Probably the heaviest album, definetly the rawest. The album that the Bon Jovi boys themselves don't like (that's why they don't play anything off it live anymore), and I think generally seen to be their worst album. I have no idea why, I think it's a great development + improvement of the first album. Both this and the debut had a grittier, heavier, more grounded feel I'd say than later albums, although it did resurface a bit on the 90's albums.

Heavy, raw, pounding, melodic rock is the order of the day here. It seems to tread a line between being dark tinged, and still appearing more youthful than later albums. I feel the vocals are still not quite right, it might be just down to the production but Jon's voice is awful at times, sounding cheesy, whiny, or far too young. At other times his voice is great, but it's a bit hit and miss really. The Jon/Richie harmonies still haven't been discovered, and infact I can't think of any moments of interesting backing vocals. Jon has some good rock screams throughout the album though, and at times his voice really does add an almost metal feel. As does Richie's guitar, some great riffing and pure metal / headbanging solos. I've heard the bass is very good, but I've never noticed it, I'd imagine it does contribute a lot to the atmosphere though. As does the fantastically heavy drumming. Dave's synthesiser playing, while adding a lot to the atmosphere, sounds a tad dodgy at times, and gives it a very 80's feel, which I suppose can be good or bad depending on whether you like 80's music or not! It does make it sound a tad dated however. Sounds a little like they're trying to be Europe or something.

Lyrically it isn't amazing, but it does I think feature the most different people contributing to the songwriting, including both Tico and Dave, and a few outsider writers. One thing I have noticed is how the lyrics sound a little agressive, the amount of references to guns and bombs illustrates that. Some great songs, some not so good songs, its a little hit and miss. But I agree with DevilsSon, the lack of any truly outstanding songs lets it down a little.

Man, this is a long review! Right, a track by track thing, as I have some spare time on my hands:

In & Out Of Love: The most well known song off the album. Pretty good opening track, sets the tone for the album, fairly heavy riffs, drumming, and screaming. A rock song, not deep or anything, just straight ahead a 'lets rock' song. Lyrics about touring and playing lots of shows, I guess. A bomb reference "Young and wired, set to explode in the heat". Also the first use of the adlibbing which would be used in later songs on later albums, make for quite an amusing ending.

Price Of Love: The riff! The riff in this song is fantastic! As is the solo, the drumming, especially building up to the solo. The song slams in at a fantastic pace, its well sung, it rocks, the lyrics are a tad more developed than the previous song, its well written. Some great screaming vocals, fantastic heavy guitar, I love this song. Easily one of the albums best.

Only Lonely: Is it a very heavy ballad or just a slow heavy rock song? Either way, its great. Great guitar and drums..... some of the vocals are a bit dodgy though, as are the synthesisers at the beginning. Its very well written though, both the pre-chorus and the bridge are fantastic. A bomb reference "I've got this time bomb ticking in my head" Good lyrics, and a powerful chorus too. Another of the albums best.

King Of The Mountain: A great little riff, quite a good song, with a fairly powerful lyrical message, but it lacks just a little something which would make it great. I'm not sure what.

Silent Night: Probably the only real emotional song on the album. A harder ballad than most of their later ones, its the hopelessness and atmosphere of it which makes it good. The vocals are good, especially on the "Just turn and walk away" lines. Nice guitar, synthesisers acting as strings... not really sure whether I like them or not. A gun reference: "Held up in love without a gun". A good song.

Tokyo Road: Most people like this, I think it's a tad boring. It sounds a bit like In And Out Of Love, I feel. The guitar is good, and soem of the lyrics are alright, but I dunno, the pace is kind of wrong. Two bits of it I think are fantastic though, the intro with a music box playing a Japanese nursery rhyme, and the bridge, with lyrics about a prostitute, both of which are very atmospheric.

Hardest Part Is The Night: Gloriously heavy riff, fantastic building up guitar solo, great vocals and lyrics, a moment of dodgy synthesisers, but they're over pretty quickly. And the icing on the cake is the fantastic vocal part from Jon in the last 20 seconds or so. Another of the albums best moments.

Always Run To You: Hmmmmm. This ones not so great. I like the first line: "The clock strikes ten out on the streets again", and the first line of the chorus: "I stand accused", but I'm not crazy about the rest of it. The main part of the chorus is very whiny, I feel.

To The Fire: Astoundingly atmospheric, I actually really like the synthesiser sounds here. A nice guitar solo, great vocals (rock screams!) and a fantastically powerful chorus. Really like this one, very underrated song.

Secret Dreams: No. Don't like it. Incredibly whiny, and nothing really to save it. The introduction is alright, but it all goes downhill from there. A gun reference in the first line: "Riding high, then shot down, I load my guns to fire another round. Thats about it.


Overall then, a great, heavy album. High on atmosphere, but low on emotion. An album to rock to really. The direction changed from here on, but this album still remains an underrated classic. I'll give it 8/10

Man, sorry this review was so long!

Keep On Rockin'