Bon Jovi: New Jersey Album Review
Following the massive, global success of their third album Slippery When Wet (1986), Bon Jovi faced the unenviable task of avoiding the dreaded "one-album wonder" curse. Their answer was New Jersey, released on September 19, 1988, a record that not only proved their staying power but solidified them as one of the premier rock acts of the late 1980s. Named after the band’s home state, New Jersey is an ambitious, polished hard rock album that balances arena anthems, heartfelt ballads, and blue-collar grit - all wrapped in the band’s signature melodic hooks.
New Jersey is a masterclass in late 1980’s arena rock production. The album leans heavily into layered guitars, soaring choruses, and polished, radio-ready arrangements, all overseen by veteran producer Bruce Fairbairn, who had also helmed Slippery When Wet. Guitarist Richie Sambora's riffs are crunchy and anthemic, while his solos - such as on “Born to Be My Baby” and “Lay Your Hands on Me” - are expressive without overshadowing the songcraft. Sambora’s talkbox work, notably on “Livin’ in Sin”, adds texture and signature flair.
The rhythm section - Tico Torres (drums) and Alec John Such (bass) - delivers tight, driving grooves that give the album its hard rock backbone. Atop it all is Jon Bon Jovi’s powerhouse vocal delivery, capable of both commanding arena-sized singalongs and tender, emotional crooning. His voice shines particularly on ballads like “I’ll Be There for You”, which became a defining love anthem of the era.
The album showcases remarkable versatility. While rockers like “Bad Medicine” and “Blood on Blood” fuel adrenaline with their fist-pumping choruses and call-and-response vocals, tracks like “Wild Is the Wind” and “Stick to Your Guns” reveal a softer, more introspective side, nodding to classic rock influences with a cinematic sweep.
Keyboardist David Bryan also plays a pivotal role. His textures and melodies subtly enrich the soundscape - from the church-like organ intro of “Lay Your Hands on Me” to the atmospheric flourishes in the ballads - elevating the album beyond formulaic hair metal into something broader and more enduring.
Although New Jersey sticks closely to the hard rock blueprint that Bon Jovi refined on Slippery When Wet, its originality lies in its ambition and scope. Rather than simply repeating the formula, the band expanded their songwriting thematically and sonically. Songs like “Blood on Blood” are cinematic in narrative, reflecting on themes of friendship and loyalty with Springsteen-esque storytelling, a clear nod to their New Jersey roots.
Importantly, New Jersey was structured to appeal globally. Bon Jovi consciously crafted songs that could dominate both American rock radio and European stadiums, which they succeeded in - the album spawned five Billboard Top 10 singles, the most ever for a hard rock/glam metal album. Their ability to straddle pop accessibility with hard rock edge was a key differentiator in a saturated late-'80s rock scene dominated by image-heavy glam bands.
Despite the album’s polished final product, New Jersey was born from a period of exhaustion and creative pressure. Coming off of a relentless 16-month world tour for Slippery When Wet, the band was physically and mentally drained. The record label and management, eager to capitalize on their newfound superstardom, pushed the band to quickly return to the studio.
Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora, the band’s primary songwriters, faced considerable writer’s block and burnout. They initially wrote over 30 songs, many of which were scrapped or reworked, as the duo struggled to balance commercial expectations with artistic growth. Adding to the tension, the recording sessions - split between Little Mountain Sound Studios in Vancouver and The Power Station in New York - were grueling and lengthy, with some band members expressing later that the process strained both their relationships and health.
In particular, Jon Bon Jovi later admitted that by the end of the New Jersey world tour (1989–1990), the band was so overworked that it nearly led to their breakup, prompting a temporary hiatus after the album cycle concluded.
Upon its release, New Jersey debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and topped charts in multiple countries, including UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It produced five Top 10 singles in the U.S.:
Bad Medicine (#1)
Born to Be My Baby (#3)
I'll Be There for You (#1)
Lay Your Hands on Me (#7)
Living in Sin (#9)
Critically, it was lauded for expanding Bon Jovi’s sound and cementing their role as one of the premier hard rock bands of the era. Commercially, the album was certified 7× Platinum by the RIAA in the U.S. and achieved multi-platinum status in numerous other territories.
At the time of writing, New Jersey has sold an estimated over 15 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling hard rock albums of the 1980s. Its broad appeal, anthemic songwriting, and enduring hits ensure its continued presence on classic rock radio and in live setlists.
New Jersey is more than a follow-up to Slippery When Wet - it’s Bon Jovi’s statement of intent, proof that they were not a flash in the pan but rather architects of stadium-sized, hook-laden rock with staying power. Combining muscular musicality, matured songwriting, and hard-fought perseverance, New Jersey stands as one of the definitive albums of 1980s rock, its legacy still echoing decades later.
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