Review: BON JOVI - Bon Jovi

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Exactly forty years ago, on January 24, 1984, the release of the album BON JOVI introduced the band to the world, kicking off their amazing career.

The album, which boasted classics such as “She Don’t Know Me” and “Runaway”, achieved incredible success, going double Platinum.

THE CURIOSITY’

The album was produced by Tony Bongiovi, Jon Bon Jovi’s cousin.
The album’s lead single was “Runaway,” which achieved moderate popularity, although the album was not an immediate success.
The album achieved success in Japan before becoming popular in the United States. The song “Runaway” has become especially popular among Japanese fans.
Initially, the band had chosen the name “Johnny Electric,” but after the inclusion of David Bryan and Alec John Such, the band settled on the name “Bon Jovi” in honor of frontman Jon Bon Jovi.
The album cover features a black and white photo of Jon Bon Jovi, with the band’s name and album title in graffiti style. This graphic style has become iconic for the band.
Although the album did not achieve immediate success in the United States, it gained popularity over time, especially after the success of later albums such as “Slippery When Wet” and “New Jersey.” “Bon Jovi” is now considered a classic of the band and of 1980s rock music.
In the USA the highest position the album reached was number 43 while in the UK it was number 71.

THE REPRINT

The band celebrates the 40th anniversary of their debut album with the digital release of BON JOVI DELUXE EDITION on all streaming platforms and with a special video. The band has announced the release, on March 22nd, of an exclusive LP on colored vinyl, pressed in a limited edition.

BON JOVI DELUXE EDITION includes the original album remastered plus 9 bonus tracks, including previously unreleased studio recordings and 4 live songs. Jon Bon Jovi co-produced BON JOVI DELUXE EDITION along with longtime sound engineer Obie O’Brien who also mixed the bonus material.

This expanded version shows the evolution of “Runaway”: from Jon’s original demo on cassette, to the band’s first rehearsal and a completely alternate version, to the extended one with a second mind-blowing lead guitar. It also contains an early draft of “Come Back,” in which Jon sings his idea for a guitar solo.

The live tracks were recorded during the group’s shows in Tokyo in 1985 and will be available on DSP for the first time.

Remastered from the original tapes, the limited edition colored vinyl release includes the revised cover and an exclusive lithograph of one of Ross Halfin’s first photography sessions.

SCORE: 7.50

TRACKLIST

Runaway – 3:50 (Jon Bon Jovi, George Karak)
Roulette – 4:40 (Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora)
She Don’t Know Me – 4:02 (Mark Avsec)
Shot Through the Heart – 4:25 (Jon Bon Jovi, Jack Ponti)
Love Lies – 4:10 (Jon Bon Jovi, David Rashbaum)
Breakout – 5:23 (Jon Bon Jovi, Rashbaum)
Burning for Love – 3:53 (Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora)
Come Back – 3:58 (Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora)
Get Ready – 4:08 (Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora)

1984 – Bon Jovi
1985 – 7800° Fahrenheit
1986 – Slippery When Wet
1988 – New Jersey
1992 – Keep the Faith
1995 – These Days
2000 – Crush
2002 – Bounce
2005 – Have a Nice Day
2007 – Lost Highway
2009 – The Circle
2013 – What About Now
2015 – Burning Bridges
2016 – This House Is Not for Sale
2020 – 2020