Bon Jovi ‘Forever’: Album Review – An album full of classic Bon Jovi anthems
This marks the 21st Bon Jovi album in my collection, adding to my extensive collection that includes every single one of their previous albums and the 100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can’t Be Wrong box set.
I first became aware of Bon Jovi when I was in a band myself, trying to break into the rock music scene. Runaway was a typical rock song but what stood out was how the album Bon Jovi sounded. Tracks like Roulette and Breakout had distinctive riffs that caught my attention. Their next album, 7800° Fahrenheit, didn’t impress me as much. However, everything changed when someone in my band brought in Slippery When Wet. The first track, Let It Rock, with its powerful drums and vocals, was a game-changer.
From that point on, Bon Jovi’s success was undeniable. They worked incredibly hard, with Jon Bon Jovi at the helm, leading the band to stardom. The recent four-part documentary on Disney+ provides an intimate look into Jon’s struggles, especially with his voice, and showcases his evolution from a somewhat arrogant rock star to a more humble and vulnerable person.
Review of Forever
Now, let’s talk about Forever. This album stands out for its genuine and heartfelt nature. In today’s bleak times, this album lifts your spirits with its anthemic and cinematic quality. It features punch-the-air choruses and positive, life-affirming songs that remind us of Bon Jovi’s classic albums.
The album opens with Legendary, a classic Bon Jovi anthem with a punch-the-air chorus. It’s life-affirming and nostalgic, yet forward-looking, reflecting on life’s journey with a hopeful outlook.
We Made It Look Easy is autobiographical, recounting the band’s journey and the hard work behind their seemingly effortless success. It’s upbeat and tells the story of following dreams with a fast tempo that keeps your foot tapping.
Living Proof is my favorite track, featuring the iconic talk box reminiscent of Livin’ on a Prayer. It’s a hard-rocking, strident song with a superb chorus, great production, and an infectious riff.
Waves starts slow but builds into a heartfelt rock ballad with soaring guitar playing and powerful vocals, reminiscent of Blaze of Glory. It’s nostalgic yet forward-looking, celebrating life’s journey.
Seeds is a fast-paced, drum-driven track with strings adding a cinematic feel. It’s upbeat and positive, encouraging listeners to move forward.
Kiss the Bride is a beautiful ballad about Jon giving away his daughter at her wedding. It’s heartfelt and touching, sharing a personal moment with fans.
The People’s House has a Keep the Faith feel, with lush production and a Southside Johnny influence. It’s a great track with an earworm chorus.
Walls of Jericho starts with an upbeat chorus and has a rock and roll feel with influences from Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen. It’s another feel-good, earworm track.
I Wrote You a Song is a sparse ballad about Jon’s wife, featuring strings and a lovely slide solo. It’s deeply personal and touching.
Living in Paradise, co-written with Ed Sheeran, is a fantastic, fast-paced song with a typical Bon Jovi chorus. It’s upbeat and breathes well without heavy distortion, making it a standout track.
My First Guitar is another favorite, starting with acoustic guitar and building into an evocative, emotive song. It features a great guitar solo and lovely piano playing, ending beautifully. The chorus reminds me of I’m In Love With My Car by Queen!
Hollow Man closes the album with an ambient, reverb-drenched ballad. It’s a great song but might have benefited from a more upbeat closing track.
Forever is an introspective and honest album that reflects Jon Bon Jovi’s vulnerability and growth. It’s a feel-good, positive album that resonates with fans, old and new, reminding us that the best is yet to come. If you’re a fan of Southside Johnny, Bruce Springsteen, or Phil Mogg’s storytelling with UFO, you’ll find something to love in this album. Jon’s voice sounds great, and though we might not see the long tours of the past, this album shows a different, more mature side of Bon Jovi.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
