Quote:
Originally Posted by Sami
Hi everyone-
I guess it’s been almost a decade since I’ve posted anything on this forum. I’ve been constantly following the board yet I haven’t felt like I’ve got anything to say or comment.
Now that we’ve finally got the new album I thought it’s time for me to express my views. Obviously, this is going to be a long post. I’ve followed the band ever since SWW. My expectations weren’t too high this time around. I guess most people on the board felt the same way while waiting for the release. Actually, I was afraid of what we would get. No Richie, no Desmond, no stadium rock. No You Give Love A Bad Name part 2. Why be Springsteen or Dylan when can be Bon Jovi?
While finally getting to hear a long awaited new album, I completely understand that it’s quite easy to get a bit too excited in the first place. For example, back in 2009, I remember having very much praised The Circle and considered it being their greatest album ever since These Days. Later on, as a few months had passed, I realized I had been exaggerating. I had been way too enthusiastic. There are a few songs on the album I still love, yet as a whole, I don’t consider The Circle as anything special in the Bon Jovi back catalogue. For this reason, I didn’t immediately comment on 2020 even if I very much wanted to. I admit it’s only been two weeks by now but I think I’ve already gained some perspective.
First of all, I love this album. I think I’ve never been more wrong with my expectations regarding a forthcoming album in my entire life.
Jon’s voice being what it is and the lack of Richie are major drawbacks, of course. No denying. It breaks my heart to imagine how these new songs would have sounded like with Jon’s former voice and with the guitar work and harmonies of Richie. That being said, I couldn’t be happier with a new Bon Jovi album, given the circumstances.
I love the flow and the general athmosphere. I can’t help but compare it to even These Days or Destination Anywhere in this regard. I think 2020 is a very sincere patch of songs. Jon’s pure enthusiasm is very evident. Most of the songs don’t sound crafted at all to my ears. Vintage Jon on many occasions.
Some songs got my special attention.
Blood In The Water is the absolute highlight of the album for me. This is the kind of songwriting that’s always attracted me to Bon Jovi. I’m absolutely certain this is a song that’s going to stand the test of time amongst my favorite Bon Jovi songs. I hope I won’t get accused of blasphemy on this board when I say this... But for me, this song is superior to it’s anchestor Dry County. 5/5.
Lower The Flag is haunting. This is the one that I was most worried of beforehand. I completely get the importance and severity of the subject matter, yet I was uncertain whether a theme like that would really work as a Bon Jovi song. And I was so wrong. What a beautiful yet powerful song. And it’s probably the saddest one ever since August 7, 4:15. The chorus reminds me of Springsteen’s Atlantic City. Just like in the second verse of Livin’ On A Prayer, there’s a promise of a better tomorrow. I love this one.
Story of Love is not the typical Bon Jovi song one would expect. I really much like the melody and the arrangement. It’s the sheer melodic beauty of many of the songs that strikes me the most on this album.
Beautiful Drug was the one particular song I was most eagerly looking forward to. Sadly, it didn’t turn out to be the bigger than life tongue in cheek rock song I thought it would be. Like someone stated on the board, it could have merely been a Bounce demo. It’s good as it is but nothing special for me. I think it’s chorus lacks power. In the 80’s, it could have been a different kind of song with a lot more punch. 2-3/5.
I don’t share the common despise for Limitless. It’s nothing spectacular but I do enjoy it, even if it’s a carbon copy of countless previous live your life songs. 3/5.
The two bonus tracks really do the trick for me. I can’t help but adore Luv Can. The outro is fantastic, it haunts me. I have no words. Classic Bon Jovi. This is easily one of their greatest post 2000 songs for me. Shine gets close. 5/5 for Luv Can.
Clearly, this may be my favorite post 2000 Bon Jovi album. I’m quite certain it will have longevity for me. It sure is different. Great album.
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Fantastic review. And I agree mostly.
I didn't post here for years, went on Vienna concert last year and had a good time, but it was obvious the magic and voice are gone.
I had zero expectations of a new album, even though I liked parts of Burning Bridges and THINFS. But to me, Bon Jovi was a nostalgia act, Jon a past tense vocal and frontman, just gone.
After hearing singles, I just confirmed this stance.
However, after hearing (especially) Blood in the water, I was competely shocked that such a song is still in him. Other songs are also very good (especially Lower the flag and Luv can, also I dig the cool of Brothers in Arms and hit single potential of Beautiful Drug), but what stands most is the album coherence and lyrics that seem very inspired. Jon was on a mission, first time in a long time.
American Reckoning or Lower the flag or Unbroken 10 or 15 years ago would probably end up so cliched, wrong and forced. However, now they are perfect as they are: vulnerable, unperfect songs with vulnerable, not perfect voice of Jon.
I want to say that state of Jon's vocals even gives something to the songs, its vulnerability lifts some of them, makes them more true, more honest. I like it, I am sad if this No. 19 on Billboard gives wrong impressions to Jon, and I hope it kickstarts another phase of the band, one where the obvious talent of Jon is still present, one where Jon just does his thing regardless of trends.
But for Jon, the guy that I looked up to and resented at the same time, who finally shows vulnerability and gets kind and comfortable in his own shoes (finally!) without having to prove anything anymore, just for that guy I hope he has another hit single however unrealistic that would be. And more than anything, I again believe that not all is lost, he still has it.