Bon Jovi's Triumphant Return: Reflecting on 40 Years with “Forever”

Ashveen Assokan

June 15, 2024

Forty years after they ran away with our hearts and into rock history, Bon Jovi is back with a reflective new album, Forever, taking stock of all the boys from New Jersey have accomplished.

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The Album: A Mix of Reflection and Renewal

Forever is a well-deserved victory lap for Bon Jovi. The album opener, “Legendary,” sets a reflective tone with lyrics like "Right where I am is where I wanna be," looking back contentedly on the band’s storied career. This sentiment continues in “We Made It Look Easy,” another track that chronicles their journey from New Jersey clubs to global stardom.

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The standout track, “Living Proof,” is arguably the best Bon Jovi song in nearly 20 years. It brings back the iconic talk box device, a nostalgic nod to hits like “Livin' On A Prayer” and “It's My Life,” and features a catchy chorus that sticks with you after just one listen.

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Musical Diversity and Emotional Depth

The album also ventures into different musical territories. Bon Jovi struck crossover country gold with 2007's Lost Highway, and they revisit that success with the country-tinged “Waves.” This track features acoustic guitars, reflective lyrics, and a rousing chorus, embodying the quintessential Bon Jovi sound that translates well to live performances.

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At least one song on Forever is bound to become a wedding reception staple: “Kiss The Bride,” Jon's heartfelt ode to his soon-to-be-married daughter. This emotional ballad is a sequel to 2000's “I Got the Girl,” where he first introduced her to fans as a 5-year-old.

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Conclusion: A Joyous Record for a New Era

Jon Bon Jovi wrote many of the songs on Forever while recovering from surgery, finding joy again after several challenging years. Reflecting on the album's creation, he shared, “My health concerns were certainly one of them. Another was that our last album was written and released during COVID. So remember, we were all living in a much different time, and [this] was an opportunity to write a joyous record.”

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Forever isn’t just an album title; it’s a bold statement from a band celebrating four decades in rock. As Jon Bon Jovi continues his recovery and looks towards the future, this album stands as a testament to their enduring legacy and the timeless appeal of their music.

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Up-and-coming artists can learn valuable lessons from Bon Jovi's music creation process, particularly with their latest album, Forever. The band's ability to blend nostalgia with innovation, as seen in tracks like "Living Proof," shows how artists can honour their roots while staying relevant. Additionally, the emotional authenticity in songs like "Kiss The Bride" highlights the power of personal storytelling. By embracing diversity in their sound, maintaining consistent quality, and focusing on strong lyricism and storytelling, new artists can create music that resonates deeply and endures over time.

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Bon Jovi's Triumphant Return: Reflecting on 40 Years with “Forever”