Bon Jovi has made a notable return with their latest album titled ‘Forever’, which marks their 16th studio effort and hit the shelves on June 7, 2024. Given Jon Bon Jovi’s well-publicized struggles with vocal health, culminating in surgery just a couple of years prior, the release of this album was met with both excitement and skepticism. The band faced a challenging time, especially after Jon had to undergo surgery to rectify significant issues with his vocal cords. The 2022 documentary ‘Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story’ shed light on his struggles, making it a miracle for fans that he has made it back to recording. However, the lingering question remains: will we get to see them perform live again? Personally, I hope the answer is a resounding yes, as their journey has been extraordinary.
Upon its debut, ‘Forever’ shot to #5 on the Billboard charts but then surprisingly plummeted, marking the briefest chart presence of any Bon Jovi album to date. This sudden drop is difficult to comprehend, especially considering the positive press surrounding the release. Critics were generally optimistic, leading to the unsettling thought that perhaps only the most loyal fans are supporting Bon Jovi now. The reasons for this quick descent remain unclear, but it certainly feels unwarranted.
This album introduces a somewhat reconfigured lineup. The core trio of Jon Bon Jovi, David Bryan, and Tico Torres still holds strong. Joining them are guitarist Phil X and veteran bassist Hugh McDonald. Notably, John Shanks, the long-time producer whose involvement I hoped would lessen, seems to have ingrained himself within the band’s ranks this time around. Everett Bradley also makes an appearance, contributing background vocals and percussion while supporting Jon vocally—a smart move aimed at bolstering the band’s sound. One can’t help but wonder if things would be different had Richie Sambora still been in the mix.
Now, turning our attention to my personal collection related to this album. I went all in and purchased the CD, vinyl, and even the cassette. My CD version came with a signed card from Jon, which adds a personal touch to my collection. The vinyl is particularly unique, featuring a stunning half-black, half-transparent design, perfect for collectors. And as for the cassette? It remains sealed for the time being. I’m only left searching for the Japanese CD edition, but I question if it’s worth paying for just one extra track. Who knows—sometimes I make questionable decisions.
Let’s delve into the music, as that’s where the true excitement lies. The album kicks off with “Legendary,” the lead single, a vibrant tribute to Jon’s wife that also recognizes the group’s past while casting a hopeful eye to the future. This track, reminiscent of an anthem, maintains an uplifting vibe despite its slower tempo. The infectious bridge and chorus have you singing along, particularly with the nods to Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” and Van Morrison’s “Brown-Eyed Girl,” which evoke a sense of familiarity.
Next is “We Made It Look Easy,” a sentimentally rich tune where Jon reminisces about his youth. The chorus is massive, and the storytelling shines through—something that has felt absent for too long. It’s a soft-rock delight, co-written by Ryan Tedder from OneRepublic, who lends his undeniable talent to the mix.
Then comes “Living Proof,” which marks the triumphant return of the talk box after a long hiatus. While it doesn’t quite match Richie’s signature style, it adds a nice nostalgic touch to this up-tempo track. This album sees Jon using his voice more than in the previous ‘2020’ recordings, a change I wholeheartedly welcome.
“Waves” features collaborations with outside writers, including the talented Jason Isbell, whose influence is distinctly felt. The contrast of slower verses and a lively chorus makes it a standout. The guitar solo, albeit a pleasant surprise in its own right, adds another dimension.
Following that, “Seeds” echoes the stylistic flair of “Waves,” with Ryan Tedder once again on board, creating a similarly engaging feel. While Tico’s normally dominant drumming is noticeably subdued, it still serves the song well. My disappointment rests in the muted production that doesn’t showcase his full potential—Tico is a powerhouse drummer, after all.
“Kiss the Bride” attempts to capture a heartfelt sentiment as a tribute to Jon’s daughter on her wedding day. However, it ventures into overly saccharine territory, pushing listeners away with its excessive sweetness. This seems to highlight a broader trend where Bon Jovi’s ballads leave much to be desired.
Fortunately, “The People’s House” injects life back into the album. With an infectious bass line reminiscent of “Keep the Faith,” it’s a breath of fresh air and demonstrates Jon’s ability to craft strong material independently.
Regrettably, the following track “Walls of Jericho” falls flat. Its cheesy gang vocals and country-infused guitar leave little to be desired, marking it a painful listen. “I Wrote You A Song” continues this streak of lackluster ballads, leaving listeners eager to skip ahead.
However, the unlikely pairing of Jon and Ed Sheeran on “Living in Paradise” surprises. The track is light and catchy, proving their distinct styles can harmonize—an intriguing prospect for future collaborations.
“My First Guitar” steals the show for me. The poignant tale of Jon reuniting with his beloved guitar speaks to the heart. The simplicity of the chorus encapsulates a universal sentiment, further enhanced by nostalgic references to old Kiss records.
In a twist, “Hollow Man” closes out the album on a sour note. This slow, acoustic track lacks substance and feels flat, failing to connect with the listener effectively.
Now, let’s summarize the album’s standings. The tracklist shows a mix of highlights and notable misses, with an overall score of 8 out of 12 tracks, translating to a respectable 75% approval rating.
In conclusion, ‘Forever’ emerges as a solid effort but doesn’t quite reach greatness. While it marks a significant improvement from their previous album, there are production choices that leave Tico’s drumming in a sadly muted state. For those in search of hard-hitting rock anthems, this album may not fully satisfy, yet the nostalgic elements and stronger storytelling make it worth a listen. Jon has reasserted his footing, even if his vocals are not where they once were. I am hopeful this isn’t their last chapter together.
