February 23, 2023
Tobias Jesso Jr. You may know his name from his 2015 solo album Goon. Or maybe from his work on various popular songs, such as “When We Were Young” by Adele and “Alive” by Sia. Or even from his rece
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February 23, 2023
HBO’s The Last of Us is arguably the hottest show out right now, receiving near universal acclaim from viewers and critics alike. This holds especially true for episode three: “Long, Long Time”.
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February 21, 2023
Folk singer. Songwriter. Canadian. Polyglot. All of these titles belong to Gina Lam, also known by her stage name Ginalina. In November 2022, she released her latest album titled Going Back: Remembe
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February 21, 2023
Rihanna is an illustrious artist. She is among the best selling female artists of all time, and was one of the greatest hitmakers of the 2000s and 2010s. She has since grown to become the richest...
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February 20, 2023
Streaming is now the driving force of the music industry, making up 84% of the industry revenue in the U.S. While streaming is much more convenient for listeners, many artists argue that it is near im
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February 23, 2023
Who is the greatest rapper of all time? Is it even possible to crown just one person? Well, Billboard and Vibe did exactly that. And, according to them, that person is Jay-Z. In honor of Hip-Hop’s
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February 18, 2023
Kaytranada (Louis Celestin) is a Haitian-Canadian record producer and DJ. He is a highly acclaimed electronic artist, having earned two Grammys and countless other awards for his work. Kaytranada has
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February 17, 2023
What happens when a famous music producer takes an interest in self-help books? The Creative Act is your answer. But who is Rick Rubin? Without a doubt, Rubin has an impressive track record in the
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February 14, 2023
The music industry is a place full of musicians, producers, and creators who have the magical ability to make those perfect sounds we hear everyday through our digital devices. We want to listen close
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February 14, 2023
What do popular video games franchises Super Mario, Legend of Zelda, and Star Fox all have in common? They were all produced and published by Nintendo, and the iconic music themes that you hear in...
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February 8, 2023
Being a successful woman in the music industry is no easy feat. Not only do they deal with the typical trials and tribulations of being a musician, but there are also gender-specific challenges.
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February 8, 2023
“Is it just me, or are songs getting shorter these days?” This is a question I have often pondered, especially in the last few years. It appears that in the era of social media, attention spans are
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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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