Fore! cover

Released 40 years ago

Fore!

Huey Lewis and the News · 1986

42 min · 11 tracks · hard rock

A buoyant blend of rock and pop, infused with catchy melodies and infectious energy that defines mid-80s American music.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Jacob's Ladder Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Stuck With You — This track exemplifies the band's knack for crafting infectious hooks, combining romantic lyrics with an upbeat tempo, making it a staple of 80s pop.
  • →
    The Power of Love — As a pivotal track associated with a major film, its anthemic chorus and emotive delivery showcased Huey Lewis's ability to merge rock with cinematic flair.
  • →
    Hip to Be Square — This song cleverly blends social commentary with catchy rhythms, reflecting the era's values while simultaneously becoming a defining track for the band.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album features strong melodies and energetic performances but lacks depth for long-term engagement.

What we noticed

  • The first five tracks maintain a consistent upbeat tempo, with the sixth track introducing a slower groove that contrasts sharply.
  • Several songs feature prominent horn sections that add a layer of richness to the arrangements.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • upbeat and lively vibes
  • catchy hooks and melodies
  • feel-good sing-along moments
  • short, engaging listening sessions
  • nostalgic energy and charm

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Fore! is a well-loved album with several hit singles, appealing to dedicated fans.
Themes
1980s romantic optimism· social commentary on conformity
Career context
Released on August 20, 1986, Fore! was Huey Lewis and the News' fourth studio album, following their breakthrough record Sports from 1983. By this time, the band had firmly established themselves as a leading force in pop rock, riding high on the success of previous hits while expanding their sound.
Stylistic neighbors
The B-52's· Hall & Oates· Chicago

Tracklist

  • 1 Jacob's Ladder Start here 3:34
  • 2 Stuck With You 4:29
  • 3 Whole Lotta Lovin' 3:30
  • 4 Doin' It (All for My Baby) 3:39
  • 5 Hip to Be Square 4:05
  • 6 I Know What I Like 3:59
  • 7 I Never Walk Alone 3:44
  • 8 The Power of Love 4:22
  • 9 Forest for the Trees 3:28
  • 10 Naturally 2:52
  • 11 Simple as That 4:27

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata