The keyword represents the definitive audiophile Holy Grail for fans of 1980s arena rock. Released originally in late 1984, Foreigner's fifth studio album marked a monumental shift from guitar-driven hard rock toward a sleek, synthesizer-heavy Adult Oriented Rock (AOR) landscape. In September 2013 , Warner Music Group issued a meticulously engineered, high-resolution studio master remastering of the record. Delivered in 24-bit/192kHz FLAC format , this release bypassed the dynamic compression of the CD era to reveal the true depth of Mick Jones' production and Lou Gramm’s powerful vocal delivery. The Album Context: A 1984 Masterpiece
I. Historical and Cultural Context By 1984 Foreigner had already established itself with charting albums and a string of hit singles. Agent Provocateur arrived amid an industry pivot: synthesizers and gated reverb drums were reshaping mainstream rock, MTV had become kingmaker, and production techniques favored sheen over grit. Internally, the band was dealing with lineup changes and the growing creative dominance of Mick Jones. The album therefore reflects both a continuation of Foreigner’s melodic instincts and an accommodation to the commercial expectations of mid‑1980s pop‑rock.
Despite its pop chart dominance, Agent Provocateur was layered with dense, complex studio instrumentation, utilizing early digital synthesizers alongside heavy analog tracking. This heavy production style made it a prime candidate for a high-fidelity modern restoration. Anatomy of the 2013 24-Bit/192 kHz FLAC Mastering
: Traditional CDs use 16-bit audio, capping the dynamic range at 96 decibels (dB). A 24-bit depth expands the dynamic range to a massive 144 dB. In Agent Provocateur , this means the quietest synthesizer textures and the loudest drum cracks exist in perfect harmony without digital clipping or noise floor hiss. Foreigner - Agent Provocateur -2013- -FLAC 24-192-
Greater separation between the layered synthesizers and backing vocals.
The 2013 high-resolution release of Foreigner's (originally released in 1984) is a definitive digital edition of the band's fifth studio album. Provided in FLAC 24-bit/192kHz , this remaster aims to capture the full breadth of the album's dense, synth-heavy production. Technical Overview Format : FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) Resolution : 24-bit / 192kHz PCM
Deep cuts benefit immensely from the 24-bit depth. The subtle acoustic elements, atmospheric synth programming, and delicate vocal harmonies on tracks like "Stranger in My Own House" emerge from complete silence. The background tape hiss from the original analog reels is handled elegantly, retaining the warmth of the studio tape without muddying the upper midrange. Hardware Requirements for Full 24-bit/192kHz Playback The keyword represents the definitive audiophile Holy Grail
: Reviewers note that while the album marked a shift toward Adult Contemporary (AOR), the high-res transfer preserves the "punch" of harder tracks like "Tooth and Nail". Tracklist & Duration The album has a total duration of approximately 42 minutes . Track Name Highlighted Detail Tooth and Nail High-energy rock opener. That Was Yesterday A top-10 synth-driven hit. I Want to Know What Love Is Features the New Jersey Mass Choir. Growing Up the Hard Way Classic AOR track. Reaction to Action Harder-edged rhythm section. Stranger In My Own House Led Zeppelin-esque guitar work. A Love In Vain Mid-tempo standout. Down On Love Emotional ballad. Two Different Worlds Prominent keyboards and synthesizers. She’s Too Tough Fast-paced closing track. Listening Experience
Foreigner - Agent Provocateur -2013- -FLAC 24-192- release is a high-fidelity digital remaster of the band's fifth studio album, originally released on December 14, 1984. This 2013 high-resolution edition, available through platforms like
The result is an album of stark dualities. Side one (the "hits" side) features the grinding paranoia of “Tooth and Nail” and the kinetic “That Was Yesterday.” Side two descends into the atmospheric, featuring saxophonist Junior Walker on the soul-drenched title track. The 2013 24/192 FLAC rip does not smooth over these fractures; instead, it reveals the space between the musicians. Delivered in 24-bit/192kHz FLAC format , this release
and electronic percussion that defined the era's production. High-Resolution Benefits:
The intricate bassline and percussion are rendered with high fidelity.
Listening to Agent Provocateur in FLAC 24-192 is like experiencing the album for the first time all over again. The format allows for a level of sonic clarity and precision that is simply stunning, with every instrument and vocal part rendered in exquisite detail. From the warmth of the guitars to the subtle textures of the keyboards, every element of the mix is presented with breathtaking fidelity.
If you search for “Foreigner Agent Provocateur 24-192” on any of those sites, you should find the exact 2013 digital release.
This article dives deep into the context of the album, the technological significance of the 24-192 format, and why this 2013 remaster is the definitive way to listen to "I Want to Know What Love Is." The Legacy of Agent Provocateur (1984)