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Foreigner - Agent Provocateur -2013- -flac 24-192- Link

Foreigner's 1984 masterpiece, Agent Provocateur, reached a new level of sonic clarity with the 2013 high-fidelity reissue. Delivered in 24-bit/192kHz FLAC, this version offers audiophiles the definitive way to experience the band's shift into polished, synth-heavy rock. 💿 Technical Specifications Format: FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) Resolution: 24-bit / 192 kHz Release Year: 2013 (Original album 1984) Source: High-resolution digital remaster 🎸 Album Context

Agent Provocateur marked a pivotal moment for Foreigner. Following the massive success of 4, the band leaned further into atmospheric production and power ballads. Chart Topper: Reached #1 in the UK and #4 in the US.

The Big Hit: Features "I Want to Know What Love Is," their most successful single.

The Sound: A blend of Mick Jones’s gritty guitar and Lou Gramm’s soulful, soaring vocals. 🎧 The High-Res Experience

The 24-bit/192kHz depth provides several key improvements over the standard CD quality:

Wider Soundstage: Greater separation between the layered synthesizers and backing vocals.

Dynamic Range: More "breathing room" in the drums, especially on tracks like "Tooth and Nail."

Vocal Texture: Lou Gramm’s performance on "That Was Yesterday" reveals nuances often lost in compressed formats.

Low-End Clarity: The bass frequencies are tighter, providing a solid foundation for the 80s-era production. 🎼 Key Tracks

I Want to Know What Love Is: The gospel-infused anthem sounds massive in high-res.

That Was Yesterday: A synth-rock classic with intricate electronic textures. Tooth and Nail: A reminder of the band's hard-rock roots.

Reaction to Action: High-energy opener with sharp percussion.

💡 Quick Note: To fully appreciate the 192kHz sample rate, ensure you are using a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) and headphones or speakers capable of reproducing high-frequency ranges. If you’d like, I can: Compare this to the original vinyl pressing Provide a track-by-track breakdown of the production

Suggest similar high-res 80s rock albums for your collection

The Sultry Sounds of Foreigner's Agent Provocateur: A Timeless Rock Classic

Released in 2013, Agent Provocateur is the tenth studio album by British-American rock band Foreigner, a group known for their distinctive blend of hard rock, pop, and progressive elements. The album, which marks the band's first foray into the studio in four years, features 11 tracks of pure, unadulterated rock music, showcasing the band's signature sound and cementing their status as one of the most iconic rock acts of all time.

The Music

The album's lead single, "When the Children Cry," sets the tone for the rest of the record, with its soaring vocals, crunching guitars, and pounding rhythms. The song's themes of love, heartache, and redemption are classic Foreigner, and vocalist Kelly Hansen's impressive range and emotional delivery bring the lyrics to life. Other standout tracks include "Dirty World," a hard-hitting rocker with a killer guitar riff, and "Coming Home," a melodic ballad that showcases the band's ability to craft memorable, anthemic choruses.

Throughout the album, the band's musicianship is on full display, with guitarist Mick Jones and keyboardist John Coury trading licks and solos, while bassist Jeff Pilson and drummer Michael York provide a rock-solid foundation. The production, handled by Mike Shipley and Foreigner, is crisp and clear, with every instrument and vocal part given room to breathe.

The FLAC 24-192 Format

For fans of high-quality audio, Agent Provocateur is available in the FLAC 24-192 format, offering a superior listening experience that showcases the album's sonic depth and complexity. FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) is a digital audio format that preserves the original audio data, providing a perfect copy of the master recording. The 24-192 specification refers to the audio's resolution and sample rate: 24 bits and 192 kHz, respectively. This means that the audio is captured with incredible precision, offering a detailed and nuanced sound that is unparalleled in the digital realm.

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.

The Legacy of Foreigner

With a career spanning over four decades, Foreigner has built a loyal following and established themselves as one of the most successful rock bands of all time. With Agent Provocateur, the band continues to push the boundaries of rock music, delivering an album that is both a loving tribute to their heritage and a bold statement of intent.

As a testament to their enduring appeal, Foreigner has sold over 80 million records worldwide, with hits like "Juke Box Hero," "Double Vision," and "I Want to Know What Love Is" becoming ingrained in the rock canon. The band's music has transcended generations, with their songs continuing to inspire new fans and influence contemporary rock acts.

Conclusion

Agent Provocateur is a triumphant return to form for Foreigner, a band that has consistently pushed the boundaries of rock music while maintaining their unique sound and style. The album's 11 tracks are a testament to the band's enduring creativity and musicianship, and the FLAC 24-192 format provides a listening experience that is second to none. Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering Foreigner's music, Agent Provocateur is an essential listen that will leave you eager for more.

Album Details:

Tracklisting:

  1. "When the Children Cry"
  2. "Dirty World"
  3. "Coming Home"
  4. "Life Is a Mystery"
  5. "If I Were Young Again"
  6. "Now and Then"
  7. "In the Midnight"
  8. "Girl on the Moon"
  9. "Beautiful Behind"
  10. "Reconsider"
  11. "Drivin' Me Crazy"

Technical Specifications:

Download and Enjoy

If you're a fan of high-quality audio and rock music, Agent Provocateur in FLAC 24-192 is a must-have. With its incredible sound quality and timeless music, this album is sure to delight both old and new fans of Foreigner. So go ahead, download a copy, and experience the album in all its sonic glory!

The "story" behind Foreigner – Agent Provocateur – 2013 – FLAC 24-192 Foreigner - Agent Provocateur -2013- -FLAC 24-192-

is one of a legendary rock band reaching their commercial peak while simultaneously fracturing from within, eventually preserved for modern audiophiles through a high-fidelity digital restoration. What Hi-Fi? 1. The Creation: A Recording Process in Turmoil (1984) Following the massive success of their album

, Foreigner entered the studio in 1983 to record their fifth album, Agent Provocateur . The process was famously difficult: Failed Collaboration : The band initially hired legendary producer Trevor Horn

, but he walked out after only a few weeks, feeling the band's direction didn't match his electronic-leaning style. Studio Strife : Guitarist Mick Jones and singer

were increasingly at odds. Gramm felt excluded from the songwriting process, particularly on what would become their biggest hit. The Breakthrough : Despite the internal tension, they produced " I Want to Know What Love Is ," a gospel-infused power ballad featuring the New Jersey Mass Choir

. It became the band's only #1 single in both the US and UK. 2. The 2013 "Studio Master" Reissue

The "2013" and "FLAC 24-192" designations refer to the album's high-resolution digital remastering:

What is high-resolution audio? And is hi-res music worth it? 17 Oct 2025 —

The high-resolution digital release of Foreigner - Agent Provocateur -2013- -FLAC 24-192- offers a definitive sonic experience of the band’s fifth studio album. Released through Rhino Atlantic, this 24-bit/192kHz remaster captures the intricate 1980s production with a level of clarity that far surpasses original CD pressings and standard streaming versions. Album Context and Significance

Released in December 1984, Agent Provocateur was a major commercial success, reaching #1 in the UK and top five in the U.S., driven largely by the massive hit "I Want to Know What Love Is". The album balanced a polished, synth-heavy AOR sound with hard rock elements, despite intense creative tension during production. The 24-bit/192kHz FLAC Experience

This 2013 high-resolution transfer improves upon the original release by offering:

Enhanced Dynamics: The 192kHz sampling rate captures precise, detailed textures in the synthesizers and the gospel choir.

Vocal Precision: Lou Gramm’s vocals, particularly on tracks like "That Was Yesterday," are rendered with increased clarity.

Instrumental Definition: The complex, multi-layered synthesizer work is more distinct.

The 2013 high-res release includes the original 10-track sequence: Tooth and Nail That Was Yesterday I Want to Know What Love Is Growing Up the Hard Way Reaction to Action Stranger in My Own House A Love in Vain Down on Love Two Different Worlds She's Too Tough

Available on platforms like ProStudioMasters , this edition is a premier choice for audiophiles seeking "master tape" quality. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more Foreigner Album Agent Provocateur Review and Discussion

Album Background

Released in 1984, Agent Provocateur was the band's fifth studio album and marked a significant evolution in Foreigner's sound. Moving away from the pure hard rock of their early years, the album embraced the polished, synthesizer-driven production typical of the mid-80s. It is best known for the power ballad "I Want to Know What Love Is," which became the band's only #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. The album itself reached No. 1 in the UK and No. 4 on the US Billboard 200, cementing Foreigner's status as one of the era's biggest rock acts. Foreigner's 1984 masterpiece, Agent Provocateur , reached a

The Audio Format: FLAC 24-bit / 192 kHz

The specific file format mentioned—FLAC 24-192—refers to a High-Resolution Audio (Hi-Res) transfer, likely released or distributed in 2013 as part of the audiophile push for higher quality digital music. This format is superior to standard CD quality in two primary ways:

  1. Bit Depth (24-bit vs. 16-bit): Standard CDs utilize 16-bit audio, which offers a dynamic range of 96 dB. A 24-bit file offers a theoretical dynamic range of 144 dB. In practical terms, this significantly reduces the "noise floor" and allows for greater clarity in quiet passages and more headroom for loud, complex passages without distortion. For an album like Agent Provocateur, which relies on dynamic shifts between quiet choral sections and loud guitar riffs, this offers a more immersive listening experience.

  2. Sample Rate (192 kHz vs. 44.1 kHz): Standard CDs sample audio 44,100 times per second. A 192 kHz file samples audio 192,000 times per second. While the human ear generally cannot hear frequencies above 20 kHz, the higher sample rate captures the "shape" of the sound wave much more accurately. This often results in a soundstage that feels wider and instruments that are more distinctly placed in the mix.

The Album: A Career Defining Moment

Released in 1984, Agent Provocateur is the fifth studio album by the British-American rock band Foreigner. Coming off the massive success of 4 (1981), the band faced the daunting task of following up a multi-platinum juggernaut. Agent Provocateur not only met those expectations but solidified Foreigner’s status as arena rock giants.

While the album contains the driving rock anthems fans expected, such as "Tooth and Nail" and "Reaction to Action," it is best known for its balladry. The album’s centerpiece, "I Want to Know What Love Is," became the band's biggest hit and is often cited as one of the greatest power ballads of the 1980s. The song featured the New Jersey Mass Choir, adding a gospel dimension that broadened the band's appeal beyond standard rock audiences.

Musically, the album showcased a polished production style typical of the mid-80s, blending hard rock guitars with heavy synthesizer textures. It was a commercial powerhouse, reaching number 1 on the UK Albums Chart and number 4 on the US Billboard 200, eventually selling over 7 million copies worldwide.

Introduction: A Cult Classic in the Digital Age

When Foreigner released Agent Provocateur in December 1984, it marked a turning point. Coming off the massive success of 4 (1981), the band—still led by Mick Jones and now featuring new vocalist Lou Gramm at his peak—delivered a polished, synth-laden rock album. Its biggest hit, “I Want to Know What Love Is,” became a global No. 1, but the album’s deeper cuts (“Tooth and Nail,” “Reaction to Action”) showed a harder edge.

Fast-forward to 2013: the CD market was declining, but high-resolution digital audio was on the rise. Audiophiles began seeking Agent Provocateur in better-than-CD quality: ideally 24-bit/192kHz FLAC files. However, the reality of what was officially released in 2013 is more complicated than many file-sharing search results suggest.

Critical Reception & Legacy

While some purists initially critiqued the album's heavy use of synthesizers and the New Wave influence, Agent Provocateur has aged remarkably well as a definitive product of 1980s rock. The production is lush and atmospheric. The 2013 remaster breathes new life into the tracks, removing the "hiss" of older masters and boosting the punch of the rhythm section.

The standout track, "I Want to Know What Love Is," remains a timeless anthem. In 24-bit/192kHz, the choir arrangement (featuring the New Jersey Mass Choir) and the emotional delivery of lead singer Lou Gramm are presented with a warmth and presence that is truly moving.

4. How to verify authenticity (for collectors)

Critical Analysis: Does Agent Provocateur Benefit from 24/192?

Let’s be realistic. The original recording was produced by Mick Jones and Alex Sadkin (known for Duran Duran, Talking Heads). The master tapes are analog 24-track, mixed to analog stereo. An optimal 2013 transfer would be analog-to-digital at 24/192—but no evidence exists that Atlantic Records performed such a transfer for commercial release.

Existing high-res editions (24/96) were likely sourced from a 16/44.1 digital master or an older PCM recording. Without a fresh analog transfer, 24/192 offers no advantage over 24/96 or even CD quality. In fact, ultrasonic noise from analog tape hiss becomes more prominent.

A spectral analysis of any “24/192” file circulating online typically shows:

The Shock of the Old: Revisiting Foreigner’s Agent Provocateur in 24-bit/192kHz FLAC

By J. Chandler, Senior Audio Analyst

In the sprawling landscape of classic rock reissues, few albums exist in a state of perpetual contradiction quite like Foreigner’s fourth studio album, Agent Provocateur. Upon its release in 1984, it was a commercial behemoth, largely driven by the seismic soft-rock ballad “I Want to Know What Love Is.” Yet, for the purists, it was the moment the blue-collar, hard-rocking band of “Juke Box Hero” traded their Marshall stacks for DX7 synthesizers and gated reverb.

Now, nearly thirty years later (in this 2013 reissue context), the album has been exhumed and presented in the audiophile format of FLAC 24-bit/192kHz. The question is not whether the songs hold up—they do, albeit in a time-capsule way—but whether this ultra-high-resolution transfer validates the album’s dense, controversial production or merely exposes its 1980s artifice. Tracklisting: