What About Now: First Impressions

[TwinFan]

I'm gonna open this thread, and have it closed in two weeks. By then, anybody who cares enough to hear the album should've heard it by then.

Rate the album on a scale of 1-10, 1 being the worst obviously and 10 being the second coming of Christ, figuratively speaking. ;)

I'm gonna give it a 7 at this point. Lots of good stuff on here, but the production really drags it down for me.

[wichi850262]

On first listening - 7.5 - 8. Hoping the quality of the CD is better than this rip...that's what spoils it for me too.

[SSM12]

8.5, only because i really like where they went here. Ya the production sucks, but im thinking the core of the songs are pretty damn good.


Im thinking between this Album(****ing US needs to wait until the 26th for spotify) and Tegan and Sara's new album, the year is already a success for me ha. I dont have a CD player but ill def buy a hard copy.

[semigoodlookin]

It is better than The Circle, so I will give it 1 out of 10.

Joking of course, I do not really hate anything on this album, but at the same time nothing is really that good. Truth is if it were any other band the first listen would have been the last because there is nothing exciting here. Obviously as a fan I will see if there are things I can learn about the songs on this record, but I just feel it is all filler. It is still not as bad as some will say here though, so I will give it a 6.

[SexxAtraxxion]

Mediocre effort. After a few listens, I dont feel the need to listen to it again. Sounds like a typical Bon Jovi record of the 2000s, without the catchy/hit singles.

Luckily there is good music out there.

I can't believe people here are claiming it's as good as the classic records :neutral:

[faith1985]

I gave it a six. I probably rated it too highly.
The songs are catchy (the up-tempo ones) But they have no substance. Even though I might enjoy them, I will be bored by them in a few weeks. First impression is that the songs sound way to similar. I do like some of Richie's guitar work, though. But I keep asking myself whether that is still the Bon Jovi that grabbed me 15 years ago. I don't think so.
I don't want to say that they should repeat their best efforts, I just want them to sound less average.

[ticos_stick]

It's just decent.

A few great tracks (That's What The Water Made Me, I'm With you, The Fighter, Old Habits Die Hard) the rest sounds like Jon ripping off other bands. I've noticed direct lifts from Matchbox Twenty, Coldplay and Bruce Springsteen so far.

[faith1985]

It's just decent.

A few great tracks (That's What The Water Made Me, I'm With you, The Fighter, Old Habits Die Hard) the rest sounds like Jon ripping off other bands. I've noticed direct lifts from Matchbox Twenty, Coldplay and Bruce Springsteen so far.

Don't forget Cohen and FUN :p

[ticos_stick]

Don't forget Cohen and FUN :p

Oh Jesus, yeah. I remember listening to one of the songs and thinking Cohen but it just passed me by. What's the Cohen song, Suzanne?

[faith1985]

Oh Jesus, yeah. I remember listening to one of the songs and thinking Cohen but it just passed me by. What's the Cohen song, Suzanne?

Are you kidding? ;-). Amen = Halleluja. But I don't see it as a direct copy and I still enjoy What's Left Of Me, although it reminds me of Springsteen.

[ticos_stick]

Are you kidding? ;-). Amen = Halleluja. But I don't see it as a direct copy and I still enjoy What's Left Of Me, although it reminds me of Springsteen.

Yeah, that's really obvious but there's a Cohen song where he sings about tea from China and I'm sure Jon sings the same words in a similar style in one of the new songs.

So it's possible he copied Cohen twice.

[Jayster]

Ok, if I was Matchbox Twenty, I would be phoning my lawyers right about now over the verses of Beautiful World. Undeniable plagiarism. WTF?!

I'm serious. Bon Jovi could easily be taken to court and lose.

[mike1990]

Ok, if I was Matchbox Twenty, I would be phoning my lawyers right about now over the verses of Beautiful World. Undeniable plagiarism. WTF?!

I'm serious. Bon Jovi could easily be taken to court and lose.

Not sure how copyrights work, but its just a melody they ripped, not the actual words. Plus, MB20 would have no say since their songs all belong to the record label, unless How Far We've Come was released on their own label. I've seen cases like this and the judge just says, there are no lyrics that were ripped, its a melody. Dismissed. Someone else did a song really similar to a newer MB20 song, I can't remember it for the life of me though...

[Javier]

Giving it an 8 right now...

[ticos_stick]

Ok, if I was Matchbox Twenty, I would be phoning my lawyers right about now over the verses of Beautiful World. Undeniable plagiarism. WTF?!

I'm serious. Bon Jovi could easily be taken to court and lose.

It's kind of spoiling the album for me at the moment. Why does Jon do this? on nearly every album he rips off other artists but this one is just shameless.

[wichi850262]

Not sure how copyrights work, but its just a melody they ripped, not the actual words. Plus, MB20 would have no say since their songs all belong to the record label, unless How Far We've Come was released on their own label. I've seen cases like this and the judge just says, there are no lyrics that were ripped, its a melody. Dismissed. Someone else did a song really similar to a newer MB20 song, I can't remember it for the life of me though...

It has to be proven that Bon Jovi actually listened to the song and decided to copy it...almost impossible to prove. Go on Youtube and search for Joe Satriani and Coldplay. Virtually the same melody in places, but nothing came of it, because no-one could prove that Coldplay actively ripped Satriani's song.
In music, there are only so many variations and it's logical that there will be patterns. Look at this:

4 Chords - YouTube

Who would sue who here?

[efpg0708]

Has the album leaked ???

[SSM12]

Any Lyric attempts?

[RyanBounce04]

I really like the arrangement of Amen. Now crucify me.

Ryan

[The Rock]

It has to be proven that Bon Jovi actually listened to the song and decided to copy it...almost impossible to prove. Go on Youtube and search for Joe Satriani and Coldplay. Virtually the same melody in places, but nothing came of it, because no-one could prove that Coldplay actively ripped Satriani's song.
In music, there are only so many variations and it's logical that there will be patterns. Look at this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOlDewpCfZQ

Who would sue who here?

The difference between Coldplay and Satriani's case if I remember correctly, weren't they released at the same time or around about the same time? Which came first?

This instance is difference, there is a few years in between the two songs and MB20's song was a huge hit, there is no way that Jon didn't hear it. Satriani's song wasn't a hit. No one really heard it until the whole thing with Coldplay came up.

[faith1985]

I really like the arrangement of Amen. Now crucify me.

Ryan

Nope. I like them too.

[DryCounty]

I love the album and I have no real problem with the production to be honest. Pictures of You, I'm With You, What's Left Of Me, Amen, Beautiful World, Because We Can, With These 2 Hands, Water are all great tracks. Great, great job!

8 points!

[bounce442]

I gave it a 7... Right now I would give it a 7.5 if it was available. I am honestly surprised how much I like it. The production sucks, yes, but I still like the album overall.

Now I guess we'll see if it will have the same effect LH had on me... I liked it the first week and then I started seeing the flaws. Butthis album is certainly better than The Circle... no doubt about it.

TWTWMM is still my favorite, with a distant second being IWY. Based on the clip, I thought I was going to hate TAT! Talk about a song that totally redeems itself. The weak links being BWC and RATEOTW... it's a shame. Such a waste of a good title.

[Yvonne]

I really like the arrangement of Amen. Now crucify me.

Ryan

Am liking this song also, wasn't so struck on the live performances but its not a bad little song.

[Bleeding Purist]

Am liking this song also, wasn't so struck on the live performances but its not a bad little song.

Agreed. I found it boring, but the studio version works for me.

[NathWFC]

At the moment I'd say a 7 is about fair. Could well be better than The Circle and on par with Lost Highway.

[ezearis]

Haven't slept and I'm dying, need my bed. I'll give it an 8 and hear it tomorrow to review it.

[Matrix15]

It would have to bloody leak when I'm at work. Guess Ill have to catch up then rate it.

[KingofSwingfan14]

I'm pleasantly suprised on how much I enjoy the album as a whole. Yeah, production could be a little better without Shanks, but I saw past it, and most, if not all, songs are really good. Really digging What's Left of Me, Thick as Thieves, and I'm with You. Upon first listen, I'll give it an 8, and say that (I think) it's a solid record. :)

[MrNickel]

I give it a 6.

"Whats Left Of Me" is really trying to be "Someday I'll be Saturday Night", and its actually really catchy. "I'm With You" sounds weird but its a great song. TWTWMM is the best thing on the album for me.

The rest isn't really that interesting at the moment. "Room at the End of the World" is very boring and drags the album down. "Thick As Thieves" and "The Fighter" aren't doing anything for me either.

[Matrix15]

Pictures of you sounds goooooood so far. Probably will bomb live though.

[efpg0708]

I really like it.

Based upon the first listen, I liked this better than any of the other post-2000 records.

There are more songs on What About Now that I like than in Crush, Bounce, HAND, LH or TC, so yes, I consider it my favorite post 2000 album.

However, the production is just horrible. If they went with a more stripped down production, this album would kick so much ass.

I give it a 7.5.

[rfanquee]

Billy Falcon's co-written tracks are so catchy. This one is definitely better than The Circle. ;)

[crashed]

As I absolutely love The Circle as a whole album (though individual tracks some are a lot better than others), I'm getting pretty excited, but I'm still not going to download some rip. Even though I'd buy it anyway, I just feel I'm losing some of my experience that way.

[Jovimimi]

As I absolutely love The Circle as a whole album (though individual tracks some are a lot better than others), I'm getting pretty excited, but I'm still not going to download some rip. Even though I'd buy it anyway, I just feel I'm losing some of my experience that way.

I too loved The Circle and won't download the rip.
But for me the reason may be the opposite of my usual reasons. This time, the 'need' of new bon jovi songs is so, not here that much, that I don't really care. So waiting for the cd is an attempt to build the excitement...

[tico_6]

As I absolutely love The Circle as a whole album (though individual tracks some are a lot better than others), I'm getting pretty excited, but I'm still not going to download some rip. Even though I'd buy it anyway, I just feel I'm losing some of my experience that way.

Yeah me too!! I have only heard BWC and WAN. I am considering actually going to the shop to pick up a physical copy, i haven't done that in a while.

[Matrix15]

what the hell are these lyrics about:
"i could rob a bank and you wouldnt care,
you'd sit on my lap in the electric chair,
and when they flip the switch we'd just....ha..... kiss".

[KingofSwingfan14]

Pictures of you sounds goooooood so far. Probably will bomb live though.

unfortunately, I agree. With the usual and expected downtune for the live songs, they'll all definitely bomb live :|

[Kathleen]

I like a lot of it so far. But then I also loved The Circle. I give it an 8 after one complete listen.

[jon-flp]

So, I really liked so far. I don't care about the production, because I understand almost nothing about it. :o

But, what surprised me a lot was "What's Left Of Me". Man, this song is catchy at the most!! A very good vibe, nice voice works...totally unexpected.

So, I'm With You, Pictures Of You, Because We Can, What About Now, What The Water Made Me, What's Left Of Me, Army Of One and Room At The End Of The World are all very good songs for me.

Amen and The Fighter are just "ok", Thick As Thieves is a...I don't know, very weird song for me. And With These Two Hands...horrible.

I gave it 7.5/10.

[NathWFC]

1. "Because We Can" - 6.5/10
2. "I'm With You" - 8.5/10
3. "What About Now" 8/10
4. "Pictures of You" 7/10
5. "Amen" - 6/10
6. "That's What the Water Made Me" - 8/10
7. "What's Left of Me" - 7.5/10
8. "Army of One" - 6/10
9. "Thick as Thieves" - 7/10
10. "Beautiful World" - 8/10
11. "Room at the End of the World" - 6.5/10
12. "The Fighter" - 5.5/10
13. "With These Two Hands" - 7/10

Edit: The average of these scores actually comes to pretty much exactly 7/10, which is what I gave the album before doing this haha.

[Panda]

LOLOLOL at someone voting is a 10/10 hahahaha

SuperBrad,
geraldd98, KingofSwingfan14, Remfild, rfanquee, SSM12

What is going through your mind? What do you vote Keep The Faith, New Jersey or These Days? Do you honestly think it's on the same level? Wow. This board is full of blind followers. I'm sure most would still like an album of Jon taking a crap in the toilet with the rest of the band occasionally throwing in a sound effect.

[GabrielC]

4. The production really destroys the album for me. So much autotune and shitty effects, that I can't even enjoy the songs that I like in the album, like I'm With You, What's Left of Me and That's What The Water Made Me.

[JerseyboyUK]

The first half of the album is solid. The second half is totally forgettable.

'That's What The Water Made Me' and 'Pictures Of You' are the highlights for me. 'What About Now' sounds better on record than live, and 'Amen' is decent (if a little obvious).

'What's Left Of Me' is depressingly 'auto-pilot', the sort of song they've done before (and way better too).
'Army Of One' is a nice idea but is ruined by lyrical nonsense.
Everything after that is really disappointing, lacking any real punch, with 'The Fighter' being easily the worst on the album. I really hate the tracks like The Fighter where Jon goes into storyteller mode. Give it up man, you can't do it.

5/10 - The first 6 tracks are decent. The second 6 range from pointless to plain awful.

[SuperBrad]

LOLOLOL at someone voting is a 10/10 hahahaha

SuperBrad,
geraldd98, KingofSwingfan14, Remfild, rfanquee, SSM12

What is going through your mind? What do you vote Keep The Faith, New Jersey or These Days? Do you honestly think it's on the same level? Wow. This board is full of blind followers. I'm sure most would still like an album of Jon taking a crap in the toilet with the rest of the band occasionally throwing in a sound effect.

F@ck you halfwit . Dont matter what i think of the others , this one gets a 10 from me . LOVE it . And im happy today and you are not !

[Captain_jovi]

LOLOLOL at someone voting is a 10/10 hahahaha

SuperBrad,
geraldd98, KingofSwingfan14, Remfild, rfanquee, SSM12

What is going through your mind? What do you vote Keep The Faith, New Jersey or These Days? Do you honestly think it's on the same level? Wow. This board is full of blind followers. I'm sure most would still like an album of Jon taking a crap in the toilet with the rest of the band occasionally throwing in a sound effect.

You don't like it. Others do. That's all it is. Blind followers? Really?

[RyanBounce04]

Man... Let me be the first to say I was not even close I excited for this album... I came in with no expectations and came out somewhat pleasantly surprised. Like someone above mentioned, the first half of the album is solid. Good songs, and surprising guitar work on a few tracks. Really enjoy I'm With You, Amen, Pictures of You, Thats What The Water Made Me, and Thick As Thieves. Army of One ended up surprising me a little and that's only because I was expecting the worst. The second half of the album is so boring though. Could have done without the Jon solo songs and blah blah. With that being said... I feel like I've heard the album before, only because many songs are rip offs. I'm With You sounds like Green days 21 Guns and Of course Amen being like Halleluja. It's all weird to me. Anyways, I enjoy some songs and can't stand some. Unlike some people, I'm realistic and understand that this is what the band wants to do. Nobody has to like it and if you don't, fine. Stop wishing for the boys from the 80's to come back because they aren't. You can hop off the wagon at anytime. Music is one of the most enjoyable things in the world, there's plenty of it out there if you don't like what you are hearing here.

What About Now... 6/10

Ryan

[angelsambo]

6 for the first half
1-3 for the second half
0 for the production
guitar work and guitar sound also very weak

best songs:That's What The Water Made Me,Pictures Of You and I'm With You

[Jayster]

Yeah, that's really obvious but there's a Cohen song where he sings about tea from China and I'm sure Jon sings the same words in a similar style in one of the new songs.

So it's possible he copied Cohen twice.

His current 'solo' sound is, I'm sorry to admit, Poor mans Cohen. It has the Cohen feel, without the real mystery and darkness of Cohen's lyrics.

Anyway, I rated it a 5. I'm with you should have been the lead single. That's what the water made me is pretty good. Pictures of you is lyrically atrocious. Like a 8 year old writing a love letter. Then there's the fact that they have copied other artists so much.

I guess Jon was behind the ripping off. My heart wants to believe it was that dick John Shanks though.

I think had they actually held their horses and written a couple of other songs to replace the crap ones, this could have been their best effort in years.

The biggest problem with Bon Jovi is Jon's in a rush to release music all the time to try and stay as current as possible. I agree they should avoid being a nostalgia act. But that doesn't mean release an average album as often as possible. I think most if us wold have gladly waited till 2014 to hear a better album.

[Savvi]

1. Because We Can 8/10
I honestly really really enjoy this one. I like the lyrics in the verses and its just dam catchy. Haters gonna hate. Plus I still dont get the Fun ripoff. Slight similarities at the most.

2. I'm With You 8.5/10
I was a little disappointed with the snippet after high expectations from the live version, but as a whole song I think it's a good song with potential to be a single. I don't think it's quite as good as Superman Tonight though. I like the solo.

3. What About Now 7.5/10
It's decent and I quite like it. I enjyo the simple riff. It's comparable to We Weren't Born to Follow, but better.

4. Pictures of You 9/10
One of the best songs on the album. The starting is a little abrupt but passable. I love the 'If I should go crazy' part through the solo and to the drum solo chorus. I really like the ending "oohhhs" as well. It does sound a little like the style of The Killers' "Human".

5. Amen 6.5/10
Wasn't really looking forward to this one from the live version, but the studio version isn't bad. The long notes in the chorus really make this song.

6. That's What The Water Made Me 9/10
It works well live, it works even better on the album. It really is the standout track (along with one or two others) on the record. Solo could be a bit better. I like how the solo is almost a chant. Great song.

7. What Left Of Me 6/10
It's the Lost Highway version of Someday I'll Be Saturday Night. It's not a bad tune but I can't help but feel a little tired of it cos it has been done a few times before. There isn't anything special about this song to make it stand out from the similar songs on the other Jovi records. I like the bridge and the lead into the final chorus. Not a bad song... just nothing special.

8. Army Of One 6.5/10
Aaaahhhhhh!! This one really tears me into two. I LOVE the ending music. The electric guitar with the synth in the background sounds so nice during the solo and then adding the mandolin sound for the outro is bliss. It has such emotion. I also enjyo the organ and drums throughout the song. It's powerful. BUT... the lyrics suck so bad. Even if they changed half of the 'never give up's with three other words it wouldn't be as bad. So yeah... this one gives me mixed feelings. I guess I can overlook the lyrics. As a side note, the organ and drums at the start reminds me of Lay Your Hands On Me.

9. Thick As Thieves 6/10
From the 90 second snippets we heard, I was least looking forward to hearing Thick as Thieves in full. But the full song is definitely better than the preview sample. The end half really picks up the song. It reminds me of Live Before You Die in that the song itself is a little boring, but there are moments at the end with the strings that sounds great.

10. Beautiful World 9/10
Love it! Yes the verses have the same melody as Matchbox 20, but I can overlook that cos I really love this track. I like the lyrics and the overall message (except I hate the line "get a ladder, there's a cat up in a tree"). It's a feel good song and I think it may be my favourite on the album - we'll see.

11. Room At The End of the World 4/10
Was hoping for a better song with such an intriguing title... but no. It just falls flat. This is probably my second least song the album. I can see myself skipping this one a fair bit.

12. The Fighter 3/10
I just can't get into this one. It's my least favourite song on the album. It goes no where. There is no climax to it. Even other acoustic songs like Lonely or Diamond Ring have climaxes. I will never understand why they Not Running Anymore AND Old Habits Die Hard after this track... they all sound the same and have the same faults.

13. These Two Hands 5/10
This track sounds like it's from Have A Nice Day. I don't mind it. I like the bridge and the ending - Jon sounds good. But yeah, nothing too special about it. I don't hate it.

Overall Im pretty happy with it. It gets a 7.5 to 8 out 10 from me.

Im hanging out to listen to "Into The Echo" because I really like the 90 second sample.

[united17]

LOLOLOL at someone voting is a 10/10 hahahaha

SuperBrad,
geraldd98, KingofSwingfan14, Remfild, rfanquee, SSM12

What is going through your mind? What do you vote Keep The Faith, New Jersey or These Days? Do you honestly think it's on the same level? Wow. This board is full of blind followers. I'm sure most would still like an album of Jon taking a crap in the toilet with the rest of the band occasionally throwing in a sound effect.

I've gotta say, I favour the new stuff over the old. I got hooked onto Bon Jovi through HAND and have always benchmarked future releases against this record. I think Crush and Bounce are a pile of turd but The Circle is fabulous. A solid second place from me. I also have an affinity for LH but would rate What About Now ahead of it giving it a solid 3rd spot in my favourite records.

8/10 WAN
9/10 The Circle
7/10 LH
10/10 HAND
4/10 Bounce
6/10 Crush

[steel_horse75]

As I absolutely love The Circle as a whole album (though individual tracks some are a lot better than others), I'm getting pretty excited, but I'm still not going to download some rip. Even though I'd buy it anyway, I just feel I'm losing some of my experience that way.

100% agree

[Jayster]

I've gotta say, I favour the new stuff over the old. I got hooked onto Bon Jovi through HAND and have always benchmarked future releases against this record. I think Crush and Bounce are a pile of turd but The Circle is fabulous. A solid second place from me. I also have an affinity for LH but would rate What About Now ahead of it giving it a solid 3rd spot in my favourite records.

8/10 WAN
9/10 The Circle
7/10 LH
10/10 HAND
4/10 Bounce
6/10 Crush

Can I ask how old you are? Not being mean. Genuinely interested.

You still like the old stuff, right?

[united17]

Can I ask how old you are? Not being mean. Genuinely interested.

You still like the old stuff, right?

Sure, I'm 18.

Yeah I like the old stuff too. :)

[sammy645]

Its better than i expected after the snippets. Decent enough release, fits in nicely into their catalogue.

[bonjovi821]

Sure, I'm 18.

Yeah I like the old stuff too. :)

OH THANK GOD. For a second I thought we'd have to send you off to the guillotine as a punishment for your nonconformity.

[Bleeding Purist]

I'm only on my second play through.. with the first being on the go at work. I'm not about to start throwing numbers up.

My initial reaction was that I have to get used to hearing "Because" and "What About Now" as part of the album rather than the individual songs I've been playing for a few weeks now. I wished I had held off a bit on those two just as I did with the BBC recordings of the rest of the tracks. I just didn't want the live performances embedded in my head before hearing the studio versions, much less the vision of Jon standing there strumming away to tracks that should have him strutting around throttling the mic stand. The title track got the most play. I wouldn't say I loved it so much as I just loved having some tidbit from the album besides the lead single. I do think I'm going to love it as part of the whole of the album. This happened with We Weren't Born To Follow, which I absolutely did not care about prior to the release of The Circle. I enjoyed it as part of the album.

I'm With You is the one track of those performed live from the album that I haven't heard at least once. The first go round it just didn't lend itself to the mood.. probably because I was grabbing lunch and tearing off to work. Not really the ideal time for a first time play-through.

Pictures of You was immediate and has only grown more with each listen. Lyrically it reminds me of the KTF period.. as in Letters to a Friend. It is definitely a shining star on the album for me...which is bit cause for concern given that it hasn't been played live. I love the outro "whoas."

I'm going to give it time to soak it up..... but I'm pretty sure I'll rank it as high as I did The Circle if not higher. The early reaction to the album from this board based on the live performances and then the 90 second clips was that a good lot made up their mind about it already. That's a damn shame. I can understand the production complaints... but there are some very good songs on this album that deserve better recognition. There are less cringe moments for me on this album compared to Lost Highway or The Circle and where there are... they are mild.

Army of One has been prone to over-reaction/exaggeration on this board. If it's to be this album's "Who Says" or "We Got It Going On".... I'll definitely take it over both of those. It works well on the album for me. It definitely went over well cranked up and pumping on my car system while speeding on the freeway.

I'll have plenty of thoughts on the rest of the tracks. At this point I'm happy to say at least for me that despite my early misgivings on not being convinced I was going to like this album as well being annoyed with a tour being in progress so soon, I'm beginning to love the album and really looking forward to my show in April.

[steel_horse75]

Even though you have been able to buy the track WAN for a while I haven't.
I bought the single in Jan out of loyalty to the band and cos the original release date of the album was near April.
It would have been easy to put live tracks from the bbc onto my iPod but I didn't want to. I've only heard IWY twice even though j love it.
I've listened to the 90s clips on iTunes once.
I want release day to be like it was in the day.
The Internet has spoiled all that.
It's like people streaming the Bowie album - what gave you got to look forward to on Monday???
I can't wait to get my hands on the Jovi Cd - it's late 80s all over again for me !!

[Roll]

I give it a 6,5. Way better than Bounce, HAND, LH or TC in my opinion.

[Thierry]

It's a really average album, the production sucks!

The highlights of the album for me are:
- What About Now
- Pictures Of You (best song on the album)
- That's What The Water Made Me
- Thick As Thieves

Ok songs:
- I'm With You (production and less of dynamic ruins it for me)
- Amen
- Army Of One
- Beautiful World
- The Fighter

The rest is forgettable and I'll probably won't listen to them, unless when I'm forced to listen to them during a concert.

Forgettable songs:
- What's Left Of Me
- Room At The End Of The World
- With These Two Hands (do we really need Story Of My Life part 2?)
- Because We Can

5/10

The bonus songs and The Fighter don't fit the mood and sound of the album.

[Walkerboy]

I was excited to listen to it last night and I really liked it at the time.
I then started listening again this morning and the novelty has dropped VERY quickly.
Am now listening for the 3rd time whilst at work.

I'd say initial reaction was 8/10, but by 8.15 this morning it was 6.5/10 and dwindling......
There are some very good tracks, some mediocre and some downright dull.

[Bleeding Purist]

Forgettable songs:
- What's Left Of Me


I'm inclined to agree, though probably not quite as dismissively. I just can't see myself playing it much other than during full album playbacks. Live.. it immediately turned me off. It doesn't quite grate on me as much on the album. It's this album's "Live Before You Die" to me.

[MrNickel]

Overall I'd give the album a 6.

1. Because We Can 7/10

I like it, its fun and catchy.

2. I'm With You 8/10

A terrific song that could have been better if it didn't sound so robotic places.

3. What About Now 6.5/10

Solid but a bit too dull. We've hear this song too many times from Jovi.

4. Pictures of You 5.5/10

I don't get the fuss with this song. The opening few lines are horrendously written.

5. Amen 6/10

Amen is actually quite memorable but not very exciting.

6. That's What The Water Made Me 9/10

Superb track, its got the energy and build that made the Jovi classics so timeless. The best thing the band has done in ages. Lyrically it ain't rocket science, but that never stopped Blood on Blood or Born To Be My Baby.

7. What Left Of Me 7/10

This one actually hits the right cord for me, catchy and moves along at a nice pace.

8. Army Of One 6.5/10

When I actually listened to the lyrics, it actually sounded a whole lot better,

9. Thick As Thieves 3/10

Not feeling this at all, not sure what people see in this. The lyrics just don't have any impact for me.

10. Beautiful World 6/10

Pretty lively but sort of forgettable.

11. Room At The End of the World 2/10

Dire song that will have people skipping or turning the radio on. Its slow and builds to nothing.

12. The Fighter 3/10

Another slow song that is boring with a capital B.

13. These Two Hands 5/10

Average at best, but better than the few that come before it.

[IML88]

I swore i'd wait 'til I got the CD but realistically i'm downloading it as soon as I can.

Where do we rank it in terms of post 00's albums?

[Walkerboy]

Personally I think "Thick of Thieves" belongs on a soundtrack for something like True Romance..... or something Bonnie & Clyde/Romeo & Juliet

[MrNickel]

I swore i'd wait 'til I got the CD but realistically i'm downloading it as soon as I can.

Where do we rank it in terms of post 00's albums?

This all may change over time but............

1. Crush
2. What About Now
3. Bounce
4. Have A Nice Day
5. Lost Highway
6. The Circle

"What About Now" may have a lot of shite on it, but the 3 or so great songs it has will probably have a better lifespan than the best songs on other albums.

Water and I'm With You > Have A Nice Day and Welcome

Water and I'm With You > Lost Highway and Memory

Water and I'm With You > Born to Follow and Superman

[samboraisgodUK]

The difference between Coldplay and Satriani's case if I remember correctly, weren't they released at the same time or around about the same time? Which came first?

This instance is difference, there is a few years in between the two songs and MB20's song was a huge hit, there is no way that Jon didn't hear it. Satriani's song wasn't a hit. No one really heard it until the whole thing with Coldplay came up.

But it's not as if Beautiful World is the lead single or anything. The verse is undeniably very similar but it's not really in anyone's interests to get in an arse about it. If I were Rob Thomas (assuming he does even hear Beautiful World) I'd probably think "huh, pretty similar to How Far We've Come, I'm pleased that something I've written has obviously had an influence on one of the biggest bands ever." not "OH MY GOD I'M GOING TO SUE JON BON". What would be the point of it? It's not like Jovi are mooching off MB20's success, it's just a bit similar. There's nothing to be gained, MB20 aren't exactly struggling at the minute so there's no financial incentive, it'd just make Rob Thomas look a bit of a dick if he took legal action. As I firmly believe he is no such thing, I expect nothing at all to come of it.

[josejovi]

I seriously think that if these same songs had been recorded in the these days era, with that production, with more guitar presence (richie solos) and jon´s voice then, and the songs of the these days album would have been recorded now, we would be saying; "hey, do you remember that what about now back in 95?, those were the golden days." I think it´s just a matter of production and the effort put back then and now. It´s just my opinion. The band´s attitute is not the same anymore. But I still like them, still go to shows and still buy cds. I like the album taking into account that it´s an attempt to fit in today´s music business.

[sammy645]

^^ I Wouldn't be surprised.


What about now is pretty good IMO. Its about as good as I was expecting, and I'm With You is a surprisingly great song.

[Haja]

After one listen my main observation is that many of the songs have decent/good verses but most of the choruses are really weak.

[Fredrik]

2/10. And then I'm kind.

[Ricky Skywalker]

8/10. Had first genuine smile in over 2 weeks when started to listen.

[SantaFe]

The best song on the album is hands down the last song on the deluxe edition. That's cruel reality ...

[danfan]

I like it a lot. Even Amen isn't that bad. I'm With You is the best track on the record, for no other reason than the guitar solo. However, it will be the I Want To Be Loved of this record. Performed once live, and that'll be it.

[Ollie]

I'd give it a 6/10 on first listen! The album has a good core of 5 or 6 songs with great potential but down to what I think is poor production and a bit of laziness they turned out only being good songs opposed to great songs!
It is also clear that a wedge of this album was written solely by Jon! Some sound like they could have even been recorded along side Not Running and Old Habits! Where as others have more all around band involvement! Sounds more like a random collection of songs than a flowing album!

And I can't remember which song it is now but one of the guitar solos on there does not resemble Richies playing one bit! Makes me very curious who recorded what! And who even was involved at all in some songs!

[danfan]

Upbeat as it is, I really don't care for Beautiful World. Not sure why, it just doesn't work for me.

[Walkerboy]

As pointed out by my wife, not one single song from this album would qualify for any future "Greatest Hits" compilation.....

I'm With You is the one song stuck in my head, that I was humming as I wandered around town at lunchtime. The rest are already forgotten.

[danfan]

As pointed out by my wife, not one single song from this album would qualify for any future "Greatest Hits" compilation.....

I'm With You is the one song stuck in my head, that I was humming as I wandered around town at lunchtime. The rest are already forgotten.

Sorry you feel that way.

Because We Can
I'm With You
What About Now
That's What The Water Made Me
Pictures Of You
With These Two Hands


Those are all definite on my best of playlist.

What's Left Of Me
Army of One
Amen
Thick As Thieves
Room At The End Of The World

Those are a step below for me, but the band has certainly released worse since 2000.

[Savvi]

I think I like The Circle overall a little better (there isnt a song I really dislike on TC), but the songs I like on WAN I really like, more so than most of TC.

Still early days though. The novelty will wear off soon enough and that'll be when I truly know which songs I adore and which songs I dont.

I like it a lot. Even Amen isn't that bad. I'm With You is the best track on the record, for no other reason than the guitar solo. However, it will be the I Want To Be Loved of this record. Performed once live, and that'll be it.

Do you mean I Am?

[danfan]

Do you mean I Am?

No, but I can see why you ask that. There's something about the guitar work in I'm With You that reminds me of I Want To Be Loved. But it is like I Am in that it's the best song on the record, and will never be played live.

[NicoRourke]

I really like the album - it think we expect so much from the band that anything new that we listen, at first we think WTF?

In fact this is quite an enjoyable album, with nice ideas here and there! I love AOO & IWY. As someone else said, Left Of Me has a nice Springsteen feel.

[steel_horse75]

Still not heard it but it sounds like what I picked up from the 90s clips. Really strong first 6 songs then it tails off.

[Savvi]

No, but I can see why you ask that. There's something about the guitar work in I'm With You that reminds me of I Want To Be Loved. But it is like I Am in that it's the best song on the record, and will never be played live.

Ah I thought you meant I Am because I Am was played once and then dropped for good. I believe I Want To Be Loved got a fair few plays in the HAND tour.

As a quick side note - I Want To Be Loved is my favourite song from HAND except the title track.

Anyway, back on topic :scatter:

[RyanBounce04]

I went through a second time today. The Fighter is so cliche and it bothers me. Didn't Bruce write a song about a wrestler recently? Not Running Anymore reminds of of Coldplay's "Till Kingdom Come" as well. The first 8 tracks are great, but after that everything is forgettable. I still want to hear Into The Echo!

Ryan

[Juls Sambora]

What a boring second half of the record, espacially "Thick as thieves" and "The fighter". If you want real rock, then take "Aftermath" and listen to "Burn the candle down", "Learning how to fly" oder "Nowadays" or the end of "Seven years gone".

[Roll]

What a boring second half of the record, espacially "Thick as thieves" and "The fighter". If you want real rock, then take "Aftermath" and listen to "Burn the candle down", "Learning how to fly" oder "Nowadays" or the end of "Seven years gone".

Yeah but what should I listen to if I want real rock AND good songs?

[Roxannah]

I was excited to listen to it last night and I really liked it at the time.
I then started listening again this morning and the novelty has dropped VERY quickly.
Am now listening for the 3rd time whilst at work.

I'd say initial reaction was 8/10, but by 8.15 this morning it was 6.5/10 and dwindling......
There are some very good tracks, some mediocre and some downright dull.

you summed up my sentiments regarding this album perfectly.

i can still say i'm pleasantly surprised. 6/10 on my 3rd listen.

[danfan]

Still not heard it but it sounds like what I picked up from the 90s clips. Really strong first 6 songs then it tails off.

Yeah, the first half is amazing. Couple of OK moments in the 2nd half, but the first half is where it's at.

[danfan]

What a boring second half of the record, espacially "Thick as thieves" and "The fighter". If you want real rock, then take "Aftermath" and listen to "Burn the candle down", "Learning how to fly" oder "Nowadays" or the end of "Seven years gone".

Thick as Thieves is much better than the 90 second clip. The Fighter is probably the worst Bon Jovi song ever.

[Roxannah]

some extra thoughts:

~ i'm heartbroken to see one of my favourite moments in the album wasted on such a bad song. that ending to Army Of One is brilliant, however the rest of the song sucks.

~ the orchestration on Thick As Thieves is suberb and sounds natural. i also like the arrangements in Amen, although this one falls a bit flat.

~ Beautiful World stood out for me right away. i hadn't heard MB20's song so i Youtubed it and yes, the similarities are painfully obvious. if i go past the fact there's a bit of copy/paste going on here, it's one of songs that stand out.

~ I'm With You is, as of now, my favourite.

~ i wish i could see what most of you see in That's What The Water Made Me but i don't. don't get me wrong, i like the song, i just don't think it's such a standout track.

~ on the other hand, i love What's Left Of Me. i agree it's been done before, but it just works for me. probably because i recognise the Bon Jovi i fell in love with in this song. i love the riff and it's one of my favourites.

~ i reckon The Fighter, Old Habits and Not Running Anymore are good songs. they just don't belong to this album.

~ speaking of songs that don't belong to certain albums, i have the feeling i'm listening to The Circle when i listen to These Two Hands.

[James_86]

I wasn't gonna' get the leak and wait for the album in the post, but changed my mind when I got an email from Front Gate Tickets telling me I had to wait 3 weeks for delivery because the record company weren't sending orders out until 11/3/13 so first and foremost..

..up your's record company :D

Secondly, woah! I think this just might be Bon Jovi's best work since probably Crush to be honest. Lost highway aside that is. I wasn't a big fan of Bounce, HAND, or The Circle. They all had moments but never really gripped me. This on the other hand did from start to finish, again there's a couple of rubbish fillers but I can't remember the last time I listened to a record and had a stupid grin from ear to ear etched on my face.

The songwriting has again returned to centre stage, Jon seems to have dropped the whole live your life, get knocked down Jovi by numbers rubbish. The songs, IMO, are well constructed and the production really isn't as bad as some make out.

Thoughts on each track..

Because We Can: Fun, lively and catchy. Nothing more, nothing less.

I'm With You: Exceeded expectations after hearing the ninety second clip with the dodgy autotune. It really isn't that bad. Very powerful song if a little basic.

What About Now: Much like BWC. Catchy but distinctly Jovi, sounds familiar. Wouldn't be out of place on Lost Highway.

Pictures Of You: I really, really like this song. Interesting lyric and the solo is great. I love the way the song starts. Reminds me of In These Arms.

Amen: Hated the live version, and dreaded getting to track 5 on first listen but I was pleasantly surprised. Good vocals and production, orchestral parts are nice.

That's What The Water Made Me: The album's centrepiece. Very modern and energetic track. Jon and Richie sound great in tandem but it's the keyboards that make this song stand out. Reminds me slightly of The Killers.

What's Left Of Me: Don't see the similarities to SDIBSN personally. Good storytelling from Jon. Very catchy and upbeat despite the lyrical direction. Again wouldn't have been out of place on Lost Highway.

Army Of One: This should have kicked off the album IMO. Simple lyrics granted, but I think this will translate very well in a live environment.

Thick As Thieves: The ballard of the album. Not a conventional one either, sounds almost like it should be set to a movie with the way Jon tell's the story. Only listened to it the once, not sure on this one.

Beautiful World: I think this song is brilliant. Straight to the point, catchy, lively. Perfect slice of pop rock. I've heard the MB20 song and yes the verses are structured the same, but if I had a pound for every pop punk song I've heard with the same structure I wouldn't have to work for a living.

Room At The End Of The World: Rubbish. Filler. Boring.

The Fighter: I think this is the best song on the album, best written anyway. The lyric is good, it's a little different from what you might expect. Really put a smile on my face after the previous song.

These Two Hands: Rubbish again. The Verse is Viva La Vida by Coldplay, the chorus is Story Of My Life.

Just my thoughts..

..Enjoy :)

[danfan]

~ i reckon The Fighter, Old Habits and Not Running Anymore are good songs. they just don't belong to this album.


They belong in the garbage can at the recording studio. Besides being boring as all hell, they're just awful songs. I hate when Jon tries to re-record The River. I'll forgive Old Habits and Not Running as those are just bonus tracks, but The Fighter doesn't belong on this, or ANY other Bon Jovi album.

[MrNickel]

They belong in the garbage can at the recording studio. Besides being boring as all hell, they're just awful songs. I hate when Jon tries to re-record The River. I'll forgive Old Habits and Not Running as those are just bonus tracks, but The Fighter doesn't belong on this, or ANY other Bon Jovi album.

They are Jon songs, the one songs he probably loves most. I've listened to The Fighter 5 times and I still can't remember a single part of it.

[bonjovi90]

How's the MB20 song called that seems to have been the "inspiration" for Beautiful World?

[MrNickel]

I was wrong about Amen, its starting to really grow on me. :angel:

[danfan]

They are Jon songs, the one songs he probably loves most. I've listened to The Fighter 5 times and I still can't remember a single part of it.

I listened to it twice and just find it incredibly boring and the lyrics are so bad. That's the worst part about this album (besides the production) - Half of it sounds like a Jon solo record. What saves it is the tracks that are good, are Bon Jovi songs to the core and are right up there with anything post 2000.

[danfan]

I was wrong about Amen, its starting to really grow on me. :angel:

Yeah, me too. Bit too much like Hallelujah, but I can deal with that. It's certainly a hell of a lot better than The Fighter.

[James_86]

How's the MB20 song called that seems to have been the "inspiration" for Beautiful World?

How Far We've Come

[MrNickel]

How Far We've Come

Rob Thomas listens to Beautiful World.......................

http://www4.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/Rob+Thomas+Cinema+Society+CHANEL+BEAUT+Host+Mue5kI kLoN6l.jpg

[bonjovi90]

The production is partly awful. Really shitty...
But (until the end of Army of One - except BWC) I quite enjoy the songs. There's some drive in them that hasn't been there on TC in hindsight.

I'm listening to a lot of pop music so it probably doesn't bother me as much that there aren't any real rockers on the album as it may piss off others.
I know I can't expect a powerful record filled with kick-your-ass rock songs from them anymore and I'm fine with that. When I want some great rock stuff I listen to other artists. Their sound has changed (I'm not saying evolved!) and it falls into a different category, but one I can still enjoy.

Some of the songwriting is quite decent, other parts are awful and the second half totally drowns the album out. As a standout track I liked The Figher, now it falls flat on me. The only song I remember from the second half is These Two Hands which indeed sounds as if it could've been on The Circle.

One plus point is that Richie's voice is quite present and I hear a lot of David's keyboards.

Minus point is, as said, the production with some pointless guitar licks appearing here and there (out of nowhere) and some drum fills sounding like they had some fade-in effects added.

5.5/10

[bounce442]

This is the first album since Crush that doesn't need to be rearranged to flow better. I don't like BWC as the first song, but I don't have a better suggestion. I would swap WAN and BW... but other than that the track order is pretty good (especially compared to Bounce or The Circle).

[Bleeding Purist]

This is the first album since Crush that doesn't need to be rearranged to flow better. I don't like BWC as the first song, but I don't have a better suggestion. I would swap WAN and BW... but other than that the track order is pretty good (especially compared to Bounce or The Circle).

I wouldn't swap WAN and BWC because I find I'm With You leading in to WAN really works. Somehow I wind up liking the title track much more than when it stood alone.

[bounce442]

I wouldn't swap WAN and BWC because I find I'm With You leading in to WAN really works. Somehow I wind up liking the title track much more than when it stood alone.

Interesting... The title track as yet to grow on me. Being that you seem to be one who appreciates flow, would you leave BWC as the first track? Are there any adjustments you'd make?

[Bleeding Purist]

Interesting... The title track as yet to grow on me. Being that you seem to be one who appreciates flow, would you leave BWC as the first track? Are there any adjustments you'd make?

Yes, I'd leave it as the first track. It gets it out of the way even though it's not the kind of album opener I want to hear and there isn't a better option elsewhere on the album. I'd have to listen to the album more to spot any possible restructuring (and I did this ALOT with Crush and Bounce.) The one thing I feel is that another track needs to go between BWC and I'm With You, but not one that is already on the album.

[danfan]

I don't have a problem with BWC as the opener, though the longer intro (where the hell is that without the annoying Iheart radio advertisement), would have worked better.

I'm listening more to the songs that haven't already grown on me. Thick as Thieves has some bad lyrics at times, but the arrangement is fantastic. Room At The End Of The World hasn't quite grabbed me yet. Beautiful World I really don't like. The chorus is just painful. Too bad about the lyrics on Army of One, as the song itself is pretty good. What's Left of Me is OK. It's very typical post 2000 Bon Jovi.

It's too bad that Jon and the record company won't push I'm With You for the 2nd single. It's by far the best track on the album, and I think the best chance at a hit.

[SuperBrad]

Really loving pictures of you this morning . Awesome song .

[IndiannaRose]

They belong in the garbage can at the recording studio. Besides being boring as all hell, they're just awful songs. I hate when Jon tries to re-record The River. I'll forgive Old Habits and Not Running as those are just bonus tracks, but The Fighter doesn't belong on this, or ANY other Bon Jovi album.
That is, like, just your opinion...man. I really dig those songs. I don't understand how people can have such strong negative feelings towards them.

Lol.

[bonjovi90]

Thick as Thieves has some bad lyrics at times, but the arrangement is fantastic.

Exactly my feelings about the song so far!!!

[danfan]

That is, like, just your opinion...man. I really dig those songs. I don't understand how people can have such strong negative feelings towards them.

Lol.

I think the fact that so many people hate them should tell you something.

[danfan]

I'm still waiting for the songs to be uploaded to youtube si can easily share them with some non-fans.

[mrleaf]

Worst Jovi Album Ever--
There is a noticable difference in Jons voice quality too in the Fighter compared to the tracks that came before it(i think it sounds better on the fighter more natural )
Tracks that are playable again would be
Thats what the water me
Im with you
Army of one
thick as thieves
not running anymore

[danfan]

Worst Jovi Album Ever--
There is a noticable difference in Jons voice quality too in the Fighter compared to the tracks that came before it(i think it sounds better on the fighter more natural )
Tracks that are playable again would be
Thats what the water me
Im with you
Army of one
thick as thieves
not running anymore

Apparently you don't own This Left Feels Right.

[mrleaf]

Apparently you don't own This Left Feels Right.

I do and actually like it alot(well half of it)-what has that got to do with anything

[danfan]

I do and actually like it alot(well half of it)-what has that got to do with anything

That's the worst Bon Jovi album ever.

How many times have you listened to this record? How can you make up your mind about it so quickly?

[mrleaf]

That's the worst Bon Jovi album ever.

How many times have you listened to this record? How can you make up your mind about it so quickly?

Well i could tell from hearing thats what the water in london that it was brilliant after 1 listen, i could tell that army of one was good after 1 listen.I can tell that Im with you is good and will be a grower .As for the rest i can listen to them a number of times and become more familliar with them but dont think it will make me grow any fonder has never made me do so in the past.

[danfan]

Well i could tell from hearing thats what the water in london that it was brilliant after 1 listen, i could tell that army of one was good after 1 listen.I can tell that Im with you is good and will be a grower .As for the rest i can listen to them a number of times and become more familliar with them but dont think it will make me grow any fonder has never made me do so in the past.

Fair enough. Everybody's different.

[IML88]

"The singer remains an indefatigable force. Yet his propensity to blow his melodies straight through his leonine nose hampers his ability to connect."
- NJ.com

Never have truer words been said in a review. There are some solid tracks on this album, particularly on the first half. Good foundations laid for modern rock songs but the vocals restrict them from ever kicking into top gear. Say what you will about the lyrics or generally crappy songs, KTF era vocals and you'd excuse them. Amen could have been a raspy, powerful, epic ballad but is instead played out as a Cohen rip off and fails to properly connect.

Its three stars, a smattering of some of the best tracks of the post 00's along with average filler. Vocals hold back the songs, the subject matter is pussy footing around real topics so's not to offend anyone, musically it dabbles in the style of a number of artists without ever fully committing and any emotion or passion feels contrived making the album feel less like a statement and more like an excuse to go back on the road and make the real money.

To sum up, on first impression it produces some real highlights of this era and some low lights. Its close to being something good in parts but never commits. One thing's for sure, its played far too safe in almost every respect to ever be widely respected on this forum.

[faith1985]

"The singer remains an indefatigable force. Yet his propensity to blow his melodies straight through his leonine nose hampers his ability to connect."
- NJ.com

Never have truer words been said in a review. There are some solid tracks on this album, particularly on the first half. Good foundations laid for modern rock songs but the vocals restrict them from ever kicking into top gear. Say what you will about the lyrics or generally crappy songs, KTF era vocals and you'd excuse them. Amen could have been a raspy, powerful, epic ballad but is instead played out as a Cohen rip off and fails to properly connect.

Its three stars, a smattering of some of the best tracks of the post 00's along with average filler. Vocals hold back the songs, the subject matter is pussy footing around real topics so's not to offend anyone, musically it dabbles in the style of a number of artists without ever fully committing and any emotion or passion feels contrived making the album feel less like a statement and more like an excuse to go back on the road and make the real money.

To sum up, on first impression it produces some real highlights of this era and some low lights. Its close to being something good in parts but never commits. One thing's for sure, its played far too safe in almost every respect to ever be widely respected on this forum.

I really agree with this.

[TheseDaysEra]

im enjoying it. what I DON'T like about it is the fact that the master is so squeezed. I'm actually analyzing it tomorrow on my home studio. the lack of dynamics is what's killing music for the past 15 years. when a lot of people long for a these days pt2, they're not only missing the composition and performance, they're missing the fact that These Days was the last album with a lot of dynamic range (save, maybe for the last 'revision' = remaster of the album).

[superkid]

After my first listen I say it's solid and I gave it a 7. It has a similar sound to the Circle. There are a lot of cheesy lyrics in it, which is my main drawback. Of the songs I haven't heard already, I like Room at the End of the World the most so far probably. The beginning of Pictures of You is awkward, but it gets better and builds. I'm not a fan of These Two Hands. Old Habits Die Hard sounds solid, and it reminds me of a Tom Petty song for some reason.

[HBM]

Three listens in - a seven.

I like The Circle better, but understand others didn't. It comes down to individual taste and preference, i suppose.

Really find it amusing that some people get so aggravated, as though a song or album was intentionally produced as a slight against them. Also like the way those who dislike it post the most about it, as though they're desperately attempting to convince everyone else they're right.

Not their best album, but still a good outing.

[Mr. Happy]

After listening to it once through, I have to say it's actually very, very good. I gave it an 8. I'll repost my review from another site:

In other news, the new Bon Jovi album is surprisingly good. Only two out of the twelve songs are exceptionally dire (I can’t take a 1-5-6-4 progression seriously anymore, I just mentally switch off the moment I realise you’re going down that road). Quite pleased with the turn out :D I actually think it’s his best album since These Days (almost 20 years). It’s different stylistically, but in terms of actual quality INSIDE that style, it’s not bad. That’s What the Water Made Me, Amen and the Fighter are incredible. And I can see What’s Left of Me, Thick as Thieves and Army of One growing on me :D

That said, the production needs serious work. As good as I think it is, it could be so much better if it wasn’t so metallic >.<

A little more detail:

*I could listen to That's What the Water Made Me, Amen and the Fighter all day and all night.

*Beautiful World is the most generic song in recent history. Room at the End of the World starts of good (very good, in fact), but I lost interest when the chorus hit.

*Because We Can isn't so bad once you get past how bad the lyrics of the chorus are. I've deliberately avoided listening to it (and What About Now) for the last two weeks or so, just so it'd be fresh when I got the album. It's not so unbearable once you get into it's pulse.

*The bridge of What About Now (after the second chorus) is literally, note for note, identical to the same section in Bruce Springsteen's song "Kingdom of Days."

*Same with Army of One. It's surprisingly good musically once you get past the shocking chorus. The keyboards towards the end made my day.

*Pictures of You is actually very interesting musically. It has a few non diatonic (unusual ;)) chords thrown in there, which I haven't heard in a Bon Jovi song so blatantly in ages. The first one to comes to mind is the middle section of Right Side of Wrong. Stamp of approval. Would be much better as an acoustic number though, in my opinion. The production lets this one in particular down.

*I'm With You is a copy and paste from Green Day's "Boulevard of Broken Dreams."

That's my first listen through of What About Now :cool:

[Sami]

Downloaded the album from iTunes this morning, had a listen while driving to work.

Upon first listen, I like the album a lot. As compared to most of the other post 2000´s stuff, this one sounds better to my ears. It seems to be the sister album of TC. Overproducing may be the biggest con in here, just like almost everybody have stated. Can´t argue with that. I understand this is very much a JB album...Yet I do get the feel of a band playing and even jamming together, at least to an extent that allows me to call it a proper Bon Jovi album istead of a JB solo album.

At this point, highlights for me would be:
Pictures Of You: I get the ITA feel from it. This is genuine Bon Jovi for me, the melody being innovatively beautiful and clever.
Thick As Thieves: As many have pointed out, the snippet didn´t do justice for this one. The build-up surprised me.
WAN, WLOM and TWTWMM are solid. I like them all a lot.

[Rdkopper]

I know everyone thinks Jon stole Amen from Hallelujah however that is only partially true. If you listen to original Hallelujah, it sounds nothing like Amen. The arangements are even different.

Jon stole his own rendition of Halleljuah to make Amen.

[Panda]

I know everyone thinks Jon stole Amen from Hallelujah however that is only partially true. If you listen to original Hallelujah, it sounds nothing like Amen. The arangements are even different.

Jon stole his own rendition of Halleljuah to make Amen.

His own rendition? Or the most famous one by Jeff Buckley?

[Crushgen24/88]

Jon stole his own rendition of Halleljuah to make Amen.

Which in turn is quite similar to Jeff Buckley's version.

And Erik beat me to it..

[HBM]

I know everyone thinks Jon stole Amen from Hallelujah however that is only partially true. If you listen to original Hallelujah, it sounds nothing like Amen. The arangements are even different.

Jon stole his own rendition of Halleljuah to make Amen.

'Drew inspiration from' is the phrase that'll be used. :)

[Rdkopper]

Which in turn is quite similar to Jeff Buckley's version.

And Erik beat me to it..

Similar but still different. Amen is Jons rendition of Halleljuah, not Buckleys

[Rdkopper]

I think I'm starting to dig the back end of the album more. I initially thought the front because i was more familiar with those songs. But the back half is taking over. Best post 2K album

[FLAME-XIII]

i think jon was impressed by very successful tour of u2. coz album sound's like u2. but anyway i adore this new music!
but lost highway still the best what they did 'til today

[Walkerboy]

With These Two Hands appears not to be the only Coldplay inspired track....

Check out "Us Against the World" from the Mylo Xyloto album and then listen to "Thick as Thieves". Although lyrically different, the tone and music is very similar - or at least that's how it seems to me.

[Makedde]

Have listened to it once, and I have decided to give it a 7. Its not perfect, but compared to the crap that was The Circle, it's brilliant.

[BobbyJovi]

Just bought the cd today with the extra 4 songs ,What's the deal with the packaging?No lyrics?That's garbage.

As for the Cd i like it.

Pictures of You is a great song,Loving Thats What the Water Made Me and What about Now.

Amen is OK...i Just think it gets a little boring in the middle .

Because We Can has grown on me and i don't mind Not Running Anymore.I think the ballads are a huge letdown on this album.

Is it better than The Circle?No way.Is it a good album?Yes.

Not my favourite Jovi album but i'll give it a good solid 7.5 out of 10.

But then again i thought Lost Highway was the best album they did since These Days but that's just me.

Enjoy listening to this Cd.I always do when the boys release something new.

[Elvistico]

It's a soft album for sure. Jon has definitely evolved towards bombastic pop-songs. No other band sounds like this and due to Jon's voice in perfect blend with Richie's, you instantly know it's Bon Jovi.

Sounds smooth, not dangerous, not surprising but decent. Some cool hooks and unseen changes. On a couple of songs Jon's vocals are very good, even pretty high.

David is present, Richie is not. Not a single 'guitar driven' song. (Thinking about Have a nice day, Last man standing, Bounce, Next 100 years, It's my life, ... (i am citing post 2000 songs especially to keep my reference realistic - the 80ies & 90ies are gone forever)

Influences when listening to the sound - Killers, U2, Keane, Pink ... maybe a couple of newer acts I don't know about. I like the 4 artists mentioned, but i am a bit bitter bout my favourite band copying other's instead of doing their own business like they used to before 2008.

Important sidenote:

Should have left off the last songs. The Fighter, Not Running Anymore, Old Habits die Hard. Those have NOTHING to do with the Album. Typical mistake of adding songs. Better a great collection of 10 songs than having the same 10 with 5 other meaningless songs.

Not saying the last songs are bad, but just don't fit the album.


Conclusion : I was smiling often during the first listen, thinking they always find a way to make songs sound good. Compared to many artists they still manage to make albums without real bad songs but this one has not ONE song that will stay in people's mind. Because We Can is the song with most 'hit potential' . What the water made me is the song that is imo the most heartfelt classic BJ song.


What about now was made 'because they wanted to tour' :)

[semigoodlookin]

Looking at the reviews it seems that this album is a bit marmite. Critics are split as much as the fanbase it appears.

[crobb991]

On first listen i am loving this... its a toe tapping bon jovi album. thank you amazon for sending this a day early.

speaking of older albums I know people are harking for a new These Days and i honestly believe that Jon still has another one in him. He said in a interview during the circle promos that every artist is waiting on writing their master piece.

so it could come... but i think he needs time away... lock him and the guys in a room with no jon shanks and we'll be sweet

[SexxAtraxxion]

Jon stole his own rendition of Halleljuah to make Amen.

Good Lord.. :lol:

As usual, you're clueless.

[gabriele]

Matchbox Twenty - How Far We've Come - YouTube

beautiful world ;-)

[danfan]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FF6fjVpyqGw

beautiful world ;-)

And that song sounds like a poorer version of this one by the Goo Goo Dolls:

Goo Goo Dolls The Best of Me-lyric video - YouTube

[wichi850262]

So having listened to the album 4 times, I must say that my feelings towards this album are not waning.
Still loving the album as a whole - still hating Room At The End of The World. The rest, with WAN being the weakest among them, is pretty darn good. I'm not counting the extra songs in this review, because they are...well.....extras and I don't feel they belong on here. Even the Sambora solo effort is misplaced (I have the album and like the song as it is, but not on the Jovi album). The Fighter, I feel, does belong and is a nice round-off to the album.

Still hoping that the next one will have more guitar driven songs and classic solos. His efforts on WAN are heart-felt I believe and packed with emotion, with some surprises here and there, but it could be taken to the next level.

Oh, and sack Shanks. He squashes the album and wrings out a whole lot of life and vibrancy that could be otherwise present. Shame really - it would have made a huge difference.

It's all for the greater good Bon Jovi, so listen to us....no wool and mud and fuzz and fizz on the next album please....or give us the stems, so I can make a better job of it ;) ;)

[Chris_Newton]

LOLOLOL at someone voting is a 10/10 hahahaha

SuperBrad,
geraldd98, KingofSwingfan14, Remfild, rfanquee, SSM12

What is going through your mind? What do you vote Keep The Faith, New Jersey or These Days? Do you honestly think it's on the same level? Wow. This board is full of blind followers. I'm sure most would still like an album of Jon taking a crap in the toilet with the rest of the band occasionally throwing in a sound effect.

What a prick everyone has an opinion, go away and grow up you moron.

[Panda]

What a prick everyone has an opinion, go away and grow up you moron.

Yeah but I still find it hillarious that the same people voting it 9/10 or 10/10 think pop music is the worst thing that has happened to this decade. This IS pop rock. And bad pop rock at that.

[Juls Sambora]

My personal highlight of the record is Richie's solo in "I'm with you". So tell me, is that good or bad? :neutral:

[IML88]

On first listen i am loving this... its a toe tapping bon jovi album. thank you amazon for sending this a day early.

speaking of older albums I know people are harking for a new These Days and i honestly believe that Jon still has another one in him. He said in a interview during the circle promos that every artist is waiting on writing their master piece.

so it could come... but i think he needs time away... lock him and the guys in a room with no jon shanks and we'll be sweet

Would love to believe he's got another album like TD but see Old Habits, Not Running, the fighter..that is a direction of what Jon's masterpiece would sound like.

I dont mean to this album down at all. I like it, but this is probably the safest album they've recorded. Its enjoyable in parts yes but I don't believe in it. I've heard better vocal performances live which is inexcusable. The whole album feels like its been held back, production wise, lyrically, vocally, instrumentally. Its not given time to breathe and evolve.

On my 6th run through its becoming more and more evident that its main purpose is not for artistic expression, it is to be the vehicle needed to jump on the bus again and make money from the increasingly expensive ticket prices.

[faith1985]

Yeah but I still find it hillarious that the same people voting it 9/10 or 10/10 think pop music is the worst thing that has happened to this decade. This IS pop rock. And bad pop rock at that.

I don't think it is as bad as you make it. I don't listen to pop music that much but from what I know, WAN is not the worst pop-rock music out there. It is clearly not a rock record and it has not enough substance (not sure about the acoustic songs yet, they don't fit the album), to be a good record, IMO.
I do think it will wear off really quickly. I give it two weeks:-).

And btw: TC was better:D!

[danfan]

Yeah but I still find it hillarious that the same people voting it 9/10 or 10/10 think pop music is the worst thing that has happened to this decade. This IS pop rock. And bad pop rock at that.

Opinion and stop being such a wanker.

[Rdkopper]

Good Lord.. :lol:

As usual, you're clueless.

As usual you state I'm clueless with nothing else to add which is more or less Trolling!

I just listened to the Jeff B version and I still hold true to my original statement. "It's similar but not exact". Jeff’s version is more singer / songwriter pretending to be a musician / vocalist. Jon's version is more of a ballad. Jon's version is his own version. There are only so many ways to sing a song so if you are covering the same lyrics as someone else and sing it as a slower rock version; of course it's going to be similar.

I don't hear Jeff B’s version when I listen to Amen but I do hear Jon's.

The key to both Amen & Jon’s version are the long notes of which Jeff B fails to do. Jon expands the songs....

[Rdkopper]

What a prick everyone has an opinion, go away and grow up you moron.

LOL.............

[Matrix15]

Yeah, its alright. Not much more to say really.

[Rdkopper]

I don't think it is as bad as you make it. I don't listen to pop music that much but from what I know, WAN is not the worst pop-rock music out there. It is clearly not a rock record and it has not enough substance (not sure about the acoustic songs yet, they don't fit the album), to be a good record, IMO.
I do think it will wear off really quickly. I give it two weeks:-).

And btw: TC was better:D!

Don't listen to that dude! Although everyone has an opinion bla bla bla we are also realists and I could tell you that this album is not as bad as he is making it out to be. He just loves the attention. Ignore him!

[SuperBrad]

What a prick everyone has an opinion, go away and grow up you moron.

I second that . Panda = troll .

[wolffex]

I liked the first half of the album a lot, the second half is really weak. I think if we replaced some songs on the album with 5 new songs from the greatest hits, we would have a good album. My fav tracks have to be I'm With You, That's What The Water Made Me, Army Of One. I still think The Circle is better than this, The Circle did have weak tracks but I enjoy it more than What About Now, I only dont like 3 tracks from The Circle

This would have been better instead:

This Is Our House
Because We Can
I'm With You
No Apologies
The More Things Change
What About Now
Amen
That's What The Water Made Me
This Is Love, This Is Life
Army Of One
What Do You Got?
Beautiful World

[samboraisgodUK]

I liked the first half of the album a lot, the second half is really weak. I think if we replaced some songs on the album with 5 new songs from the greatest hits, we would have a good album. My fav tracks have to be I'm With You, That's What The Water Made Me, Army Of One. I still think The Circle is better than this, The Circle did have weak tracks but I enjoy it more than What About Now, I only dont like 3 tracks from The Circle

This would have been better instead:

This Is Our House
Because We Can
I'm With You
No Apologies
The More Things Change
What About Now
Amen
That's What The Water Made Me
This Is Love, This Is Life
Army Of One
What Do You Got?
Beautiful World

That looks loads worse to me.

[liljovi93]

What a prick everyone has an opinion, go away and grow up you moron.

I haven't heard the album yet but he has always been like that. It's almost like he tries to be Seb. Either that or he's so far up Seb's ass it's unreal.

Worst thing about this forum is people not accepting other peoples opinions and trying to make them look a tit. You get the odd person who says 'fair enough' but then you get the majority like him doing posts like that.

Anyway, reviews don't seem too bad from what I've seen. Waiting until Monday to hear it. Sounds like the second half lacks a lot, though. Looking forward to hearing the album.

[Panda]

I haven't heard the album yet but he has always been like that. It's almost like he tries to be Seb. Either that or he's so far up Seb's ass it's unreal


Yeah and I'm supposed to be the immature one here.

[Panda]

But seriously, how could someone rate this album a 10/10? I honestly am confused by said choice.

[IndiannaRose]

But seriously, how could someone rate this album a 10/10? I honestly am confused by said choice.
The bigger question is; why do you care so much? Seems like a waste of brain wattage to me.

[wichi850262]

I'm honestly confused about your double post....and your lack of respect for other people's opinions.

The second half of the album is in my view not really lacking. The only questionable song is Room At The End Of The World imho. Others don't like The Fighter, but I think it wraps up the album nicely :)

[Panda]

The bigger question is; why do you care so much? Seems like a waste of brain wattage to me.

SCIENCE is the answer.

[IndiannaRose]

SCIENCE is the answer.
Ah.

Lol ok.

[Panda]

Well that requires that the guy has a brain. I doubt that. I dunno what is more annoying. The album or Eric with a K's childish comments. He is trying so hard to be controversial like his dutch idol but comes across as a sad lil troll which he obviously is no doubt about that.

Seb may be my idol, but I'm pretty sure Nikolai is yours.

[TeddyB]

Long time fan, first time posting on this forum. I've listened to this album three times and am not impressed. The only song that I would put on a Bon Jovi mix from this album is "I'm With You". The rest are completely forgettable. I've supported this band since 1986 (my first concert was the Slippery tour) but I've decided not to go to any shows this round due to "same old" setlists (We Got It Going On is a concert staple? Really???) and now I'm contemplating not picking up this album. That would be a first for me. I'll probably still buy it for legacy reasons but it's likely to sit on the shelf.

I had some decent expectations for this album when I picked up Richie Sambora's Aftermath of the Lowdown. Great songs with depth and a great band sound. Nice production as well. To me, the only songs with memorable guitar are "I'm With You" and the end of "Army Of One".

Though I respect those giving this album a good review, I can't share the sentiments of others on the forum who appreciate this album. Overall, a batch of generic every man anthems that I can't connect with. A lot of songs sound the same as one another. I won't speak to the production but it doesn't help.

Right now I'm feeling this is a 3/10. Worse than The Circle for me, which at least had some memorable songs that sounded different from one another despite the presence of obvious filler.

[semigoodlookin]

Here is my take on it.

There is something in the songs that if given more time could have produced a good album.

Some are saying the lyrics are damn awful, and indeed they are. However, if we single out some random Bon Jovi lyrics down the years then you are not getting the deepest poetry ever written.

They used to take the time to be emotive, to deliver the cheesiest or most cliched lyrics in a manner that spoke to the everyman. The emotion is not there, or in fact it is but the lack or real love of the craft makes the emotion redundant,

The music is so basic and vanilla that it sounds like it was created by machines, no flourishes, no interesting licks, nothing. I am not much of a music theory expert but in the old days there was stuff going on, different levels that could be discovered upon repeat listens of a Bon Jovi song, even when Jon was singing. Now it is a wall of sound, drums that sound eerily similar to the ones one my iPad app and a disgusting level of production quality. I do not care how in demand Shanks is, he does not work for Bon Jovi although Jon must take some of the blame for this.

Richie has been underused massively and there is simply no rawness to the sound. Let's take that great comparison piece These Days. That was a highly produced album, so much so that some songs were hard to play live, but it was still vibrant, deep, and I am not talking about the lyrics or style of the time. I am talking about what it conveyed.

I thin these songs would work much better with more time taken to build them, a better production quality, and some thinking outside the box. I think a major problem is that Jon decided that he wanted the album to be a certain way (I do not know the bands you say he copied) and made the songs fit the sounds he wanted, even if the songs at their core did not lend themselves to those sounds. It would have been better to just write the songs for the sake of doing it, and see where it would end up/

Is this a total washout? No, there are some things to like, for example I enjoy the intro, solo, and outro of Army of One, while this being Bon Jovi some of the melodies just work. I gave this album a 6 on first listen, it is now down to 4. I found The Circle to be a total piece of steaming shit from conception to delivery, but the new album could have been so much better. There is something likable in the songs, but it feels like a major missed opportunity.

Everyone on this forum is a ball sack. We all need to sort ourselves out because we are a whining bunch of c**ts.:drinking: (edited because indeed there is no need for personal attacks)

[Captain_jovi]

Seriously guys, there's no need for personal attacks.

[Jovimimi]

I thought I cannot vote on the pool because the songs I don't like would decrease too much the general note but I decided to indulge a slightly better mark to put it in the section Good (part of the album is excellent but part is also garbage for me )

I like a lot (7/9)

I'm With You
What about Now
Pictures of You
That's What the Water made me
With These Two Hands


I like (5/7)


Because We can
Army Of One
What's Left of Me
Beautiful World



I will SKIP those (below 3/10)

Amen
Thick as Thieves
Room At The End of The world
The Fighter

[ezearis]

God! Into The Echo should have been in the official album!

[Roll]

God! Into The Echo should have been in the official album!

Yes, instead of thick as thieves!

After 3 days I'm still satisfied with WAN, nothing groundbreaking but a solid album :cool:

[Captmorgs]

He needs to go back to I'm With You on tour. One of the best songs on the record, and it's only going to get better with more airings.

[ezearis]

He needs to go back to I'm With You on tour. One of the best songs on the record, and it's only going to get better with more airings.

YES! And they need to play Pictures of You, I don't care if they need to take In These Arms (one of my favourites songs) but I NEED to hear it in Argentina this year if they come.

[Savvi]

1 day later...

I'm skipping Thick As Thieves, With These Two Hands, What's Left Of Me, Room At The End Of The World, and The Fighter.

Still enjoying Because We Can and What About Now. Amen and Army Of One are also good.

I'm loving That's What The Water Made Me, Beautiful World, Pictures of You, I'm With You and Into The Echo more and more with every listen.

I'm happy :)

[CharlieShipley]

Just downloaded the album.

First impressions are that "What About Now" and "Because We Can" don't belong with the rest. I think those throw the mix off, but they are fun by themselves (or is it FUN) *zing*

I found myself liking "Amen" almost against my will. "Thirty more seconds and Im turning this shit off..." listened to the whole song.

WHERE ARE THE SAMBORA SOLOS?!?!?! The only real solo (I think it's "I'm With You") is a jigsawed version of the WGIGO solo.
On that note, WHERE ALL MY TALKBOX AT?

Its been said, but go ahead, sing "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" over "I'm With You". Maybe thats what Richie and Billie Jo talked about at I<3Radio? "Hey bro, Im in your back catalog taking all your hooks! Btw, get better soon."

"I'm with You" probably my favorite of the bunch.

"Army of One" is just lazy.

Jon should not attempt to be Tom Waits.

I also like "Whats Left of Me" in spite of it being patronizing and insincere

[TwinFan]

After a couple days, I'm still listening to That's What the Water Made Me, Room at the End of the World, and I'm With You, and What's Left of Me regularly. I know most don't seem to like Room at the End of the World, but I think it's fantastic, really.

Beautiful World has worn off a bit on me. The lyrics might be part of that (cats in trees :()

I'm still conflicted about Pictures of You. I like the idea, but some things of it just seem a bit weird to me.

[danfan]

What I'm finding, is some of the songs on this record are really ruined by parts, whether it be chorus or lyrics, but otherwise would be pretty good.

Beautiful World - Annoying as all hell chorus.
Into The Echo - See above.
Thick As Thieves - "You, me, us" - Ugh, puke.
Room At The End Of The World - I like this song, but the lyrics are lazy as hell.

The only song that I have given up on is The Fighter. It's just too damn boring to listen to all the way through. And the crappy lyrics don't help.

Because We Can
I'm With You
What About Now
That's What The Water Made Me
Pictures Of You
With These 2 Hands

Those 6 songs are all awesome for me. And hey, 6 awesome songs on any album, I'll take.

Amen
What's Left Of Me

Those 2 deserve a place on my ipod for sure.

[Captmorgs]

Best songs for me:

What's Left of Me
I'm With You
Army of One
What About Now
Amen (more powerful on the record)
That's What The Water Made Me
With These Two Hands (lyrics just ok, but really like the melody)

Have potential, still evaluating:

Pictures of You
Beautiful World
Room At The End of The World
The Fighter (definitely not my favorite, but I do like it a little better on the record)

Thick As Thieves is slightly better than the 90 second snippet we heard, but contains the following lines:

"You'd come sit on my lap, in the electric chair,
And when they flip the switch, huh, we just kiss . . . "

Really Jon? Good grief.

[rokenrola]

I like the album very much,I'll give him solid 8,that's modern bon jovi and I'm ok with it,they can't pull another SWW,NY,KF,TD,they are 30 years around,they are older and these kind of songs suit them.Don't compare them with other bands because the others are not filling the stadiums and arenas like them,there are few bands like U2,Metallica,Iron Maiden,Ac Dc,Stones that still can fill the stadiums and arenas just like Jovi.Ok,people come for older songs but they listen also new ones,from 2000 'till today at least 2 songs from every album are remembered and moderate hits.Give them respect,they are still here,they are still great live band,they survived and many others aren't.

[faith1985]

Can I change my voting to 3 or 2?.

It is flat and uninspiring. I don't even see any sense in reviewing the single tracks more closely.

The most annoying part is that I keep singing the songs, well it happens with pop music.

[Rdkopper]

This album is really good!!!

There are so many songs growing on me. I just listened to "Beautiful World" 6 times in a row.... This is my "Love's The Only Rule" of the album...

I think I could enjoy this album for the next few months to come. It's not getting put away anytime soon.

[Budge]

This album is really good!!!

There are so many songs growing on me. I just listened to "Beautiful World" 6 times in a row.... This is my "Love's The Only Rule" of the album...

I think I could enjoy this album for the next few months to come. It's not getting put away anytime soon.

Yeah me too. Listened over and over and Beautiful World is definately on the better side of the album. I'm really surprised with Thick As Thieves, I thought it was turd after the first listen, starts off too slow and the lyrics are just Urgh!! but now. I love it, I think for me now it is fighting to be in the top 3 off this album. The way the song builds and ends saves it completely.

[danfan]

I'm giving up on Into The Echo. The solo is decent, and the song isn't awful, but the chorus is just so bad, it kills the song for me.

[Rdkopper]

I'm giving up on Into The Echo. The solo is decent, and the song isn't awful, but the chorus is just so bad, it kills the song for me.

It's a bonus track so I'm not going to rip it too much. It does grow on you a little, the more you listen but it still belongs as a Bonus.

[RonJovi]

Enjoying it so far but I've enjoyed most Bon Jovi albums on first listen.

Favourites so far are What About Now, That's What the Water Made Me, What's Left of Me and Army of One (despite the repetitive chorus).

I don't hear a Livin On a Prayer, Always, It's My Life or Have a Nice Day type single but I do hear a lot of solid songs.

Be interesting to see if it is novelty value or if the album has staying power.

[danfan]

It's a bonus track so I'm not going to rip it too much. It does grow on you a little, the more you listen but it still belongs as a Bonus.

With These Two Hands works for me, and that's a bonus. That should have been on the album.

[danfan]

Enjoying it so far but I've enjoyed most Bon Jovi albums on first listen.

Favourites so far are What About Now, That's What the Water Made Me, What's Left of Me and Army of One (despite the repetitive chorus).

I don't hear a Livin On a Prayer, Always, It's My Life or Have a Nice Day type single but I do hear a lot of solid songs.

Be interesting to see if it is novelty value or if the album has staying power.

I think like any post 2000 album, a few songs will have staying power. The band will never release another New Jersey or Slippery When Wet though.

[TwinFan]

Be interesting to see if it is novelty value or if the album has staying power.
Exactly. This is why first impressions of an album can be a bit skewed. The real test is time. The Circle wore off for me after only a month or two. Now there's only two songs from that album which I even listen to semi-regularly. Lets hope What About Now doesn't do the same.

We truly won't know how good the album is until months or even years have passed, in my opinion.

[RonJovi]

I think like any post 2000 album, a few songs will have staying power. The band will never release another New Jersey or Slippery When Wet though.

True but for me, as an album, Crush and Bounce (a few songs aside) didn't have staying power whereas HAND did. Wonder if What About Now will be more HAND than Bounce (for me).

[danfan]

True but for me, as an album, Crush and Bounce (a few songs aside) didn't have staying power whereas HAND did. Wonder if What About Now will be more HAND than Bounce (for me).

Yeah, I see what you're saying. I was odd with HAND. Everyone loved Bells of Freedom, and I thought it was one of the worst songs on the record. But HAND, I Am, I Want To Be Loved and Welcome To Wherever You Are still hold up for me.

Oddly, Bounce had 2 of my ultimate hold ups for me - The Distance and Undivided.

[bonjovi90]

After 3 listens the album already falls unbelievably flat on me :(

The Circle (by no means a masterpiece) held up much longer in my case...

[Chris_Newton]

For what its worth here is what i think of the album:-

Because we can (9)

I have always liked this song, think its a cracking way to open the album, not got sick of hearing this yet at all.

I'm With you ( 8 )

Wasn't sure at first, but yea its a grower on me, in fact i had originally given it a 7 but its on again now and yup! its growing more and more on me, so a 8 it is :)

What about Now (9)

Love this song, deserves to be the next single for me, catchy as hell, find myself singing this all day.

Pictures of you (7)

I do like this song, just not gripping me as much as it is other people, still a solid song and i definitely wont be skipping it.

Amen (10)

Always been a sucker for a ballad and i have to say i rate this up there as one of the best. It is Johns version of hallelujah? to be honest dont care if it is, i like the song for what it is. I am awaiting the grief for giving this a 10 :D

That's the water made me (9)

I think most people picked this as a stand out track, and it is, gets me all the way through, i like the way it feels after amen, a good contrast. Love it

Whats Left of Me (10)

Probably my favorate song on the album at the moment i just cant get enough of it, for me a classic jovi song, really hope they play this live when i see them in June.

Army of one (7)

Its decent...not the best but listen-able...not sure what else to say..it ok yea. i do love Tico in this one...nice beat.

Thick as Thieves (7)

Not as bad as i thought it was going to be, does not really get going for me, but again i can listen to it and this could grow on me the more i listen.

Beautiful World (6)

Strange isnt it, a LOT of people love this song, but i find it one of the weaker songs. Yes its upbeat but i just cant get into it, i by no means hate it, just not grabbed me by the balls yet.

Room at the end of the world (6.5)

Cant decide if i like this one or if i am making myself like it! i like the chorus, will have to listen a few more times before i can be sure.

The Fighter ( 8 )

Really thought i was going to skip this, but NO i love it. Weirdly i can see why people would hate it, but i find it strangely addictive.

With These two Hands (5)

Nothing special here, i could skip this and not miss it.

Not Running Anymore ( 8 )

Sounds like a afterthought but i find it compelling, again loving the chorus, was a nice surprise for me. Not a classic i agree but a lovely song.

Old Habits die hard (7)

Ok its a bonus track, but not a bad tune at all, sounds like a western song for me. Foot tapping though....enjoyable.

Every Road Leads to home (7)

Richie, Richie.....nice to hear you sir.....nice song, catchy and just proves what a great voice he has. Nice

So overall i really love this album, defiantly the best since These Days. Sure the album does die down a little towards the end, but there is enough here for me to count it as a great!

Just my opinion !!

[eddie73]

Ok, i am utterly shocked by the this release, no guitar solos, average production, poor lyrics. I have supported this band for nearly 30 years and i canot beleive they are proud of it ! Why are they trying to sound like the killers who i ****ing detest big time, or u2 or matchbox 20 or anything else that is current just to stay mainstreem. Can you imagine maiden chaging their sound ...NO . Stick to what you used to be good at lads, you will still fill the stadiums and sell millions .

With every new release i hope and pray that they will release that " Great big rock record" the jon keeps saying. I want honky tonk piano, power chords amazing solos but i know we aint never going to get it agai. Sambo must be so frustrated within the band at not being allowed to show his talents off. Aftermath kicks this into touch, he plays the music he wants to play, not what is current or not.

I remember when jon said. " if i wanted to write another slippery or jersey i could, but i dont want to " Could you ? cause that is what i want and im sure alot of other people do as well. I dont think they have it in em anymore. The box set ahs better songs on that this yet they wernt deemed good enough to be on a album. Sorry boys not impressed with "what about now"

you had more cred than " Europe " in the 80s, but im affraid to say the tides have changed, Europe are releasing some great albums, hard rock, bluesy , great lyrics and riffs that are putting you to shame. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

[rokenrola]

like I said,these songs suit them,yes,Europe are making more hard rock album these days but they can't sell even half a million copies of it,Maiden keep copying themselves and also sell less then Jovi but they are great live and filling stadiums and arenas but Jovi are better in that matter again.
You have a choice-buy the album or not and problem is fixed!

[samus88]

I love how some people has said to me and others that listening to this album once is just not giving it a chance, yet for what I read most of this forum has listened to the album like 3 times a day, or more. That's just plain dumb. I can't repeat an album on the same week, I'm always listening different albums everyday. You see, I heard WAN the once, it sucked deeply, and I won't to it again for a long time. Maybe in 2 years or something I'll hear i again and reevaluate my position.

[ticos_stick]

I've only listened to it twice. There's absolutely no reason to go back to it. At least The Circle had some kind of charm within the first ten or so listens.

Jon, you have truly turned this band into a nostalgia act. Well done Mr Workaholic.

[Johny]

After first listen: CRAP ( I gave it 5 though.. it may change)

[eddie73]

The songs are poor very poor. To chase fads is what annoys me.whos to say if they did do a proper rock album, it would sell any less ! Hand was a rockyish album and sold 7 million. Then they go and try to sound like othee artists to stay current and actually sell less. The stones dont sell millions any more but have stuck to their roots and they are still ths biggest live draw when they tour. Gettin reallt fed up with the band

[Roll]

I've only listened to it twice. There's absolutely no reason to go back to it. At least The Circle had some kind of charm within the first ten or so listens.

Jon, you have truly turned this band into a nostalgia act. Well done Mr Workaholic.

You're right on the money. A band which would have never been close to the success they've achieved wouldn't have it been for Jon.
I understand your disappointment but when you see it took Richie 14 years to deliver a terrible record, you realize there's no need to hope for the drunk guitarist to save the day.
I know I Iack balance but let's not forget thanks to who the band we (I?) love is what it is.

[Alphavictim]

no guitar solos

Army Of One, Pictures Of You and I'm With You have pretty good solos I'd say.

[Supersonic]

Aloha !

Army Of One, Pictures Of You and I'm With You have pretty good solos I'd say.

I was thinking about this and most of Bon Jovi's guitar solo's of the past 10 years are mostly just fills really. There's no real structure in any of the stuff that's on the new record and at times it even sounds as if they compiled something out of a few takes to see what would fit best.

Salaam Aleikum,
Sebastiaan

[steel_horse75]

I love how some people has said to me and others that listening to this album once is just not giving it a chance, yet for what I read most of this forum has listened to the album like 3 times a day, or more. That's just plain dumb. I can't repeat an album on the same week, I'm always listening different albums everyday. You see, I heard WAN the once, it sucked deeply, and I won't to it again for a long time. Maybe in 2 years or something I'll hear i again and reevaluate my position.

I think this is the most stupid thing I've read on here for a long time.
You listen to an album once and that it? You can judge it on one listen? So you must be buying about 100 albums a week then if you only listen to an album once per every few weeks

[Alphavictim]

Really? I'm With You's solo actually has a very clear structure - it's the same basic lick played twice, then slightly beefed up and finishing with solo quick runs. It's no LOAP, but I dig it.

I also liked the unexpected harmony around 2:28 of Pictures With You.

Army Of One's is stuck in a boring song and not very memorable, but I think it's pretty long actually? Either way, the point was "there's no solos" - I can remember three. There's probably more, but these are definitely solos (can't say the same about Because We Can, for example) and IMO solid ones.

[eddie73]

Army Of One, Pictures Of You and I'm With You have pretty good solos I'd say.


Im with you yes it has. But the others are so layered. Out of 16 songs there are 3 maybe 4 with solos, pretty poor in my estimation. What I would di for a " let it rock" solo. Come on people the record is a joke

[Thierry]

With These Two Hands works for me, and that's a bonus. That should have been on the album.

It's a definite turd.

[samus88]

I think this is the most stupid thing I've read on here for a long time.
You listen to an album once and that it? You can judge it on one listen? So you must be buying about 100 albums a week then if you only listen to an album once per every few weeks

Do you also watch movies 10 or 15 times to make a fair "judgement"? I sure don't. If I provided you with an album from a brutal death metal band (going on a limb here and assme you're not into that genre), would you listen to it several times until you can "judge" it properly? I bet you wouldn't even last 3 songs if you're not into that genre. This is me with BJ. I don't like pop/"rock" and I actually pay attention to an album when I listen to it. There's nothing in here worth repetition. Simple structured, overproduced, lyric oriented, bad music.

Let me add something here and ask you a question: why do YOU listen to an album several times even if, say, the first impression wasn't good? To me it sounds it's because you WANT to like it in some level, so you just force yourself into liking it. When I listen to an album I never heard before, it's a whole experience to me. I pay attention to the music and if I enjoy it, I'll listen to it again sometime later (a week or longer. I also cannnot understand how can people listen to the same song or album more than once a day.), but if it didn't do anything for me, not in the least, I don't hear it again.

[danfan]

Im with you yes it has. But the others are so layered. Out of 16 songs there are 3 maybe 4 with solos, pretty poor in my estimation. What I would di for a " let it rock" solo. Come on people the record is a joke

Yeah, we all would. And that's not gonna happen. Move on.

[danfan]

It's a definite turd.

How is that any more of a turd than Into The Echo?

[Bounce7800]

Having managed to listen it, I'm actually a lot more impressed than I initially was. Most of the songs stand up quite well underneath the production, which ruins some/most of it.
I'm even enjoying Amen on the record, although can live without it live, at least it means Hallelujah is retired.
The Fighter is boring, and the bonus tracks are pointless- Not Running & Old Habits are 2 of the dullest songs committed to record by anyone ever. I have no desire to listen to them again, but 1-12 is actually a pleasant surprise. I do have to turn a blind ear to some of the production- most notably on I'm With You, there's also a strange bit after the solo of Whats Left Of Me, when the word "Overseas" is cut off early and some horrible drumbeat is played, which sounds utterly shit, compared to just, I don't know, have that sodding beast of a drummer they have hit some notes instead. Oh yeah, could they not be asked to do a proper start to Pictures of you?

But on the whole, with the actual songs I'm pretty happy. And Into The Echo aint that bad either, and should have been the last track instead of The Fighter.

[ZB_]

The worst Bon Jovi album ever. I thought BWC was terrible, but not really.

Because We Can - 5/10 - at least it's not boring
I'm With You - 10/10 - really great
What's Left Over Me - 10/10 - nice one
Amen - 5/10 - Hallelujah wannabe but the production's natural

Other songs are terrible and I've deleted them. The worst being Water and trio Habits, running and the third one. Couldn't listen to an end.. Pure crap. Couple songs have potential, but at this stage I can't stand that garbage. Like the worst songs from 'The Circle' plus Jon's pretending Cohen solo... C'mon...

But 'I'm With You' and 'What's Left Over Me' are great.

[Makedde]

I love how some people has said to me and others that listening to this album once is just not giving it a chance, yet for what I read most of this forum has listened to the album like 3 times a day, or more. That's just plain dumb. I can't repeat an album on the same week, I'm always listening different albums everyday. You see, I heard WAN the once, it sucked deeply, and I won't to it again for a long time. Maybe in 2 years or something I'll hear i again and reevaluate my position.

An album can grow on you. One listen isn't enough to make a decision, no matter if you sit beside the stereo and listen to every word.
Sometimes I will like an album straight away, other times, I listen to it again to see if I change my mind.

I listened to this album once and I like it, although it isn't perfect.

[samus88]

Uhm, "every word"? When I said I pay attention to the music , I meant literally. I don't care about the lyrics, I just hear the music, and the vocal melody is part of that. Doesn't matter if the guy sings "because we can" or "we love the bread". I listen to the melody.

I don't know where did that notion come from, that you can't make a decision with one listen. What the hell. If you need to listen to it 10 times to make a decision, then by the time you hit the 10th, you know it by memory, so you just decide you hate it? No, you heard it so much, you end up liking it, or merely acceping it. It's forced man. First impressions are much valuable than forced repeated listens to make it "grow on you"

[badname]

Just listened to the lyric videos on YouTube- couldn't wait. Listened to most tracks more than once. It is definitely a disappointment from a rock band perspective. As a pop record, it holds its own. It feels a little rushed and as if it was a lot Jon liking stuff he had written while Richie was in the studio doing his own thing. The most glaringly exclusion is any type of imaginative riffing or use of the power chord.

The one prevailing theme ad nauseam is the need to write a political statement and have a social conscience. I can understand Jon is older, more boring and into philanthropy, etc but it's getting embarassingly tired. "What about now" the song is pure repetitive political corn syrup we've been listening to for some time. That and Amen are by far the worst efforts here.

Highlights are many but nothing jumps off the canvas.....lol.

Thick as Thieves is very good and a wise gamble as a single. Cheesy as it is, Beautiful World has a Terrific pre-chorus and chorus but misses w/o a solo. Water would be brilliant but the production is criminal. I still like it but its a better live song. I find myself wanting to listen to Room at the end of the world and it's kind of stuck in my head. BWC has great verses but your aunt Lucy's guitar solo, what a shame. Pictures of you is good but forgettable. Army of one is a great song with possibly the worst chorus they've ever written. The fighter is alright. Im with you, aside from the solo, gives me a headache. this would flop as a single, guaranteed.

Tough to swallow this effort but it is what it is. The band has lost some punch since HAND and Jon should have just released a solo album of half of this stuff. That would have been acceptable at least. Does anybody in their inner circle ever tell them what the fans want? I thought not.

[Antman]

Ah well just like your favourite fading sports star, you wait for a moment of brilliance to remember the great times ..... but in this case where is it?

A couple of good songs, a few fillers and some that will cure my insomnia.

3/10 and will probably fall to be another Bon Jovi drink coaster, oh hang on it is already.

Here's waiting for a resurgence.

[bounce442]

There seems to be a consensus on Army of One. Potentially cool song, destroyed by the lyrics.

But am I the only one who isn't too bothered by the chorus (yes, painfully cliche but I understand to fit the timing/melody the options are limited), but rather by the verses? IMO the chorus is forgivable if the verses were meaningful and interesting. Am I alone?

[kenobi_on_a_prayer]

I really like it right now. I don't know if I will in a year from now but I'm enjoying it atm.

Water is one of my favourite Bon Jovi songs of the last 13 years. I'm With You reminds me of Nothing, which I still wish had been on HAND. I quite like Beautiful World, MB20 ripoff and all.

Thick as Thieves makes me want to throw things at posters of Jon. :p

7.5/10 - would probably rate it higher if it was billed as a solo JBJ album

[steel_horse75]

Just over 25 hours until I get my mitts on this.
As promised haven't downloaded it just the free Into The Echo and even then only listened to it once.
Want to saviour it all tomorrow.

For people saying there's no solos and riffs from Sambora - it's been that way for years. What's new??

[bonjovi90]

Just over 25 hours until I get my mitts on this.
As promised haven't downloaded it just the free Into The Echo and even then only listened to it once.
Want to saviour it all tomorrow.

For people saying there's no solos and riffs from Sambora - it's been that way for years. What's new??

It has even gotten less - on some songs I'm almost certain there's only Bobby playing.

[Jonty]

thank goodness they lost a lot of the bad production out of water made me for the live version!!!

[Roll]

For people saying there's no solos and riffs from Sambora - it's been that way for years. What's new??

I can't see why you say that. That's all because of Jon, everybody knows that. Until you listen to the shitty AOTL though...

[Chris_Newton]

Uhm, "every word"? When I said I pay attention to the music , I meant literally. I don't care about the lyrics, I just hear the music, and the vocal melody is part of that. Doesn't matter if the guy sings "because we can" or "we love the bread". I listen to the melody.

I don't know where did that notion come from, that you can't make a decision with one listen. What the hell. If you need to listen to it 10 times to make a decision, then by the time you hit the 10th, you know it by memory, so you just decide you hate it? No, you heard it so much, you end up liking it, or merely acceping it. It's forced man. First impressions are much valuable than forced repeated listens to make it "grow on you"

So let me get this right....you have NEVER had a song that has grown on you? Not having a go here, but i am so so so glad i am not like this. I would have missed out on so many great jovi songs if i had just gone on first impressions.

[Supersonic]

Aloha !

So let me get this right....you have NEVER had a song that has grown on you? Not having a go here, but i am so so so glad i am not like this. I would have missed out on so many great jovi songs if i had just gone on first impressions.

I'm getting a bit tired of this argument of Bon Jovi songs needing to grow on you and people not giving this record a real chance yada yada.

No, there's no Bon Jovi song of the past 10 years that has grown on me. There's plenty from other artists, but Bon Jovi songs have become predictable beyond belief, there's no such thing as a surprise factor to them anymore. You either like them or you don't. Just because you feel they might grow on you doesn't mean someone else experiences music just the same and by saying "I'm glad I'm not like you" you're actually saying it as if you're the better person here.

I kind of wonder though with people all being about "giving it more spins". How many chances have you given songs by other bands you've been negative about in the past?

Salaam Aleikum,
Sebastiaan

[Chris_Newton]

Aloha !



I'm getting a bit tired of this argument of Bon Jovi songs needing to grow on you and people not giving this record a real chance yada yada.

No, there's no Bon Jovi song of the past 10 years that has grown on me. There's plenty from other artists, but Bon Jovi songs have become predictable beyond belief, there's no such thing as a surprise factor to them anymore. You either like them or you don't. Just because you feel they might grow on you doesn't mean someone else experiences music just the same and by saying "I'm glad I'm not like you" you're actually saying it as if you're the better person here.

I kind of wonder though with people all being about "giving it more spins". How many chances have you given songs by other bands you've been negative about in the past?

Salaam Aleikum,
Sebastiaan

Better Person? wow you so missed my point! and if Bon jovi have not done anything for you in the last 10 years, why you still here?

[Supersonic]

Aloha !

Better Person? wow you so missed my point! and if Bon jovi have not done anything for you in the last 10 years, why you still here?

That's not what I said. I said no Bon Jovi song of the past 10 years ever needed to grow on me. You either like it or you don't. Nowhere am I saying "It didn't need to grown on me, I didn't like it".

It's another thing that's started pissing of many people on here. The "why are you still here" thing that seems to be needed to explained time after time after time because some are just not getting it. People's incapability of reading posts and then drawing their own conclusions to them despite certain things have never been said is mind-boggling and it's why so many discussions turn into debates where longtime fans need to explain why they stick to a band they used to love for all their output in the past.

If certain things are so hard to understand it's no wonder why some appreciate the dumb-downed recent efforts of the band; it doesn't require a lot of thinking. But if the "better person" thing wasn't your point, then what really was your point when saying such a thing in the first place?

Salaam Aleikum,
Sebastiaan

[Chris_Newton]

Aloha !



That's not what I said. I said no Bon Jovi song of the past 10 years ever needed to grow on me. You either like it or you don't. Nowhere am I saying "It didn't need to grown on me, I didn't like it".

It's another thing that's started pissing of many people on here. The "why are you still here" thing that seems to be needed to explained time after time after time because some are just not getting it. People's incapability of reading posts and then drawing their own conclusions to them despite certain things have never been said is mind-boggling and it's why so many discussions turn into debates where longtime fans need to explain why they stick to a band they used to love for all their output in the past.

If certain things are so hard to understand it's no wonder why some appreciate the dumb-downed recent efforts of the band; it doesn't require a lot of thinking. If the "better person" thing wasn't your point, then what really was your point?

Salaam Aleikum,
Sebastiaan

My point that you have missed and seem to want to start a pointless argument over (are you bored by any chance? ) was...

If some people judge an album on one listen and never give it another chance (or wait 2 years) before listening to it again, then fine ! but i am glad that i dont do this, because if i had taken this approach then there are a lot of songs that i would have not gotten into, a fine example for ME is Till we aint stangers anymore, i hated this song when i first heard it. Now i think its one of the best on Lost Highway....that was point, was not putting anyone else down.

[Supersonic]

Aloha !

My point that you have missed and seem to want to start a pointless argument over (are you bored by any chance? ) was...

No, not really. Just getting tired of needing to read the same people going in circles asking others why they're still here, trying to convince them to give stuff a second listen because, according to their standards you can't judge something on first listen.

If some people judge an album on one listen and never give it another chance (or wait 2 years) before listening to it again, then fine ! but i am glad that i dont do this, because if i had taken this approach then there are a lot of songs that i would have not gotten into, a fine example for ME is Till we aint stangers anymore, i hated this song when i first heard it. Now i think its one of the best on Lost Highway....that was point, was not putting anyone else down.

Fair enough, if that was what you meant I apologize for misinterpreting what you said. It still makes me wonder though if you give other bands you dislike so many second spins as well? What you're doing is essentially the same as radio stations do as well; give something plenty of spins until eventually a listener will start to like it simply because he's heard it so many times.

Salaam Aleikum,
Sebastiaan

[Chris_Newton]

Aloha !



No, not really. Just getting tired of needing to read the same people going in circles asking others why they're still here, trying to convince them to give stuff a second listen because, according to their standards you can't judge something on first listen.



Fair enough, if that was what you meant I apologize for misinterpreting what you said. It still makes me wonder though if you give other bands you dislike so many second spins as well? What you're doing is essentially the same as radio stations do as well; give something plenty of spins until eventually a listener will start to like it simply because he's heard it so many times.

Salaam Aleikum,
Sebastiaan

Its a good point..do we all judge bands we think we dont like on one listen, but because we love Jovi we do give it another chance etc....Thats a whole new can of worms that could be opened up.

[bjcrazycpa]

Aloha !



I'm getting a bit tired of this argument of Bon Jovi songs needing to grow on you and people not giving this record a real chance yada yada.

No, there's no Bon Jovi song of the past 10 years that has grown on me. There's plenty from other artists, but Bon Jovi songs have become predictable beyond belief, there's no such thing as a surprise factor to them anymore. You either like them or you don't. Just because you feel they might grow on you doesn't mean someone else experiences music just the same and by saying "I'm glad I'm not like you" you're actually saying it as if you're the better person here.

I kind of wonder though with people all being about "giving it more spins". How many chances have you given songs by other bands you've been negative about in the past?

Salaam Aleikum,
Sebastiaan

I'm with you on this Seb. For me, I have never understood the "grower' concept for Bon Jovi or any band. Now that said, there are songs, that I can appreciate more over time but my initial judgment is normally what stays over all for me. I either like and connect with a song on first listen or I don't. I have not heard the songs for WAN in their entirety yet so I haven't rated this record but I will come Tuesday. I do understand wanting to like music by your favorite band but I don't feel bad if I don't.

[Haja]

I am sad to say that there is no song on the album that I really feel like listening to again. This is probably the least original effort from the band so far.
Pictures of You is okay. I'm With You is okay but many bands have done the same song so much better already. I would also enjoy Room At The End of the World but Jon's vocals in the "In our room.." part really ruin it for me.

[samus88]

So let me get this right....you have NEVER had a song that has grown on you? Not having a go here, but i am so so so glad i am not like this. I would have missed out on so many great jovi songs if i had just gone on first impressions.

I did not say that. I'll give you an example. Around 6 or 7 years ago, I heard the song Firth of Fifth of Genesis. I hated it. Never heard again, until I started changing my musical taste (up until then I only heard BJ and random popular music) and started listening to Progressive Rock. Then heard again that song and several Genesis albums and I loved them. That song now is one of, if not my, favorite songs ever.

But I didn't reheard several times until I ended up liking it. I hated and, and didn't heard again until I had changed my interests and heard tha album with a different mindset.

What I specifically criticise here is, that some people here seem to hear this new album, NOT like it, and keep listening to it, until they change their mind and start appreciating at least some songs. To me, that 'growing on ya" is a forced taste. If you keep repeating the same song over and over again, just the familiarity of it, will make you feel like it's grown on you. I'd rather not listen to it again, or at least some significant time to listen to it again. Right now, it's been a couple of days, and I still remember how bad it is, I have no desire to repeat it.

[SexxAtraxxion]

Bon Jovi make Pop Rock songs, they don't need to grow on you. They are not Pink Floyd.

[danfan]

Bon Jovi make Pop Rock songs, they don't need to grow on you. They are not Pink Floyd.

Learning to Fly was one song that I fell in love with upon 1st listen.

[faith1985]

Bon Jovi make Pop Rock songs, they don't need to grow on you. They are not Pink Floyd.

I liked many PF songs after the first time I heard them.

Oh and Amen is growing on me and so is Old Habits. Sometimes I think songs are extremely boring but when I give them a proper listen I start to like them and it has not always something to do with complexity. With other songs I know I will never like them (like BWC on the record). The Live version is slightly better, though.

[Captain_jovi]

I liked many PF songs after the first time I heard them.

Oh and Amen is growing on me and so is Old Habits. Sometimes I think songs are extremely boring but when I give them a proper listen I start to like them and it has not always something to do with complexity. With other songs I know I will never like them (like BWC on the record). The Live version is slightly better, though.

Yep. Hard Letting You Go was an absolute snoozefest/always skip for me for a full year after I heard TD. It's now in my top 5 Jovi tracks. Sometimes it just hits you.

[Spidey5150]

Listening to Beautiful World on the official site right now. I must say I really like it quite a bit...

[Alphavictim]

Musically, it's pretty good. Lyrically, it's awful. It's the total "just be happy with what you got"-bullshit that is against everything rock & roll, plus it's coming from a millionaire. As arrogant as it was, Fear stated pretty much the opposite. Beautiful World is on par with Welcome To Whereever You Are as far as cynicism goes, considering there's people living in their own shit on this world.

Is it all bad? No. But neither are these people "exactly where you're supposed to be" (Calvinism?) nor is it all beautiful. I mean, seriously.

[Butters]

Musically, it's pretty good. Lyrically, it's awful. It's the total "just be happy with what you got"-bullshit that is against everything rock & roll, plus it's coming from a millionaire. As arrogant as it was, Fear stated pretty much the opposite. Beautiful World is on par with Welcome To Whereever You Are as far as cynicism goes, considering there's people living in their own shit on this world.

Is it all bad? No. But neither are these people "exactly where you're supposed to be" (Calvinism?) nor is it all beautiful. I mean, seriously.

Look, I fully agree with you in terms of the lyrics to Welcome to Wherever You Are. They truly are horrendous. They're completely fatalistic, and (if you want to be serious) unethical and immoral too.

I don't think the same applies to Beautiful World, however. You're obviously correct that for a very substantial proportion of the world's population the world is anything but beautiful. So to call the world a beautiful (or conversely a horrible) place is a silly overgeneralisation. I love the song because I see it as an expression of a certain state of mind. When a person is purely happy and contented, the world can appear to be a beautiful place even in spite of all it's horrors and I see this song representing that feeling.

[Spidey5150]

I've never understood the hate for Welcome To Wherever You Are, think it's a fantastic song

[JOVI7826]

First of all,i'd like to say hello to all the fans in the forum!As you can see,it's my first post,so be nice with me!I think that the album is very nice.I'm following Bon Jovi since I was 11 years old.There were fantastic albums and songs at that time,that's for sure.But,come on!Because We Can...I love it!!It will be the perfect live song,that's for sure.Pictures Of You is very nice and upbeat..What's Left Of Me is a country-driven song with very sweet melody and very catchy chorus!!Army Of One,very different,with very interesting guitar work from Richie.The title track is far better than WWBTF..Beautiful World has quite similar verses with the song from Matchbox 20,but I find myself sing along with it all the time!!Thick As Thieves...a warm ballad,with nice vocals from Jon,and a beautiful guitar solo from Richie.That's What The Water Made Me..I like it but it kinda reminds me Just Older A LOT...The same goes to I'm With You...Very Greenday-ish song..I even liked Into The Echo!!This song really has perfect verses.Let's face it..The band came up with a quite nice album this time..Far better than The Circle IMO..I give it 8/10...

[danfan]

I've never understood the hate for Welcome To Wherever You Are, think it's a fantastic song

It's got some some crap lyrics, but Jon's vocals are great.

[steel_horse75]

I've never understood the hate for Welcome To Wherever You Are, think it's a fantastic song

The line about God makes no mistakes f*cks it up

[Alphavictim]

When a person is purely happy and contented, the world can appear to be a beautiful place even in spite of all it's horrors and I see this song representing that feeling.

The line about the widow was in pretty bad taste as well IMO. Let's see how Jon feels about this beautiful world when his wife dies... that line is just one giant "rules to be me, sucks to be you".

[nikos greece]

i think this album is decent,the first 6-7 songs are far better than the ones that close the album imo...there are some good ideas there and bj are studio veterans by now so their standards are really high BUT as long as jon tries to PUSH that optimism into every lyric,into every song, into every chord progression then the material will be average...writing a song of hope and optimism is a tough task but for many reasons jon truly believes its the only thing worth writing for...the last decade there have been nice songs with potentials, jons voice limitations hurt some of these songs.
Favorite tracks: wtwmm-army of one(many people here hate it, i love it though)-pictures of you. listening to the record what comes to mind is this...if someone close to the band had the balls to say and argue about the record, and that certain songs are the same old shit maybe jon would go back and wrote 3-4 new ones...i liked the circle, i think wan is a small step forward but jon has to realise some things have to change...and john shanks may be the obvious solution but i think shanks produces the kind of the record the band(jon) desires...the van halen record was really rocky(even if i didnt loved it really)...jon needs to be challenged, needs to face the fact that he hasnt release a killer album in more than a decade, there are some good ideas, but most of them are just a reason for him to go out on the road and live it all again.
touring wise things seem to improve...richie is on fire, not the ktf/td richie but still great...i hope jon picks up and deliver some magic! i also really like the arena stage from the videos and the photos..:cool:

[RonJovi]

Still really liking the album.

I do wonder though, when Jon and Richie/Falcon/Child are sitting down and they're writing "Because We Can" for example and they're struggling for a lyric, why someone doesn't apply some common sense. The conversation should surely go something like:

Child: I'm struggling with this one Jonny
Jon: What about "Our love can move a mountain"
Child: What are you? F**king 12 years of age. That's shite and you've used that sort of crap about a million times. This is part of the reason why the critics hate your music. You use cringe inducing cliches. Try something more original.

Even in WAN (I think), there is a lyric that says something like "If you want to take a step, get up off your knees". How many f**king times have we heard, "get up off your knees". Enough, come up with something original. Even if he said "you gotta stand on your feet" or something. Bugs the shit outta me. Similar to "If all we've got is each other, then all we've got is a lot". They've used that a bunch of times too.

I think the album is still really enjoyable. Loving WAN, TWTWMM, WLOM, AOO, IWY so far. Might change in time.

But, like a lot of people, I think some of the lyrics are lazy to the point that Jon should be kicked in the nuts by one of his co-writers.

[bonjovi821]

The line about the widow was in pretty bad taste as well IMO. Let's see how Jon feels about this beautiful world when his wife dies... that line is just one giant "rules to be me, sucks to be you".

I agree, as that's basically what just happened to my grandma about a week ago and while she's not a fan and won't be hearing the song, it kinda stung when I heard it. Bad line mixed with bad timing.

[steel_horse75]

Ok so I bought two copies. Normal for my son (£10) and the deluxe for me (£17) from HMV. £7 for 4 bonus tracks seems expensive but WTTH I like a lot so not all bad.

Heres my scores on first listen.

BWC 6/10 – Still don’t like the start but the rest is OK

IMY 10/10 – Probably best song they’ve done in last 15 years. Def best post 2000 song. RS is fantastic on this song. Shame he dont turn up for rest of the album!

WAN 8/10 – Good song – keeps album rocking along.

POY 7/10 – Another good song.

AMEN 7/10 – Didn’t like it when first heard it but now I like it.

TWTWMM 8/10 – Second best song on the album. Real good song.

WLOM 7.5/10 – Saturday Night part 2 and there’s nothing wrong with that.

AOO 4/10 – first dud for me. Too repetitive.

TAT – 7.5/10 – Like it. I shouldn’t. But I do! Good song.

BW 7.5/10 – Another good song here. Good tempo.

RATEOFTW - 8/10 – Good song. Nice melody.

TF – 1/10 – Pure dirge. Don’t fit on the album at all. Should have just left on the soundtrack.

WTTH -7.5/10 – Good song – I’d like to hear JBJ of the 90s sing it though.

NRA - 3/10 – Better than the Fighter but it clearly don’t fit on the album. Perfect on a soundtrack but not here.

OHDH – 5/10 – Not a bad song trouble is it follows NRA and TF so is another slow song. That’s why the other two should’ve been left off.

ERLHTY – 8/10 – Wasn’t gonna include it but a non-die hard/fan won’t know it’s a RS solo track so lll score it. Good song.

ITE - 7/10 – I really like this song. I’d be happy to see it replace both soundtrack songs. In fact it will on my ipod.

Total score 112/170 gives an average score of 6.59 over 17 songs.
Take out the Fighter and NRA and it would score higher and be a much better album.

[jbjhand]

I've only listened to it twice. There's absolutely no reason to go back to it. At least The Circle had some kind of charm within the first ten or so listens.

Jon, you have truly turned this band into a nostalgia act. Well done Mr Workaholic.

Thanks for that, its exactly how i feel about it. The Circle had plenty of charm, listening to this just feels like hard work.

[Gabriel Shoes]

Mediocre effort. After a few listens, I dont feel the need to listen to it again. Sounds like a typical Bon Jovi record of the 2000s, without the catchy/hit singles.

Luckily there is good music out there.

I can't believe people here are claiming it's as good as the classic records :neutral:



Nothing to add.

[Next Big Thing]

Thick as Thieves is easily my favorite song on this album. It's also the first time I can hear Richie's writing coming out just as must as Jon's in a good while.

I do wish David would write more though. I know he's only ever co-wrote about three songs for the band (I think the last time was Last Cigarette on HAND), but it would be nice to see more people get in on the writing process, so it's more than just Jon's vision with Richie chiming in here and there.

[RonJovi]

Thick as Thieves is easily my favorite song on this album. It's also the first time I can hear Richie's writing coming out just as must as Jon's in a good while.

I do wish David would write more though. I know he's only ever co-wrote about three songs for the band, but it would be nice to see more people get in on the writing process, so it's more than just Jon's vision with Richie chiming in here and there.

Agree 100%. Can't understand why Billy Falcon and John Shanks get such a big role in the songwriting process and David gets pretty much nothing. He seems to be a very able songwriter. If I was him, I'd be majorly pissed off but I suppose the big pay days cushion the blow of stifled creativity.

[nickolai]

Ok so I bought two copies. Normal for my son (£10) and the deluxe for me (£17) from HMV. £7 for 4 bonus tracks seems expensive but WTTH I like a lot so not all bad.

Heres my scores on first listen.

BWC 6/10 – Still don’t like the start but the rest is OK

IMY 10/10 – Probably best song they’ve done in last 15 years. Def best post 2000 song. RS is fantastic on this song. Shame he dont turn up for rest of the album!

WAN 8/10 – Good song – keeps album rocking along.

POY 7/10 – Another good song.

AMEN 7/10 – Didn’t like it when first heard it but now I like it.

TWTWMM 8/10 – Second best song on the album. Real good song.

WLOM 7.5/10 – Saturday Night part 2 and there’s nothing wrong with that.

AOO 4/10 – first dud for me. Too repetitive.

TAT – 7.5/10 – Like it. I shouldn’t. But I do! Good song.

BW 7.5/10 – Another good song here. Good tempo.

RATEOFTW - 8/10 – Good song. Nice melody.

TF – 1/10 – Pure dirge. Don’t fit on the album at all. Should have just left on the soundtrack.

WTTH -7.5/10 – Good song – I’d like to hear JBJ of the 90s sing it though.

NRA - 3/10 – Better than the Fighter but it clearly don’t fit on the album. Perfect on a soundtrack but not here.

OHDH – 5/10 – Not a bad song trouble is it follows NRA and TF so is another slow song. That’s why the other two should’ve been left off.

ERLHTY – 8/10 – Wasn’t gonna include it but a non-die hard/fan won’t know it’s a RS solo track so lll score it. Good song.

ITE - 7/10 – I really like this song. I’d be happy to see it replace both soundtrack songs. In fact it will on my ipod.

Total score 112/170 gives an average score of 6.59 over 17 songs.
Take out the Fighter and NRA and it would score higher and be a much better album.

Sorry, no offence. Well actually there is. You bother to write all this. I'm sure it's really insightful, but your too damn lazy to write out the titles of the songs. What the hell is the matter with people?! Such a bug bare of mine. I have absolutely no idea what these abbreviations mean. Thus I can't/won't read your review. It's a shame. Same applies to the other lazy arse before you.

[RonJovi]

Sorry, no offence. Well actually there is. You bother to write all this. I'm sure it's really insightful, but your too damn lazy to write out the titles of the songs. What the hell is the matter with people?! Such a bug bare of mine. I have absolutely no idea what these abbreviations mean. Thus I can't/won't read your review. It's a shame. Same applies to the other lazy arse before you.

He's done it in the same order that the album runs so it's excusable IMO (in my opinion).

[wichi850262]

and YOU bothered to write that?.....nuff sed lol. (Oops that should be, "enough said, laugh out loud).

I know that from now on, I'll only be writing in abbreviations - thanks for the tip. I think most, if not all fans of Bon Jovi would know what the song title abbreviations mean? Correct me if I'm wrong. Maybe we should start a poll ;)

You could get off your a*se and work it out - better still, buy the album, then you can work it out more easily....

Back on topic: For me IWY, TWTWMM, POY, TAT and BW are still going strong. Lost a bit of interest in TF and AOO. The bonus tracks don't do much for me either.

[TheOriginalJez]

Can't stand room at the end of the world, apart from that, and the fact that the fighter really doesn't fit at all it's much better than I expected. That's not fair actually, it's a good album generally - although with These Two Hands I didn't like that riff when Coldplay used it either... good song otherwise. Shame there's literally no POS promotion for it... all anyone cares about this week is Bowie...