Changing times
For almost three decades, Bon Jovi have earned their reputation for their power ballads, stadium-rock anthems and songs of the underdog. The quartet comprising lead singer Jon Bon Jovi, guitarist Richie Sambora, keyboardist David Bryan, and drummer Tico Torres have made their mark in rock history.
But in their 12th and latest album, What About Now, except for a couple of songs, they have strayed away from their roots. There aren’t many guitar solos and Jon’s voice has mellowed.
The opening track, Because We Can, begins with a tried and tested formula. The song has the feel of a pop band than a rock band, and has optimistic lyrics (I ain’t a soldier but I’m here to take a stand/ Because we can). I’m With You is a good song with lyrics on a universal theme. In What About Now, Jon asks a question that’s on everybody’s mind — what happens to our world, what happens to us?
Pictures of You is more pop, rather than rock, with good guitar work by Sambora. Amen is a ballad with use of violins which goes well with the song. What’s Left of Me has acoustic and country elements, but is just an average song. Tico’s drumming is distinct on Army of One.
Life is compared to a kind of war situation and the message is to stay strong. However, the words “Never give up, never give up, never, never give up, never let up”, doesn’t account for brilliant lyrics. Thick as Thieves is a ballad about love and friendship, over the years, through hard times. Beautiful World is a song about the messed up world, where everybody wants to be famous. Room At The End of The World is a slow but good song with interesting sound effects. The Fighter is Jon’s song for the kids.
Bon Jovi is not what it used to be. Perhaps they are now playing to a new generation of listeners.