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Max Martin: Why a Pop-Hit Songwriter and Producer Created a Musical

March 31, 2023

Even if you don’t know who Max Martin is, you’ve definitely heard his songs. Hit-pop songs are kind of his thing after all. Martin first stepped into the music world in 1985 as a frontman for....

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MANILA GREY: Vancouver's Rising R&B Duo

March 18, 2023

The Filipino-Canadian duo from Vancouver has been releasing new tracks left and right, and they are known for their most streamed songs on Spotify, “Timezones,” and “Silver Skies.” Previously .......

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How did Miley Cyrus’ Heartbreak Song “Flowers” Break the Spotify Record?

March 17, 2023

The singer, songwriter, and actress Miley Cyrus has recently released a record-breaking song called “Flowers” in January 2023. This song recites her 10-year long relationship with her ex-husband....

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Men I Trust: Canada’s DIY Indie Band That Could Be Your New Favourite

March 4, 2023

Men I Trust is a Canadian indie pop band known for their dreamy and mellow sound. Their music is laid back, incorporating elements of funk, disco, and R&B to create a smooth and groovy vibe that is

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Basics For Building an At-Home Recording Studio

March 3, 2023

Artists like Kaytranada have proved that you don’t need access to a professional recording studio to create well-produced music. As technology and social media have advanced, it is now easier than eve

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Facing the Music: Legal Challenges With AI and Copyright Laws

February 25, 2023

People draw inspiration from others when forming their ideas, it’s a fact of life. Sampling in music is no exception - and artists do it for a variety of reasons. Traditionally, copyright laws and

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Tobias Jesso Jr.: GRAMMY-Winning Canadian Sells His Song Rights

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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How Popular TV Shows and Movies Resurrect Classic Songs

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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Ginalina: Bringing Her Taiwan Roots Into Her Latest Album

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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Rihanna’s Super Bowl Performance

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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How do Streaming Platforms Pay Artists - Is It Fair?

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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Why Jay-Z Was Named The #1 Rapper Of All Time

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

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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.