Search - Bon Jovi :: New Jersey

"Dated?" Not!

Donna Di Giacomo | Philadelphia, PA | 03/12/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was 14 when "New Jersey" was released in 1990 and remember being bowled over by how much Bon Jovi had matured in their sound from "Slippery When Wet" and thinking, "These guys are here to stay."



"Slippery When Wet" sounds more dated than "New Jersey" as sounds change in nannoseconds in the music industry, never mind four years. John and the Boys wrote and recorded some great ballads, "I'll Be There For You" and "Living In Sin," and created feel-good tunes such as "Bad Medicine."



While watching some Bon Jovi videos recently on cable, I smiled when I thought about a time when you could turn on TV and watch a video and not a glorified porno short (if that sounds patronizing, my apologies, but there's no other way I can put it). Those guys never age!



"New Jersey" was quite the departure from the group's previous albums. It represented a change for the 1990's and beyond.



Two thumbs up ... and then some!"

Great Record, But Do Beware.

Bradley Headstone | New York | 07/10/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As an English major, I often had to read and write papers on books that I didn't personally like, but I had to admit they were excellent books. While '7800' remains unchallenged as my favorite Bon Jovi record, I have to admit that this 4th record 'New Jersey' is a 5 star record. If you're expecting the same power and intensity of '7800' or even 'Slippery When Wet,' BEWARE. This record takes a different turn. The 1st half is still rock, but it is a softer rock. 'Lay Your Hands on Me' is a nice opener that paves the way for this 4th record's different tone. 'Bad Medicine' is a catchy tone and became a hit; 'Born To Be My Baby,' 'Living In Sin,' and 'Blood On Blood' consistently maintain the different, but still well done tone of this record. The 2nd half of the record takes a country rock turn. 'HomeBound Train' shows that Bon Jovi can make changes of directions exciting; 'Wild Is the Wind' skillfully combines sadness and an energetic tone; 'Ride Cowboy Ride' is a short song, but somehow we get the impression that it belongs despite its brief time; 'Stick to your Guns' and 'I'll Be There For You' prove that Bon Jovi CAN sing, and unlike many others, he does NOT need to hide behind excess noise or obscenities for that matter. '99 In the Shade' is the ONE song on this record that resembles (in any way) the tracks on 'Slippery When Wet.' (Perhaps Bon Jovi felt obligated to give us one 'Slippery When Wet' type song.) 'Love For Sale' was recorded after they were exhausted from a party, but this adds a human touch and makes it (at least in my opinion) better. Again, this is one of Bon Jovi's best records, but you have to understand that it is different from his previous records. When I listen to this record, I almost always get the impression that this is Bon Jovi's favorite child. Obviously I don't know for sure, but perhaps it could be because it is different, but still very good."