We’re diving into Bon Jovi’s latest album, ‘Forever,’ which marks the band’s 16th studio effort, released on June 7, 2024. This album was a bit of a mystery; there were serious doubts about whether we’d see it at all. Jon Bon Jovi faced significant vocal challenges, leading to surgery in 2022 to address his vocal cord issues, a struggle that became painfully public thanks to online criticisms. After watching the poignant documentary, ‘Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story,’ it was sobering to witness the extent of Jon’s difficulties. It’s nothing short of miraculous that he can still perform. However, the lingering question remains: will we see them live again? I certainly hope so, but if not, it’s been an incredible journey regardless.
‘Forever’ debuted impressively, landing at #5 on the Billboard chart in its first week before trending downward and ultimately exiting the chart quicker than any other Bon Jovi album. It’s perplexing—especially since the press had favorable things to say. Has mainstream music turned its back on Bon Jovi, save for the loyal fans who snatched the album up in its opening days? The reason behind this drop is anyone’s guess, but I personally believe it’s undeserved, and we’ll explore why shortly.
The new album features a slightly shifted lineup. The core trio remains intact: Jon Bon Jovi, David Bryan, and Tico Torres. Joining them are Phil X and long-serving bassist Hugh McDonald. Interestingly, long-time producer John Shanks has now taken a more active role within the band, which I find a bit disheartening as his contributions have become a mixed bag over the years. Rounding out the new lineup is Everett Bradley, who adds depth with background vocals and percussion. This move seems wise, especially given Jon’s recent vocal struggles. If Richie were still around, such support might not be necessary—but we’ll save that for another time.
Before dissecting the music, let me share what I’ve added to my collection for this album. I purchased the CD, vinyl, and even the cassette. My CD came with a signed card from Jon, which is a cool touch. The vinyl is the Amazon-exclusive edition featuring a half black, half transparent design—absolutely stunning! As for the cassette, it remains unopened, and I’m torn on whether to keep it sealed. The only item I’m now looking for is the Japanese CD edition for its additional track, though I’m unsure if it’s worth the cost. Who knows—I’ve made worse decisions. But now, let’s discuss the music, which is why we’re truly gathered here.
The opening track, “Legendary,” also serves as the first single. It’s a tribute to his wife, with a nostalgic nod to the band’s journey and a forward-looking feel. This style of uplifting anthem has become a hallmark for Jon lately. Though the tempo is slower than his typical work, the catchy chorus is irresistible, featuring familiar references to Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” and Van Morrison’s “Brown-Eyed Girl.” It sets a positive tone and reassures fans that Bon Jovi is very much alive.
The next track, “We Made It Look Easy,” evokes even more nostalgia. Jon reflects on his youthful adventures, delivering a huge chorus and excellent storytelling—something that has been somewhat absent in recent years. He sounds great, and it’s genuinely uplifting. While it’s not a heavy rocker, it’s carried by a soft rock vibe that’s feel-good and warm. The song features contributions from Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic, which adds an interesting layer.
Following up is “Living Proof,” reintroducing the talk box that’s been largely missing from Jon’s repertoire for over a decade. While the talk box effect doesn’t quite compare to Richie’s iconic use, it still enhances the upbeat, driving melody of the song. Jon’s vocal performance here is a far cry from the semi-singing style heard on ‘2020,’ and I’m thrilled to hear him back in form.
“Waves” features collaboration with outside writers, specifically the talented Jason Isbell, reflecting his distinct influence. This track leans towards the slower side, contrasting with its lively chorus. It definitely fits the AOR mold, with thoughtful lyrics and even a surprise guitar solo, adding more depth than expected.
Next, “Seeds” shares a similar vibe to “Waves” and features Ryan Tedder again, alongside even more collaborators. It’s slightly more upbeat, but doesn’t stray far from its predecessor, highlighted by Tico’s drums—though they’ve been disappointingly subdued throughout the album. Come on, Tico! The production choices, presumably by Shanks, have been a letdown. More Tico is always a good thing. Overall, I’m finding each track enjoyable so far.
Then comes “Kiss the Bride,” a song penned by Jon with Billy Falcon for his daughter’s wedding. While the sentiment is sweet, it’s a bit too saccharine for my taste, to the point that it strains my ears. Lately, it seems Bon Jovi’s ballads have lost their luster; this one might make you tear up, but not for the right reasons.
Thank goodness for “The People’s House.” Its infectious bass line reminiscent of “Keep the Faith” reignites the energy in the album. Solely written by Jon, it proves he can still churn out top-notch material without external input. This track is among the standouts, making it a perfect opener for the album’s second half.
Unfortunately, that good vibe doesn’t last long. “Walls of Jericho” hits hard with cheesy gang vocals and lyrics that feel a bit contrived, paired with an annoying country vibe. It’s a tough listen, and I’ll spare you further comments.
“I Wrote You A Song” returns us to ballad territory, featuring more of David’s piano work. As I mentioned earlier, Bon Jovi struggles with ballads these days, and I might have hoped for improvement here, but sadly, I’m disappointed. It lacks the emotional depth needed to resonate with listeners.
Next, we reach an unexpected collaboration: a track co-written by Jon and Ed Sheeran. Yes, you read that right. After Ed sought Jon’s guidance while staying at his home, the result is “Living in Paradise.” It’s a lively, catchy tune, not the strongest on the record but undeniably memorable. With another huge chorus, Jon proves once again that he excels at creating anthemic hooks. Imagine a full album collaboration between these two—what a prospect!
My favorite song on the album is “My First Guitar.” The poignant narrative centers around Jon’s reunion with the guitar he sold 45 years ago. It’s a heartwarming love ballad—arguably more effective than prior attempts. The simplicity of the chorus, “I’m in love with my first guitar,” resonates deeply. Plus, the mention of playing old Kiss records is a wonderful touch. Once again, solely penned by Jon, it stands as a testament to his songwriting capabilities.
However, I’m reminded that not all Jon-written tracks are gold, as “Hollow Man” grimly illustrates. The final song on the album falls flat—slow, acoustic, and lacking any emotional punch. It feels one-dimensional and grating, providing a disappointing exit for listeners.
Here’s how the track listing breaks down:
Legendary – Keeper
We Made It Look Easy – Keeper
Living Proof – Keeper
Waves – Keeper
Seeds – Keeper
Kiss the Bride – Delete
The People’s House – Keeper
Walls of Jericho – Delete
I Wrote You A Song – Delete
Living in Paradise – Keeper
My First Guitar – Keeper
Hollow Man – Delete
The scoring reflects 8 out of 12 tracks, translating to a solid 75%. While I concede that this is a good album—not quite a great one—it marks a notable improvement over its predecessor. Disappointments in production are evident, especially with Tico’s drums feeling lackluster throughout; I can’t help but wonder why. If you’re seeking pure rock tracks, you may be disappointed. Yet, there’s listening value here, with truly enjoyable songs and a stronger narrative quality than we’ve seen in years. Jon’s vocals, though not at their peak, surpass what we heard on ‘2020,’ and I’m genuinely happy to see him on the mend. My final score: 3.0 out of 5.0 stars. This album shines brighter compared to the last one, and I sincerely hope it’s not the end.
Coming next: BON JOVI – ALBUMS RANKED FROM WORST TO FIRST.
