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`New Jersey' may have not sold the amount of flapjacks that its predecessor sold, but seven million plus is no dud and Bon Jovi looked to remain the one American band who could rival the commercial onslaught of Sheffield, England's finest- Def Leppard. "Love for Sale" and "Ride Cowboy Ride" continue the unplugged ride that was kick started by Jon and Richie sans the rest of the boys circa 1987-88 on MTV. Overall, a long made for the CD age record with twelve songs of varying quality though overall the team of Fairbairn, Rock and Child remake the magic of 1986.
I may be in the minority here but with the exception of "Wanted Dead or Alive" from the former, I like the hits from `Jersey' more. "Born to Be My Baby" is not so much and it is an obvious "Livin' on a Prayer "II. Although `Slippery When Wet' was where Bon Jovi solidified their reputation as stadium demigods, `New Jersey' is the better record.
"Lay Your Hands on Me" is a pulverizing, feet out of your seat opener and "Blood on Blood" is probably the most Springsteenesque track (cept for "Living in Sin"). We were so young.one for all and all for one.did Joe Elliot rip-off Dumas as well. Maybe Jon was trying to channel Bruce Springsteen and maybe he wasn't (I tend to agree with the critics on this one) there was no denying the band and its frontman had the chops if not the appeal of their Garden State elder.
"Bad Medicine" was another #1 and a great hair metal hit.
"Ride Cowboy Ride" seems completely pointless, and I don't much care for "Love for Sale," but overall it's a solid collection. This is far from my favorite Bon Jovi album, but I still really like a lot of the songs on it. "Bad Medicine" manages to be both silly and clever, "I'll Be There for You" isn't the simple love ballad it initially appears to be (pay attention to the lyrics in the verses and the bridge) and my personal favorite, "Living in Sin," is surprisingly thoughtful, not to mention beautiful musically.
I love most of bon jovi's stuff and this album is no exception got this at a good price on amazon as i'm trying to replace old cassettes with cds.
It might just work. I bought this to start a friend's Bon Jovi collection. Trying to convert another person into a Bon Jovi fan.
A lot of good songs. Highlights: Born to Be My Baby, Stick to Your Guns, I'll Be There for You, 99 in the Shade. Lowlights: Homebound Train.
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