Bon Jovi – 7800º Fahrenheit (Album Review)

Released in 1985, Bon Jovi’s 7800º Fahrenheit was a pivotal moment in the band’s early career and could be seen as a make-or-break release following their self-titled debut in 1984. 7800º Fahrenheit not only solidified their sound but built upon the band’s raw talent with even higher production and songwriting capabilities that would yield the fan favourite In And Out Of Love and become a precursor to their 1986 release, the highly successful Slippery When Wet. Granted, the songs of 7800º Fahrenheit aren’t nearly as polished as that follow-up, and the band have been rather critical of this release, but if we avoid comparisons and imagine we’re back in 1985, hearing this record for the very first time, what you’ll find is a killer album that offers an essential snapshot of Bon Jovi’s growth.

As with much of their discography, the compelling album artwork would have looked superb on just about any record store shelf. However, an album can’t, and shouldn’t, be judged by its cover, but even if we were to applaud the song selection and sequencing, how does the album stand up sonically?

The good news is that the Hi-Res Lossless Apple Digital Master is exquisite and a marked improvement on the terribly loud and shrilly produced Special Edition CD from 2010. While I always wanted to turn the volume down on the CD, for it was incredibly fatiguing, the Apple Music stream presents a smoother, more rounded tonality, but one that still rocks. I find myself listening at higher volumes and still wish to turn the volume up; most likely to the chagrin of my neighbours. Ultimately, the stream is, by far, the best-sounding digital version (as I’ve yet to hear a vinyl release) of this classic album.

In And Out Of Love is one of the greatest album openers of all time. With Richie Sambora’s sharp guitar riffs and Jon Bon Jovi’s gritty vocals this hard-rocking anthem not only sets the tone for the entire record, but it’s one of the most memorable tunes from the album and is an 80s glam metal classic.

The Price Of Love is a mid-tempo rocker, but it’s Sambora’s licks that are a highlight here, as well as the backing vocals during the chorus. While those aspects are memorable, and Jon Bon Jovi’s vocal delivery is admirable, his performance just isn’t noteworthy. Perhaps it’s the mix, rather than the recording itself, for it sounds as though Jon’s vocal is recessed and all musical elements are front and centre, by comparison. Nevertheless, The Price Of Love is a killer track and a perfect album-only tune.

Only Lonely is a standout and while it may not have received the fanfare, post-release, that In And Out Of Love did, when released as the lead single it performed admirably. Yes, it may have only been a minor hit, but it foreshadowed the depth and sonic prowess of the music that would come on later albums and take the world by storm. Hence, if you’ve overlooked this classic tune, and Sambora’s killer solo, give it another shot for Only Lonely is severely underrated.

King Of The Mountain is an adrenaline-fuelled, energetic number, that embodies the spirit of 1980s arena rock. Unfortunately, most casual fans would have never heard this incredible number, so if you know a Bon Jovi fan who only knows the hits, let them know about King Of The Mountain, for it’s an exceptional tune!

Silent Night foreshadows the band’s knack for crafting timeless ballads, but this, unfortunately, falls short. It’s simply too campy and polished, as if the band and the production team were trying to reach too far.

Tokyo Road has a Japanese-inspired introduction before forging forth with a hard rock swagger. It’s a killer rock and roll number, but the introduction could be seen as either additive or distractive. Part of the problem is the song doesn’t start straight away and while there is nothing fundamentally wrong with the introduction, I don’t feel it adds anything to the song itself.

The Hardest Part Is The Night has quite the multi-layered production, and despite being a solid tune, isn’t exceptional as it gets lost in its own lush production.

Always Run To You is a fast-paced rocker with infectious energy. Sambora’s fiery guitar licks elevate the song, even though Jon’s vocals didn't quite reach the heights he was capable of.

To The Fire is 80s 101 with its stylistic production that, unfortunately, sounds dated to the era. While it may not be entirely indicative of Bon Jovi, the sense of urgency and determination, along with the catchy chorus, results in a tune that’s quite compelling. One, subsequently, can’t help but wonder what To The Fire would have sounded like minus the synthetic elements for there’s a solid rocker hidden behind the extraneous production layers.

Secret Dreams has a killer guitar introduction but it’s the overproduced nature that detracts from the song. It is, however, a solid tune but isn’t necessarily memorable or capable of encouraging the listener to reflect on the album and listen to it again. Its saving grace, however, is the highly addictive chorus and, at times, that is more than enough to close the album on a high note.

From start to finish, 7800º Fahrenheit showcases Bon Jovi in a transitional phase, balancing youthful exuberance with the desire to mature as artists in both production and songwriting capabilities. Clearly centred on what we now consider to be 80s rock clichés, 7800º Fahrenheit delivers moments of brilliance and was a critical stepping stone in their journey to global superstardom. While it may not have been their greatest release, as an album, 7800º Fahrenheit stands as one of the best releases from 1985 and is worth greater attention than it often receives.

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Bon Jovi – Bon Jovi (Self-Titled) [Album Review]

As far as debuts go, Bon Jovi’s Self-Titled 1984 release is astonishingly good with core musical aspects that were not only unique at the time but would become the band’s trademark as they traversed the musical landscape over the next four decades. However, longevity in this case wasn’t known upon the release of Bon Jovi but with the safety net of reflection, it’s easy to hear the origins of a band that would become loved by millions. Combining elements of hard rock, glam metal, and pop, Bon Jovi laid the foundation that would eventually lead them to global stardom.

Speaking of superstardom, Bon Jovi went on to sell more than two million units; a very respectable number for a debut. Most recently, the album has been reissued for the 40th Anniversary on Vinyl and Cassette, but in a strange dichotomy, the reissue remains absent from the humble CD. It’s a frustrating omission for those who are interested in the bonus material that the Deluxe Edition has to offer. Thankfully it is available via Apple Music et al and the Deluxe Edition can be purchased on the iTunes Store and the Qobuz Download store. However, it’s an oversight for physical media collectors. Additionally, this bonus content isn’t available via the Vinyl or Cassette releases; even as an included download. Making matters even more complex, Qobuz only offers the 18-track Deluxe Edition that doesn’t include the bonus music videos for Runaway and She Don’t Know Me. That additional content, however, appears to be an Apple Music/iTunes exclusive.

Despite the confusion, one thing is for certain and that is that Vinyl collectors will thoroughly appreciate the exceptional cover art for it didn’t only stand out on record store shelves at the time of release, but it will look incredible in any music collection as it's bold and demanding of one’s visual attention. While purists of the Vinyl format will suggest that the stream cannot compare to the Vinyl release, and I have no intention of suggesting otherwise, the Hi-Res Lossless Apple Music stream is spectacularly good, so much so that I don’t feel compelled to pick up the reissue. Yes, the stream is audibly compressed, and the volume has been boosted overall, but it works well for the style of music as it gives the album a bombastic feel, one that will grip your soul from the very first note to the last.

Additionally, while I was fortunate to have owned the Special Edition from 2010, I found it almost unbearable to listen to as it was mastered with nothing but loudness in mind. The Apple Digital Master, by comparison, is far smoother and more enjoyable to listen to. Yes, the stream is mastered loud, but not in an obnoxious way that will make you want to turn the volume down or stop playing the album. That all said, trust your ears, dear reader, and give the stream a listen as we take a look at the songs that make up this classic record.

Runaway is a high-energy number with infectious hooks, a memorable guitar solo, and Jon Bon Jovi’s highly compelling vocal delivery. There’s nothing to dislike here for out of all the songs featured on this debut release, Runaway is the one that became a runaway success (pun intended) and is the truest example of the sound that Bon Jovi would ultimately lean into as their career progressed.

Roulette combines a pulsating rhythm with driving guitar riffs as Richie Sambora’s guitar work and Tico Torres’ drumming stand out on this edgy number. While it may not be the first song that everyone thinks of when putting the album on, Roulette is an exceptional album-only tune and has another killer Sambora solo that, when combined with Jon’s vocal, makes this a hidden gem.

She Don't Know Me is a masterpiece. Seriously, this mid-tempo ballad is utterly superb and if you’re like me, you’ll turn the volume up and rock out, particularly during the bridge and chorus. Interestingly, it’s the only song that no member of Bon Jovi had a part in writing. Yet, it’s ideally suited to the band and was a perfect choice for the debut.

Shot Through The Heart is a powerful rock anthem featuring rhythmically charged riffs and a soaring chorus. Based on the lyrics alone, it would be easy to confuse the song with their later hit You Give Love A Bad Name, but the two songs couldn’t be more different. Still, Shot Through The Heart continues to showcase the origins of the powerhouse that Bon Jovi would ultimately become for this is another hidden gem in the band’s back catalogue.

Love Lies slows things down a little with this fantastic ballad. It serves as a great example of Jon Bon Jovi’s vocal presence and his ability to deliver a highly compelling chorus. Yes, had this been released a few years later, Love Lies would have been a chart-topper, but it’s songs such as this that make the album experience so rewarding for Bon Jovi is an incredible album, not because of one or two hits, but because of a series of incredible songs that were recorded and sequenced perfectly.

Breakout is 80s 101 with synthesised elements, a driving rhythm, and an anthemic chorus.

Burning For Love is a fast-paced rocker that’s, arguably, a little off-tempo as it pertains to Jon Bon Jovi’s vocal style. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great tune, with a killer musical bed, and one that I thoroughly enjoy, but if I’m looking at this in contrast with the other songs on the album, and against the headlining music Bon Jovi has released over the years, I can honestly say that I’m glad they didn’t pursue this musical direction.

Come Back is a solid album-only number, but in much the same way as Burning For Love doesn’t quite suit Bon Jovi, Come Back doesn’t adequately represent the band's talent at the time.

Get Ready has an infectious energy that makes it an ideal closer; one that will compel you to play the album again. Despite not being a standout, the song’s upbeat nature ensures the album experience, as a whole, is memorable.

Bon Jovi’s debut is a testament to the band’s potential and raw talent as it presents a glimpse into the sonic signature that would make them one of the biggest rock bands in the world. With a mix of high-energy rockers and heartfelt ballads, Bon Jovi remains not only a significant and influential album in the band’s discography but is amongst the greatest records released in 1984.

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