Bounce

Performer: Bon Jovi
Engineer: Gary Tole; Samuel Waermo; Joe Chiccarelli; Obie O'Brien
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Bon Jovi: Jon Bon Jovi (vocals); Richie Sambora (guitar, background vocals); David Bryan (keyboards); Hugh McDonald (bass); Tico Torres (drums, percussion). Recorded at Sanctuary Sound II, New Jersey. Additional personnel: Jerry Cohen, Andreas Carlsson, Samuel Waermo. Producers: Luke Ebbin, Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Desmond Child, Andreas Carlsson. "Misunderstood" was nominated for the 2004 Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal. Personnel: Jon Bon Jovi (vocals, background vocals); Richie Sambora (guitar, background vocals); David Bryan (keyboards); Tico Torres (drums, percussion); Samuel Waermo, Luke Ebbin (programming). Audio Mixer: Bob Clearmountain. Recording information: Capitol studios, Los Angeles, CA; Sanctuary Sound II, NJ. Photographer: Kevin Westenberg. Unknown Contributor Role: John Kalodner. Given that Bon Jovi successfully pulled off a comeback in 2000 with Crush, a shiny pop album pitched directly at the mainstream, it's kind of a surprise that they returned two years later with a record as turgid as Bounce. Instead of continuing the colorful blueprint of Crush, they fearlessly backpedal, turning out dull, heavy, serious rock -- the kind of music that sounds "serious" even when it's about trivial things. Of course, much of the record is given over to "serious" topics, as if the band felt that the events of 2001 necessitated a grave response for Bounce, regardless of what they were singing. Such sobriety would not have been a problem if the band had solid material, but they're not only lacking songs, they've inexplicably altered their musical approach. In particular, guitarist Richie Sambora sounds as if he's aping James Hetfield's lumbering downstrokes throughout the album, giving the record an oppressively heavy sound that never lets the music breathe. This casts a pall over the record, but this stumble is not the sole reason Bounce is such a misstep for the band. After all, this is a record where Bon Jovi seems to have consciously decided to avoid everything that gives their music character, melody, and muscle, a move that would have been odd at any point during their career, but is particularly puzzling after they delivered an album that found them growing old gracefully. It's as if they want to undo everything Crush did for them. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine While Jon Bon Jovi may not have much in common with the modern-day cowboys he writes of in his better-known songs, he and the band that bears his name are clearly the Comeback Kids. The mid-to-late-'90s found the band releasing lackluster fare, while 2002's BOUNCE brought Bon Jovi out of their slump. The album opens with pop metal bombast of a kind not heard since 1992's KEEP THE FAITH, as the band acknowledges the events of September 11th in "Undivided" and "Everyday." The crunchy, razor-sharp guitar playing and production on BOUNCE shines considerable light on Richie Sambora, who's playing gives any of today's newbie axemen a run for their money (especially on "Hook Me Up."). Building on that contemporary edge are collaborations with Andreas Carlsson (N Sync, Celion Dion) and longtime contributor Desmond Child. "Joey" is quintessential Bon Jovi storytelling, while "All About Loving You" and "Right Side Of Wrong" weigh in as requisite rock ballads.

Q (11/02, p.97) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...BOUNCE is the sound of a group who know what they're good at and why..."

In the early 1980s, aspiring New Jersey musician John Bongiovi assembled a rock band, secured a record deal, and changed his name to Jon Bon Jovi. By 1986, Bon Jovi's brand of melodic hard rock was a runaway hit, with the band's third album, SLIPPERY WHEN WET, achieving massive international success. In addition to the catchy singles, the singer's chiseled good looks only led to more adoration and, eventually, movie and TV roles. By channeling the earnestness of his hero, Bruce Springsteen, and reining in his glammy look, Bon Jovi outlasted his hair-metal peers for decades beyond their '80s heyday.

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