Bon Jovi: Forever album review

Reflecting on the Journey and Embracing the Future: A Look at Bon Jovi’s Forever

A Triumphant Return After Vocal Surgery

Jon Bon Jovi, a name synonymous with rock and roll, returns to the spotlight with the band’s latest album, Forever. This album marks a significant chapter in the band’s journey, especially following Jon’s vocal surgery. The resilience and determination of the band are palpable in each track, making Forever a celebration of their legacy and a hopeful glance toward the future.

Table of Contents

Embracing Reflection and Celebration

Imagine for a moment that you are Jon Bon Jovi. It’s challenging but intriguing. You’re the rock icon who opened up the genre to millions of new fans, transcending the initial boundaries set by bands like Mötley Crüe. After decades of unimaginable stardom, reaching 62 years, you’d be looking at the future with a sense of calm and reflection.

Forever is an album created by an artist who has much to celebrate and little left to prove. In a candid recent interview, Jon Bon Jovi discussed the trials he faced with his voice. Following vocal cord surgery, uncertainty loomed, but the music in Forever exudes a sense of open-road joy. The songs are reflective, echoing the band’s classics while forging new paths.

Bon Jovi, Forever Track List:
1. “Legendary”
2. “We Made It Look Easy”
3. “Living Proof”
4. “Waves”
5. “Seeds”
6. “Kiss The Bride”
7. “The People’s House”
8. “Walls Of Jericho”
9. “I Wrote You A Song”
10. “Living In Paradise”
11. “My First Guitar”
12. “Hollow Man”

Revisiting Classic Sounds with Fresh Perspectives

Opening Tracks: Setting the Tone

The opening tracks “Legendary” and “We Made It Look Easy” set the stage for Forever. “Legendary” celebrates life’s simple pleasures, while “We Made It Look Easy” reminisces about the band’s early days. Despite some predictable moments, these songs manage to lodge themselves in your brain, showcasing Bon Jovi’s knack for memorable hooks.

Reflective Anthems and Joyful Nostalgia

Forever is sprinkled with tracks that call back to Bon Jovi’s earlier days. “Living Proof” brings back the iconic talk box effect, reminiscent of “Livin’ On A Prayer”. “The People’s House” has the emotional depth of “Keep The Faith”, and “Waves” tips a hat to Jon’s solo hit “Blaze Of Glory”. These songs blend nostalgia with a fresh perspective, making them feel both familiar and new.

A Candid Look at Challenges and Triumphs

In 2019, fans noticed Jon Bon Jovi’s voice was not what it used to be during a Wembley Stadium performance. This led to a four-part documentary, Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story on Disney+, which details Jon’s journey through vocal cord surgery. In an interview, Jon expressed his readiness to retire if his voice didn’t meet his standards, saying, “If the singing is not great, if I can’t be the guy I once was, then I’m done… I don’t ever need to be the fat Elvis.”

The Musical Journey Through Forever

Nostalgic Tracks with Modern Touches

Forever features songs that successfully harken back to the band’s glory days. “The People’s House” and “Living Proof” capture the essence of Bon Jovi’s classic sound. However, not all nostalgic attempts hit the mark. “My First Guitar” and “Kiss the Bride” feel a bit off, with the latter seeming tailored for wedding dances rather than concert stages.

Addressing the Elephant in the Room: Jon’s Voice

Jon Bon Jovi’s vocal issues are a central theme in Forever. His voice, though naturally weathered, sounds confident and determined. Tracks like “Waves” showcase his vocal range despite the limitations. While the high-energy vocal performances of “Livin’ on a Prayer” are a thing of the past, Jon’s current style brings a mature and reflective tone to the album.

Highlights and Standout Tracks

The Evolution of Sound

Forever features a mix of rock anthems and power ballads designed for large venues. “We Made It Look Easy” and “Living Proof” are standout tracks with catchy hooks and memorable lyrics. “Waves” emerges as a highlight, combining acoustic guitars, reflective lyrics, and a rousing chorus that resonates deeply with listeners.

Emotive Ballads and Uplifting Anthems

While some ballads like “Kiss The Bride” and “My First Guitar” may not impress all listeners, tracks like “Living In Paradise” and “Walls Of Jericho” bring anthemic energy and heartfelt emotion. “Living In Paradise” in particular is a showpiece of big choruses and dynamic momentum.

A Thoughtful Conclusion

Jon Bon Jovi closes Forever with “Hollow Man”, a sparse and haunting track that reflects on his journey. The song echoes the starkness of Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska, pondering the future and the idea of an ending. It’s a fitting conclusion to an album that is both a celebration of the past and a look toward what lies ahead.

Final Thoughts

Forever is a testament to Bon Jovi’s resilience and enduring appeal. Despite the challenges Jon has faced with his voice, the album showcases the band’s ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. Whether it’s the reflective anthems or the nostalgic nods, Forever encapsulates the essence of Bon Jovi’s journey and their unwavering spirit.

Verdict: 4/5

Forever may not reach the heights of New Jersey, but it stands as a powerful reminder of Bon Jovi’s legacy. It’s an album that will resonate with longtime fans and new listeners alike, proving that Jon Bon Jovi and his band are still fighting for their future, one song at a time.