Page 27 - Black Velvet Rock Magazine Issue 110

BV110 albums pg27.qxp_BV110 pg 27 17/06/2024 20:44 Page 1

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through the cracks in the out with another incredible
street,’ reminds us of the full-length album, the fol-
quote ‘they tried to bury us, low-up to 2022’s ‘Spirits’.
they didn’t know we were Opening intro ‘| Carnal |’
seeds’. This song really begins quite intoxicatingly,
blooms and blossoms, and before a quote by Alan BON JOVI Jovi’s former managers,
brings about a philosophi- Watts about not clinging to THANK YOU, GOOD- his brother, Matt, and his
cal air about how we go life - and then a hefty piece NIGHT: THE BON JOVI wife, Dorothea. We hear
through life and grow as we of power, which leads into STORY how Jon started playing
do so. ‘House On Sand’ ft. Eric V. 2024 marks the 40- shows, meeting his band-
Jon shows his vulnera- of I Prevail, which is fiery,
BON JOVI bility and love in ‘Kiss The rabid, impassioned, and full year anniversary of Bon mates, climbing the ladder
FOREVER Bride’, a piano-led song of industrial force. It turns Jovi’s debut album, aptly ti- of success, and achieving
(ISLAND) that was written for his into a scathing attack on tled ‘Bon Jovi’, and the it.
2024 sees us all cele- daughter’s wedding. It’s a the senses. The first single band are celebrating There are fun mo-
brating 40 years of Bon slower ballad, perfect for from the album, ‘If It throughout the year with ments and more serious
Jovi and it makes sense weddings everywhere, Doesn’t Hurt’, is pure per- numerous releases, mem- moments. We see monu-
that their new album is titled while ‘I Wrote You A Song’ fection. Vulnerable and orabilia and activity. One of mental moments, such as
‘Forever’. The band has is another slower-paced, honest, something that the highlights is ‘Thank the time the band played
been the soundtrack to our heartfelt, romantic ode. many can relate to when a You, Goodnight’, the do- the Moscow Music Peace
lives for what seems like ‘The People’s House’ has a relationship ends. You can cuseries streaming on Festival in 1989. There are
forever, and their music will ‘Keep The Faith’-style feel the pain when Jonny Hulu in the USA, and Dis- memories that every band
most definitely stay in our bassline and drum beat, al- sings about ‘a different kind ney+ in the UK and other will have – such as their
hearts forever. This new though ‘Walls Of Jericho’ of pain’, with instrumenta- locations. Promoting the tour bus breaking down in
12-track album cements soon overtakes it to be an- tion that is imaginatively series in advance, Jon Bon the desert – but also mem-
that fact and helps to con- other highlight and an in- creative, innovatively con- Jovi, Tico Torres and David ories that very few bands
tinue their legacy. stant mood-enhancer. As tinuing to push musical Bryan, along with director will have, such as being in-
The release kicks off soon as it starts, you want boundaries. Gotham Chopra, ventured ducted into the Rock and
with the feelgood, sing- to move and clap along. An ‘Angel Song’, featuring over to the UK for a Roll Hall of Fame and play-
along, ‘Legendary’. The energetic song made to be David Draiman of Dis- screening (or two) of the ing three sold-out shows at
song is vibrant and uplift- a live anthem, with a group turbed, is life-affirming, and, series a month after its ini- Wembley Stadium in the
ing, and an immediate chorus, catchy beat and like the in-your-face ‘Blame tial premiere at SXSW in 90s.
favourite, with an attitude of ‘na-na-na-na-na’s. We are It On The Drugs’, has al- Texas. We hear about the low
gratitude and a big bag of most definitely ready to be most a theatrical element. And the 4-part series points of the band, when
blessings. Definitely worthy singing this one live, as the ‘Freefall’ is bordering on has been a hit with fans. It they needed a break and
of being the first single from band perform on stage. epicness, with a tone that opens with an early audio to go their own separate
the album. ‘Living In Paradise’ has activates all five senses, interview, before fast-for- ways for a while, as well as
The pumping, soft rock a catchy beat and chorus, and is majestically soul- warding to 2022, where the Richie Sambora not turn-
beat of ‘We Made It Look and is another tune from soaring. now-legendary ing up for a show and tour,
Easy’ sees Jon reminiscing the heart, with a feeling of The band’s familiar singer/songwriter from with Jon then calling Phil X
about the band’s career. contentment and fulfillment. philosophical interludes Sayreville, New Jersey, in to stand in for him – and
‘Look at us, blood on blood, ‘Got my hands around her come in the form of ‘| Head Jon Bon Jovi is heard with how Phil’s been a part of
same today as it was, been neck, but it’s done with re- |’, ‘| Heart |’, ‘| Sight |’ and ‘| a croaky voice, following the band’s line-up ever
a hell of a ride,’ Jon sings, spect’ is the opening, Sound |’, each featuring recent surgery. Instantly, since.
as the band now reach their tongue-in-cheek lyric to ‘My spoken words by Alan you feel for him. He shows And, with former
4th decade. With core First Guitar’, which starts Watts, which pose food for some old demos, reminisc- bassist Alec John Such
members, Jon Bon Jovi, the descent to the end of thought, with musical back- ing about his and the having passed away in
David Bryan and Tico Tor- the album. The guitar work grounds. ‘| Heart |’’s ‘power band’s early musical ca- June 2022, it was nice to
res still together, it’s a tes- that follows the lyric, ‘play- of the river‘ is particularly reer. We flashback to the have a tribute to him.
tament to everything ing old KISS records, in my thought-provoking and an first time Bon Jovi ever Jon talks about why
they’ve been through to- folks’ backyard, 17 years otherworldly 3:45 minute played Giants Stadium in the Bon Jovi legacy mat-
gether. old, I’m a rock and roll star,’ cerebral journey. It, very 1989. If you’ve been a fan ters. He’s vulnerable, hon-
‘Living Proof’ is an in- brings an added spark to aptly, precedes ‘Down The of the band since that time, est, open and raw. And
fectious rocker and sees the song. Final track, ‘Hol- River’, where frontman it’s a real blast from the through it all, down-to-
the band bring back the talk low Man’, is a real mulling, Jonny Hawkins sings about past and a delightful jaunt earth and extremely like-
box, made famous in ‘Livin’ introspective song, with metaphorically being down memory lane. able. Even if you’re not a
On A Prayer’. Back then, contemplative lyrics, asking pushed down the river, and The documentary is diehard fan, you will come
they were livin’ on a prayer, ‘until you love yourself, how drowning doubts out. compelling, enlightening away having a deep-found
and now they really are liv- can you love someone’, ‘Give It Time’ really and fascinating. You’ll find respect for this inspiring
ing proof that hard work and slide guitar. It ends the goes straight for the heart, yourself getting lost in his and kind human.
and talent can create suc- album with a thoughtful, but while ‘Run For Your Life’ is words when Jon talks Having been a follower
cess and longevity. Another melancholy, perspective. another stunner, a mix of about his vocal struggles, of the band since the 80s,
favourite for its harder rock Overall, there’s some- introspection and ferocity, and it pulls at your heart- this documentary definitely
edge. thing for everyone on ‘For- with Jonny telling us, ‘ev- strings when you hear him solidifies our dedication
The first couple of ever’, and Bon Jovi show erything is better when working on his vocal ther- and makes us proud to be
notes of ‘Waves’ is reminis- that you can’t count them you’re dreaming’. If you are apy following his operation. a Bon Jovi fan, and
cent of the line, ‘I wake up out yet. They still know how not a sweaty, melty mess The original members blessed to have experi-
in the morning’ in ‘Blaze Of to make legendary albums, after listening to this album, of the band are inter- enced so much because of
Glory’, before a rising drum and this one will definitely then there is no hope for viewed, as well as current them. Now, when can we
beat rushes in, and the be the soundtrack to many you. The immensity of it is members. We hear from have a DVD of the series
song then turns into a wist- forthcoming life events of almost unrivaled. Jonny David Bryan, Tico Torres to add to our collection? If
ful, swaying tune. It’s a us all. Hawkins, Mark Vollelunga, and Richie Sambora, as you haven’t watched it yet,
smooth, passionate, glow- Daniel Oliver and Ben An- well as Hugh McDonald, you must. Thank you, Bon
YYYYY
ing ride. ‘Seeds’ begins Shari Black Velvet derson have really outdone John Shanks, Phil X and Jovi. There’s a reason they
modestly, before turning themselves with ‘Carnal’. Everett Bradley. There’s are legendary – and this
into a 5-minute epic, with a NOTHING MORE Words just don’t do it jus- also input from New Jersey docuseries helps show
string-filled, climatic ending CARNAL tice - you have to listen to it. inspirations and good that.
that gives you chills. ‘We’re (BETTER NOISE) Mind-blowing. friends of Jon’s, Southside YYYYY
seeds, trying to find a place Nothing More have YYYYY Johnny and Bruce Spring- Shari Black Velvet
in the weeds, busting steen, as well as Bon
done it again, knocking us Shari Black Velvet
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