Description

Lou Gramm – Ready Or Not – Vinyl Record

Ready or Not is a solo album by Lou Gramm, the lead vocalist of the rock band Foreigner. The album was released in 1987 and is one of Gramm’s notable contributions as a solo artist.

Lou Gramm’s distinctive voice and melodic sensibilities are showcased on ‘Ready or Not.’ The album features a blend of rock and pop tracks that highlight Gramm’s vocal range and songwriting abilities. The album’s title track, ‘Ready or Not,’ was one of the singles from the album and received airplay on rock radio.

Foreigner vocalist Lou Gramm’s 1987 solo album Ready or Not is a winner. It came at a precarious time for Foreigner, despite coming off the success of 1985’s Agent Provocateur and the band’s first number one single, ‘I Want to Know What Love Is.’

Ready or Not is rich with melody and snap, but its sound does vary just enough from Foreigner that Gramm can’t really be accused of stealing from himself. The production by Gramm and Pat Moran definitely has that bright 1980s style. Gramm’s main sidemen include guitarist Nils Lofgren, keyboardist Philip Ashley, bassist/guitarist/keyboardist Bruce Turgon, and drummer Ben Gramm.

Ready or Not is characterized by its polished production, catchy melodies, and Gramm’s emotive singing style. The album’s sound aligns with the mainstream rock and pop trends of the 1980s.

Side one absolutely sizzles. ‘Ready or Not’ is a strong, hard-rocking leadoff track and it was a minor hit single. The melodic, lyrical, and vocal hooks on ‘Heartache’ are massive and Lofgren’s guitar solo adds an edgy bite. The Top Five hit ‘Midnight Blue’ is a terrific pop/rock song; despite its hit status, it’s one of the decade’s truly underappreciated singles. Lofgren’s rolling, effective guitar riffing and a captivating chorus make ‘Time’ one of the best cuts.

Foreigner helped create and master the rock power ballad, and Gramm utilizes that gift on the dark, ethereal ‘If I Don’t Have You.’ Side two is generally a letdown considering the high quality of the first half. Fortunately, there are two exceptions, ‘Arrow Thru Your Heart’ and ‘Until I Make You Mine.’

The commercial and artistic success of Ready or Not was a turning point for Gramm. Foreigner issued the lackluster Inside Information late in 1987, and Gramm followed that troubled project with a second moderately successful solo album, Long Hard Look, in 1989 and then left the band for a few years before returning.

Lou Gramm’s success as the frontman of Foreigner and his solo career contributed to his reputation as a skilled vocalist and performer. Ready or Not is a representation of his musical contributions outside of Foreigner and remains a part of his discography that fans of ’80s rock music may enjoy.

Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic seal with promotional slit in cover

Atlantic 1987

Track Listing
Ready or Not
Heartache
Midnight Blue
Time
If I Don’t Have You
She’s Got to Know
Arrow Thru Your Heart
Until I Make You Mine
Chain of Love
Lover Come Back