Even though I only recently began to explore the more detailed world of Bon Jovi, it's crystal clear that this album has classic written all over it. I have noticed a very positive effect about this album; it always seems to improve my mood.
Let's take a closer look at the songs, firmly executed by a band in good form.
Let It Rock opens the show in a slow but hard grooving fashion, a bit stationary but still a pretty good song with a phenomenal guitar solo.
When
You Give Love A Bad Name blast through the speakers it's like taking a trip back to the eighties, I mean it just screams nostalgia. From the gentle keys, over the huge sing-a-long chorus to the "ohoo ohoo ohoo" ending section, but good things don't go out of fashion.
Livin´ On A Prayer ranks among my favourite songs of all time, it's just marvellous and contains an unbound power and drive that kicks ass all the way. The climax point is of course the ultra catchy refrain, bound to get any party moving into the next gear.
With
Social Disease we come to the down point of the album, being an uninteresting and much too simple cut. The riff has that annoying screaming touch to it and the chorus is rather boring.
A striking solo spot is the only cool element in a disappointing composition.
Wanted Dead Or Alive unfolds a very atmospheric and tense mood through mellow keys and melodic acoustic guitar jamming, Jon's raw approach fits the Western setting very well too.
I find in many of these songs a very vivid nerve and kind of untroubled energy,
Raise Your Hands with its relaxed rhythm and bright chorus line is a fine example. The rhythm guitar vigorously leads the way while supporting keys and tight drums fill in the opening spots.
One of the strongest aspects about this band is without doubt their ability to make wonderful and stirring ballads.
Without Love is one of them having some fantastic symphonic keys and a great soft chorus. And with the line
I've been through some changes I just can't help singing along. It's just one of those lines.
I'd Die For You has a hard rocking mid-tempo rhythm and a more serious atmosphere. Brilliantly mixing keys and guitars for some interesting passages. The drums really stand out in this one, powerful and intelligently executed.
Never Say Goodbye is the albums second ballad and once again the softer side in me surrenders to this wonderful creation. Just listen to the way Jon sings the intense mid-section passage, emotional and captivating to say the least.
If some songs fit a certain time of the year more than others, then
Wild In The Streets is undoubtedly a summertime tune, there is just something about it's bright mood and carefree lyrical universe that makes me think about this great time of the year.
The wild guitar solo is downright amazing and really enhances the feeling of living life to the max.
It's a real pleasure to focus on the bass in these songs, there is a lot of stuff waiting to be discovered and this is all in all a fantastic performance with lots of creativity. Take the powerful style in
Livin´ On A Prayer or the deep and soulful approach in
Never Say Goodbye.
I'm listening to the 1998 digitally remastered version and the sound is brilliant, well weighed out and with plenty of punch and nerve.
When evaluating the lyrics it's pretty much about the different shades of love and having a good time, refreshingly uncomplicated, direct and well written.
Divine party hits, hard pounding rockers and stunning ballads, well you got it.
Written by
Tommy Wednesday, April 6, 2005
Show all reviews by TommyRatingsTommy: 8/10Members: 9/10 - Average of 2 ratings.
Member ratings
 | notrap
Rating: 10/10
Bon Jovi was (and still is) one of those bands totally forbidden on any headbanger playlis... · Read more · |
 | Sandra
Rating: 8/10
This is CLASSIC . My favorite Bon Jovi album.
This album rocks big time and defiantly a ... · Read more · |
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