love Is.' After leaving the band in 1990, he pursued solo work and projects like Shadow King in 1991. Recently, he reunited with Foreigner for their 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, contributing to new tracks 'Turning Back The Time' and 'Fool If You Love Him.'
Gramm will tour in 2026 to support 'Released,' including solo dates and appearances with Foreigner, such as their Las Vegas residency on March 6 and 7 at The Venetian Theatre and Florida shows from April 17 in St. Augustine to April 23 in Key West. 'Long Hard Look' is available now via digital outlets, with 'Released' available for preorder on CD and vinyl.
