Foreigner's 'Waiting for a Girl Like You' Holds Record as Longest-Running No. 2 Hit
Often in life, people shower praise on whoever comes in first while overlooking the runner-up. Yet one 1981 power ballad proves just how impressive second place can actually be. Foreigner's "Waiting for a Girl Like You" never reached No. 1, but it holds the record for the longest-running No. 2 in Billboard Hot 100 history after spending 10 weeks there. That achievement is far more impressive than topping the chart for just a week.
Foreigner's 'Waiting for a Girl Like You' Is the Longest-Running No. 2 Song in Music History
In May 2026, American Songwriter published a list of five iconic rock songs that "stalled at No. 2." That article noted that Foreigner's 1981 power ballad, "Waiting for a Girl Like You," set the record for the most weeks ever spent at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The outlet stated that the song's silver medal reign on the chart lasted for 10 weeks. While it never reigned supreme, holding at No. 2 for that long likely required a much greater level of success than hitting No. 1 for a week and then dropping down the chart.
Even though "Waiting for a Girl Like You" fell just short, that doesn't mean that Foreigner never got to have a track become the top song. The band hit No. 1 in February 1985 with its hit "I Want to Know What Love Is," and stayed on top for two weeks.
Why Foreigner's 'Waiting for a Girl Like You' Still Hits Hard
In a world where cynicism runs amok, a lot of music feels overly polished and as if everyone involved cares about looking cool more than anything else. The greatest advantage that Foreigner's "Waiting for a Girl Like You" has is the utter sincerity with which it is presented.
Sung with extreme vulnerability by Lou Gramm, who has always been known for his vocal power, the tenderness on display in the song is pitch-perfect. Of course, the lyrics' simple yet powerful message of celebrating meeting someone special speaks to a simple truth. Combined, those two elements make the song a masterpiece. If all that wasn't enough, the track's synthesizer opening is an example of a delightful and instantly recognizable '80s time capsule.
The Record-Breaking Blockade: Olivia Newton-John and Hall & Oates Held the Line
American Songwriter's article, which detailed Foreigner's 1981 reign at No. 2, noted which two tracks kept it out of the top spot. Unfortunately for Foreigner, the song became popular at the same time that Olivia Newton-John's "Physical" dominated the charts in 1981. That track was the top song for the first eight weeks "Waiting for a Girl Like You" spent at No. 2. Then, Daryl Hall and John Oates' "I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)" took over for the last two weeks.
Next: 1998 Rock Classic Suddenly Climbing Charts 28 Years Later - Among ‘Greatest Love Songs of All Time'
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published June 6, 2026 at 6:00 AM.