Bon Jovi [Remaster]

Performer: Bon Jovi
Artist: Aldo Nova
Producer: Lance Quinn; Tony Bongiovi
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Bon Jovi: Jon Bon Jovi (vocals, guitar); Richie Sambora (guitar, background vocals); David Rashbaum (keyboards, background vocals); Alec John Such (bass, background vocals); Tico Torres (drums). Additional personnel: Aldo Nova, Tim Pierce (guitar); Roy Bittan (keyboards); Huey McDonald (bass); Frankie La Rocka (drums); David Grahmme, Mick Seeley (background vocals); Chuck Burgi, Doug Katsoras. Engineers: Scott Litt, Jeff Hendrickson, Larry Alexander. Recorded at The Power Station, New York, New York. Digitally remastered using 20-bit technology by George Marino (1998, Sterling Sound, New York, New York). Personnel: Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora (vocals, guitar, background vocals); David Rashbaum (vocals, keyboards, background vocals); Alec John Such (vocals, bass guitar, background vocals); Mick Seely, David Grahamme (vocals, background vocals); Tim Pierce (guitar); Roy Bittan (keyboards); Huey McDonald (bass guitar); Frankie La Rocka, Tico Torres (drums); Mick Seeley (background vocals). Audio Remasterer: George Marino. Recording information: Power Station, New York, NY (06/1982). Photographer: Geoffrey Hargrave Thomas. Unknown Contributor Roles: Doug Katsaros; Aldo Nova; Chuck Burgi. From the opener, "Runaway," which rode to glory on Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band-mate Roy Bittan's distinctive keyboard riff, to the sweaty arena rock of "Get Ready," which closes the album, Bon Jovi's debut is an often-overlooked minor gem from the heyday of hair metal. The songs may be simple and the writing prone to all the clich�s of the form, but the album boasts a pretty consistent hard rock attack, passionate playing, and a keen sense of melody. The prominence David Bryan's (he was David Rashbaum on the credits) keyboards get on this record is an indicator, perhaps, that Bon Jovi had more than a passing interest in the pop market, which was then dominated by new wave and synth pop. Mixing Journey-like '70s rock ("She Don't Know Me") with shout-along stadium anthems ("Love Lies"), Bon Jovi showcases a hot young band who is hungry for the big time, doing what they did best. It may not be the most noteworthy of debuts, but Bon Jovi has a contagious sense of energy and an endearing romanticism that mark it as a classic in its own right. ~ Leslie Mathew Bon Jovi's 1984 debut not only became a blueprint for the band's multi-platinum releases of later years, but a definitive work for an entire genre. Though scores of short-lived pop-metal bands rocketed to popularity on the success of this release, the time-weathered BON JOVI continues to stand out from the pack. "Runaway," with its infectious hook and keyboard work from E-Streeter Roy Bittan, was discovered by a New York DJ and gave the band some early exposure. "She Don't Know Me" is a catchy mid-tempo rocker. "Shot Through the Heart" turns the hard-rocking pulse up a few notches, with Richie Sambora letting loose on the kind of solo that would be copied by a plethora of L.A. bands. David Bryan's keyboards, an integral part of the group's sound, work nicely on the melodic rocker "Breakout." At a time when synthesizers dominated the pop landscape, Bon Jovi used them to gloss a heavy-rock foundation. "Come Back" shows the enormity of the charisma and emotion that Jon poured into his singing. BON JOVI is a great debut by a band in its underground, formative stage; a street album from a band hungry to make it.

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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