By 1988, Bon Jovi had become one of the most successful bands in Glam Rock, a genre originating in Los Angeles that gradually disappeared and evolved towards a harder sound, as attempted by the band in “New Jersey.” In that year, Bon Jovi was one of the most respected and wealthiest bands in the scene, as their previous album, “Slippery When Wet,” had been a massive success with songs like “Livin’ On A Prayer” and “You Give Love a Bad Name.”
The band was a commercial powerhouse, and their management knew it. There was such urgency for this album to be released that Richie Sambora (guitarist) even commented that he didn’t have enough time to record his solos. Despite this, “New Jersey,” as expected, achieved great commercial success, becoming the band’s second best-selling album after the compilation “Cross Road.”
What can we hear?
An iconic album of the so-called “Stadium Rock,” which is nothing more than the most popular Rock of the 80s. Totally memorable lines that blend pop with rock, accompanied by an excellent level of execution. Bon Jovi’s magic undoubtedly lies in the vocals of Jon Bon Jovi, who, by 1988, was often compared to Bruce Springsteen.
“New Jersey” focused so much on lyrics and vocal melodies that it featured the collaboration of Desmond Child, a producer and songwriter who has worked with bands of the caliber of Kiss, Aerosmith, Cher, Alice Cooper, among others, giving rise to the global hit “Bad Medicine.” The album was planned to be filled with memorable singles, including the ballad “I’ll Be There For You,” where we hear excellent choruses from Richie Sambora.
In addition to Jon Bon Jovi’s characteristic vocal lines, the album works because of how “big” it sounds, as if you were listening to it in a stadium with a crowd chanting its recognizable lines. It brings the masses closer to enjoying very light, smooth, and melodious Rock/Pop. Here lies the band’s success, combined with the excellent skill of each of its musicians.
Smooth rock for everyone's enjoyment
The album manages dynamics very well, making it fun to listen to. It features very calm and minimalist passages that later explode harmoniously, as heard in “Blood On Blood.” Synthesizers and keyboards are prominent in each of the tracks, giving the band a distinctive touch that none of the major genre exponents had, such as Poison, Mötley Crüe, or even Aerosmith, forming part of Bon Jovi’s characteristic sound.
Among the “heavier” songs, we can hear “Homebound Train,” which features fun guitar riffs and groovy drum rhythms, softened by a layer of synth pads that make the sound more homogeneous. Regarding the bass, we think it lacks prominence throughout the work, but it serves well to give power to the rhythm section.
The drums are recorded and produced in the style of Bob Rock, with a very large snare and a consistently present kick drum. If you close your eyes, you could imagine a large drum kit: big toms, cymbals everywhere, and a double kick drum with a well-tuned head.
Image played a part in their success!
Undoubtedly, besides their incredibly well-thought-out singles, part of the success of this album was the image of the band members, especially Jon Bon Jovi, who embodied the typical Rockstar stereotype that attracted all the girls from the ’80s. Additionally, the band’s themes were very appealing to a female audience, as seen in the successful ballad “I’ll Be There For You,” perfect for dedicating yourself to the person of your dreams.
Their smoothness and ease of listening turned them into a classic, giving rise to several stadium rock anthems. Bon Jovi had the vision to steer their music towards the commercial without losing quality, as reaffirmed in “New Jersey.”
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