Key Takeaways
- South African singer Ray Dylan performs a heartfelt cover of “I Want to Know What Love Is”, originally by the British-American rock band Foreigner.
- The song was written by Mick Jones and first released in November 1984.
- Ray Dylan’s version appears on his album Hokaai Stoppie Lorrie, released 10 February 2006 (Europe/Amsterdam time zone).
- Verified metadata confirms the track’s presence on major platforms, and a working YouTube link for the song is available.
- The cover maintains the original lyrics and emotion while offering a distinctly South African interpretation.
What You Need to Know
Foreigner’s “I Want to Know What Love Is” became a worldwide hit, celebrated for its combination of soft-rock instrumentation and gospel-inspired vocals.
Ray Dylan, known for his work in both English and Afrikaans, brought this classic into his own repertoire. His 2006 cover honors the same yearning for love and emotional openness that defined the original.
As listed on Shazam, Apple Music and Last.fm, the song credits Mick Jones as its composer, confirming it as a faithful rendition.
The verified YouTube upload on Ray Dylan’s official channel provides listeners with a clear version of the track.
By placing his voice within such an iconic melody, Dylan bridges generations and cultures, showing how music about love retains power across time and geography.
Context & Background
The Original by Foreigner
Released in November 1984 as part of the album Agent Provocateur, Foreigner’s version reached number 1 on both the UK and US charts. Its mix of rock and soul, enhanced by the New Jersey Mass Choir, made it one of the defining love anthems of the 1980s.
Ray Dylan’s Version
Ray Dylan’s interpretation, included on Hokaai Stoppie Lorrie, came out on 10 February 2006. Sources confirm the songwriter credit to Mick Jones, keeping the composition unchanged.
His voice and arrangement give the song a gentler tone, merging elements of soft rock and South African country pop.
Cultural Significance
Covers like Dylan’s highlight how universal themes—love, vulnerability, and hope—can move freely between musical traditions. This cross-cultural continuity illustrates music’s ability to unite audiences beyond language and origin.
Artists & Contributors
- Ray Dylan — South African singer; performer of the 2006 cover.
- Mick Jones — English songwriter and producer; original author of “I Want to Know What Love Is.”
- Foreigner — British-American rock band; creators of the 1984 original recording.
- Shazam, Apple Music, Last.fm — Platforms confirming metadata, release date, and authorship.
- YouTube — Video platform hosting Ray Dylan’s verified content, including this cover.
Conclusions
Ray Dylan’s rendition of “I Want to Know What Love Is” offers a touching blend of homage and individuality. The song’s message—longing to understand and feel love—remains unchanged, yet Dylan’s approach infuses it with warmth rooted in his South African musical background.
Listening to both versions reveals how music transcends origin: one melody, many voices, all reaching for the same emotion.
Sources
- https://www.shazam.com/en-us/song/835650849/i-want-to-know-what-love-is — Metadata for Ray Dylan’s version.
- https://music.apple.com/us/song/i-want-to-know-what-love-is/835650849 — Apple Music listing with release date 10 February 2006.
- https://www.last.fm/music/Ray+Dylan/Hokaai+Stoppie+Lorrie/I+Want+to+Know+What+Love+Is — Last.fm track listing under Ray Dylan.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Want_to_Know_What_Love_Is — Background on Foreigner’s original song.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pefHOaVuCNk — Verified YouTube link featuring Ray Dylan’s “I Want to Know What Love Is.”
My Diary - Leonardo Cardillo 