FOREIGNER - DOUBLE VISION

Released : September 8, 1978 (US) July 1979 (UK)

Charted: US: #2 

"Double Vision" is a single by Foreigner from their second album of the same name. The song reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for two weeks in 1978, behind "MacArthur Park" by Donna Summer. This wasn't released as a single in the UK until almost a full year after the release of the album of the same name. It didn't chart there.

Foreigner guitarist Mick Jones and vocalist Lou Gramm wrote this song after seeing New York Rangers goalie John Davidson get knocked out during the 1977 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Jones told us: "That's where the title came from. We were at a hockey game. I was an avid Rangers fan in those days, and Lou and I went to a game, and the goaltender for the Rangers got a concussion, and it was announced over the PA that he was taken off and was suffering from double vision. I'd never heard that term before, and we picked up on it. And then that led to the title for that song. I know it was received by a majority of the public as a drug song. I didn't mind that, you know. It wasn't the intention in the beginning, but that's how a lot of people interpreted it." Davidson went on to become a popular broadcaster and hockey analyst. He and Jones have had a laugh over it several times since.

"Double Vision" is a song about living life to the fullest and embracing the unpredictable. It describes feeling down and out, but determined to have a good time and live life to the fullest. The chorus captures the idea of double vision, seeing the world through an altered perspective that allows one to enjoy the unpredictable and exciting aspects of life. The song encourages us to embrace life's chaotic and unpredictable moments and make the most of them.

Billboard felt that "Double Vision" was a stronger single than the previous release "Hot Blooded" due to its "driving but less monotonous hard rock rhythm" and "more infectious melody." Cash Box said it has "slashing guitars and a mean, ticking beat" that gives way "to an appealing, lighter chorus which is underlined by gently swirling keyboard work" and also praised the vocal performance.