Bon Jovi started out in New Jersey in 1983. John Bongiovi worked at a studio, and when no one else was using it, he recorded his own music there. Soon he got approached by a radio DJ to record a song for a compilation album he was putting together. That song was "Runaway". And due to the massive radio-airplay it got, John had to put a band together to further his carrier. He changed his name, and took his new last name as the bands name also. Bon Jovi are today one of the biggest rock bands around.
SLIPPERY WHEN WET (1986) MERCURY
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Line-up: Jon Bon Jovi: Vocals Richie Sambora: Guitars Tico Torres: Drums David Bryan: Keyboards Alec John Such: Bass |
'Slippery When Wet' was Bon Jovi's definitive breakthrough. The albums contains more Bon Jovi classics than any album any album that proceeds or follows it. Alongside albums like Europe's 'The Final Countdown', it defined a genre. Melodic pop/metal. Big hair and synthesizers! Well, I liked this music when it came out. After a few years it wasn't very popular admitting to liking those classic records, but I never cared. To me 'Slippery When Wet' is somewhat a milestone in the rock history! And who can honestly say that they have never hummed to "Livin' On A Prayer"?
Killer tracks: You Give Love A Bad Name, Livin' On A Prayer, Wanted Dead Or Alive, Raise Your Hands, Never Say Goodbye
NEW JERSEY (1988) MERCURY
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Line-up: Jon Bon Jovi: Vocals Richie Sambora: Guitars Tico Torres: Drums David Bryan: Keyboards Alec John Such: Bass |
The year was 1988. Pop-metal was at it's peak, and Bon Jovi released their most successful album to date. 'New Jersey', named after the home of the band, spawned more chart-busting singles than any other album released that year (or am I wrong). And listening to the album again today, I can see why. Songs like "Bad Medicine" and "I'll Be There For You" are classics. And there are at least 3 more hit singles to be found here. The only problem I have with it is that there are some filler songs present also. So while I still prefer 'Slippery When Wet' over 'New Jersey', there isn't all that much difference between the 2 albums.
Killer tracks: Lay Your Hands On Me, Born To Be My Baby, Blood On Blood, I'll Be There For You
KEEP THE FAITH (1992) MERCURY
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Line-up: Jon Bon Jovi: Vocals Richie Sambora: Guitars Tico Torres: Drums David Bryan: Keyboards Alec John Such: Bass |
This was sort of a comeback album for Bon Jovi. They had a lengthy break after the New Jersey tour, with the band-members not even talking to each other! But when they reunited, things stared falling back in to place. The result is, to me, one of the bands best albums, if not the best album! It has everything a Bon Jovi album should have. Cool rock-tunes, like the title track, beautiful ballads, like "Bed Of Roses" and "I Want You" and even a lengthy "cowboy"-tune, called "Dry County". Produced by Bob Rock, this record is a solid work of pop-metal (well, metal is maybe not the right word, but you get the picture!). This album is A MUST!!
Killer tracks: Keep The Faith, In These Arms, Bed Of Roses, Dry County, I Want You
CROSS
ROAD - THE BEST OF BON JOVI (1994) MERCURY
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I bought this album because me and my wife both enjoy this band. And while searching for the other albums for reasonable prices, this is a good substitute. This is a remastered version. The CD contains two new songs as well, and the band had a huge hit with 'Always'. Just can't figure out why Jon's solo-hit 'Blaze Of Glory' is included. The album is almost chronological. The oldest songs comes last.
CRUSH
(2000) MERCURY
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Line-up: Jon Bon Jovi: Vocals Richie Sambora: Guitars Tico Torres: Drums David Bryan: Keyboards |
This has actually become one of my favorite Bon Jovi albums. The other one being 'Keep The Faith'. It just took me by surprise, 'cause I wasn't expecting anything. Critics say it's OK, but Bon Jovi has done better before. But I think it's up there with the best. It has all the things that make Bon Jovi; good rockers, beautiful ballads and plenty in between! Just listen to 'Just Older' and who could disagree?
Killer tracks: Just Older, It's My Life, Thank You For Loving Me
ONE
WILD NIGHT - LIVE 1985-2001 (2001) MERCURY
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I really don't get this live-album. It's a collection of live event that supposed to cover Bon Jovi's entire career. But the majority is new stuff. And why include stuff like 'Rockin' In The Free World' (a Neil Young cover?), 'I Don't Like Mondays' (with a terrible guest appearance by Bob Geldof) and a new studio version of 'One Wild Night' (originally released on the last studio record 'Crush'). Still something is all right. Not a classic live-album I guess.
BOUNCE
(2002) ISLAND
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Line-up: Jon Bon Jovi: Vocals Richie Sambora: Guitars Tico Torres: Drums David Bryan: Keyboards |
At first I didn't like this album one bit. It felt like the old boys were trying to renew themselves, and incorporate a more modern sound. But I'm glad to say that just a few more spins took all the negative feelings away. 'Bounce' is Bon Jovi's most rough, and most mellow, album in one. Ritchie's guitar-sound is edgier than in a long time, and Jon's voice is smoother than ever. So the rockers are very good listening, but maybe there are 1 or 2 ballads too many here. Bon Jovi is almost falling into the same trap as Def Leppard, and try to sound more like the pop/rock hit sound of Bryan Adams. I also get this deja-vu feel here and there, so I think the New Jersey rockers have been stealing a little bit from themselves. The opening track has a chorus that VERY much resembles Bruce Dickinson's "Accident Of Birth". So the verdict must be that 'Bounce' isn't the worst album by this band, and any fan should find plenty to enjoy. But there is also a long way up to their best albums.
Killer tracks: Undivided, Everyday, The Distance, Bounce
Jon Bon Jovi guest appearances:
Gorky Park - 'Gorky Park'
Alice Cooper - 'Trash' (also as writer)
Richie Sambora guest appearances:
Gorky Park - 'Gorky Park'
Alice Cooper - 'Trash' (also as writer)
Related artists: