New Bon Jovi: My Track By Track Review of "Forever"
Jon and the boys are back in fine form
While I realize that Bon Jovi putting out a new record in 2024 barely registers on the pop culture zeitgeist, it’s a fact that Jon and crew remain very popular (as demonstrated by Hulu’s well-received Thank You, Goodnight). And even if they weren’t, old Evil MoPac is a big enough fan to forge ahead anyway.
I was admittedly curious to hear Jon’s singing voice (even if a studio version) after his much publicized vocal cord surgery, and I must say he sounds pretty damn good on this album, without the high-range of his prime but with a lot of the unique, stylistic markers that have helped make (and keep) him great.
This caused a wave of relief, as I had seen (and heard) firsthand his vocal troubles at a Moody Center concert in 2022 when I commented to I-35, “Jon sounds fucking awful.”
So here is a song-by-song analysis and grades (on a 2024 curve, not against 1987 Bon Jovi) for the album Forever.
1. Legendary: This is the first single from the record and dropped back in March to solid reviews. It’s a very 2024 Bon Jovi song and catchy as The Clap at a swingers retreat, with good musicianship and, maybe most importantly, Jon’s voice in nearly full throat. A bouncy, promising start: 8.5/10.
2. We Made It Look Easy: Jon recently revealed that this track is a homage to the Slippery When Wet days when the band went from hit to hit with ease, noting that it’s track two on this album like Livin’ on a Prayer was. The song is upbeat, contemplative, and fun. “We were broke down cars, chasing shooting stars.” Not a party track, but one that gives a satisfying glimpse into the band’s soul. A tasty, heartfelt chaser to Legendary: 7.5/10.
3. Living Proof: The album’s standout, fist pumping banger, it takes a page from Prayer and It’s My Life by bringing back the iconic talkbox waa-waa effect and goes from there, asking “Is there anything left for a sinner like me?” It’s a mid-tempo tune, but has a stadium quality to it, making use of a bombastic verses, catchy choruses, and meaningful bridge. While it falls short of elite Bon Jovi, it feels as comfortable as an old pair of sweatpants after a long day at work. A catchy, anthemic return to stadium rock form: 9/10.
4. Waves: Jon and the lads slow it down a bit for this one, which kicks off with a guitar lick evocative of Blaze of Glory. Jon knows exactly what he’s doing and there are no accidents on this album, but a bit of in-your-face nostalgia is a forgivable sin if the product is good. And let me tell you, this song is very good. It won’t be a hit like Blink-182’s paint by numbers, nostalgia-dirge One More Time, but fans will appreciate its clever licks (I really like the guitar solo), earnest soul, and quality vocals. Another standout that should be a concert favorite: 8/10.
5. Seeds: Another efficient song title with this one. While “You don’t have to fix what is broken, you only get better at coping” isn’t Jon’s best lyrical work, this is a decent, bouncy album cut that could be even better live if/when they hit the road. The lengthy instrumental outro actually adds to the quality of the tune, which was a nice surprise. Not one of my favorites, but a solid effort. Solid album track that should be better live: 6/10.
6. Kiss The Bride: The first ballad on the record. The most cynical amongst us might regard this track as perhaps a bit pandering to the ladies in the fan base. But after two listens all the way through, I’m convinced that it’s a sweet little love letter. It doesn’t rank up there with Jon’s best slow tunes, but it’s a more than worthy inclusion here, even if it’s serenading a pair of 55-year-olds celebrating a milestone anniversary (or wedding of their daughter) instead of a young couple on a dance floor. A simple little tune with a big heart and tender soul: 8/10.
7. The People’s House: This feels like a direct Keep The Faith sequel (even if a hair slower), which is a great thing if you like Keep The Faith. I like Keep The Faith. While not the most original or musically dynamic track on the record, I think this is a great tune to follow the tender Kiss The Bride with to remind fans that Bon Jovi is a rock band who does ballads and not the reverse. A reliable, mid-tempo banger: 6.5/10.
8. Walls Of Jericho: Another solidly rocking album track, this one delivers the goods in a way that Bon Jovians will embrace. Cool instrumental arrangement, strong vocals, and a satisfying chorus more than make up for a notable lack of guitar solo, which are a hallmark of much of the rest of Forever. This is a confident Bon Jovi absolutely showing out. Crunchy, up-tempo fun, Bon Jovi style: 7.5/10.
9. I Wrote You a Song: We slow things down again for this one, a sweet (maybe over sweet?) little ditty. “When my feet say dance, but I can’t find the floor. Will you just lie here with me?” It feels very personal, like this is obviously for his wife, right? And it suffers a bit from this in same way a long winded Facebook wedding post from a husband to a wife can and Bed of Roses didn’t. I’m trying not to be overly cynical here, as the song is perfectly serviceable. It’s just not a favorite for me. Not a terrible album track, but probably the most likely bet for me to skip on the whole record: 5.5/10.
10. Living In Paradise: We know from the outset that this one isn’t about Circle C. It’s deep enough into the record at track 10 that a cynical road could have approached it with low expectations. But I didn’t and it’s fun to be rewarded. A bouncy, feel-good song full of hope with a fun little chorus, this is one of my favorites from the record. A simple, satisfying winner buried deep inside the track list: 8.5/10.
11. My First Guitar: I can’t decide if this is literal or allegorical (or both): “I’m in love with my first guitar.” This song has some inspired, swelling musicianship, but isn’t one of my favorites. The tempo changes are interesting, but overall, this one doesn’t do much for me. A decent, if a tad uninspired, album cut: 5.5/10
12. Hollow Man: Jon is at his most Springsteen-esque here, and the result is a solid, introspective tune that doesn’t strain too hard to break new lyrical ground: “Can’t make it rain staring at the sun.” But its twangy little country music moments elevate it above traditional album filler territory. Nice tune that gets better with each listen: 7/10.
OVERALL: There are a few misses to go along with many high moments, but for a 62-year-old Jon Bon Jovi coming off what seemed to be the end of his career due to voice issues, this is an outstanding effort that should resonate exceptionally well with long time fans. Final Grade: 8/10.
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments, below!