Now, for a more thorough review.
1. WWBTF- What needs to be said? 2/5
2. WWWB- Basically the same as what we heard in the documentary clip. Really doesn't do much for me: the fact Richie doesn't really standout in either of the first two tracks is kinda bothersome. Think about it, before they redid the solo on WWBTF there wasn't a proper solo really up until Bullet (Superman Tonight has one, but its on par with his solos from the back-half of HAND). This is a strange opening to the album. I don't want to judge whether it works or not. 2.5/5
3. WTFWM 4/5 Our guesstimates were correct: it doesn't have a proper solo, which is kind of a bummer. Yes, the chorus is great and Tico just slays the drums, but it kinda reminds me of Any Other Day in the fact the song should be far more than what it is. That said, still really good.
4. Superman Tonight- I guess some people think it's all right, but to me it's the typical post-2000 Jovi ballad, with some really destitute allusions to Jon being Superman. He half-assedly pushes his voice towards the end but it doesn't really carry any impact. Honestly, what were they thinking with this one? 2/5
5. Bullet- I saw someone asked about this one: yes, it's ****ing great. Again, not the lick-ripping solo I was hoping for, but the song itself just packs a lot of punch. 4/5
6. Thorn In My Side- Just a generic white rocker, the kind that Jon thinks is really awesome because it's about him, but in reality says absolutely nothing (ala Complicated). Not as bad as that turd, but still, not a terrible song either. Pretty disposable though. Also reminds me of Complicated because the lyrics are awfully "whatever" (But I know I'll get by/Just a thorn in my side etc). 2.5/5
7. Live Before You Die- best ballad on the album, with a pretty neat solo. Kind of risks because like Right Side of Wrong at times, not enough build so I'm sure some will find it boring. But jesus, does David ****ing Bryan stand out on here. We're a long way from the near irrelevancy he was on HAND. Good job outta him. 3.5/5
8. Brokenpromiseland- Yes, the one you're all waiting for. This is gonna be a ****ing stomper live. This is my favorite off the album so far. I think G-Sausage agreed with me earlier: the solo is probably the most meaningful one Richie has one in a long while. 4.5/5
9. Love's the Only Rule- Great vocals from Jon, really weird and inventive stuff from Richie. It's a shame, I have a feeling they won't perform this one much live for these very reasons. Too bad, because it's a great song. 4/5
10. Fast Cars- As I predicted, the chorus build after the first one. That said, there's still not much going on here. It's all right, I guess. Certainly not as bad as I predicted. 3/5
11. 4/5 Happy Now- Awesome guitarwork, great message, great vocals. Wonderful song, wish it was the closer instead of...
12. Learn to Love- Not horrible, but kinda boring. Still, one of the better closers they've had in recent times. 3.5/5
***
I still maintain Richie is not nearly as strong on it as I hoped. That said, he comes to work, and Jon and the others (so glad to know Tico and Dave are still a part of this band) really bring their A-game. My complaint about the opening tracks aside, it feels like a real, coherent album. I really still do think it's the best this decade. Not "NJ-KTF-TD" great, but still very good.
I'm sorry not everyone has it. I've tried to get to as many people as I can, but at this point enough of us have it that, even if it's not on the internet anymore, just be patient. Those of you getting all offended: LOL. I can understand why you'd think that, it's not popping up anymore. But don't blame us.
And G-sausage, anyone who thinks Superman Tonight and Wildflower are good songs is definitely a defect.
