stayc main image

Compression for Beatmakers

October 18, 2024

Compression is one of the most crucial tools in any beatmaker's toolkit, shaping the dynamics of your track and helping achieve that punchy, polished sound....

Read more
stayc main image

The Best Beginner-Friendly DAWs for Music Production

October 18, 2024

Getting into music production can be an exciting journey, especially for beginners. With so many digital audio workstations (DAWs) available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.

Read more
stayc main image

Top 10 Mixing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

October 18, 2024

Mixing is an art form that requires not only technical skill but also a keen ear and attention to detail. Many producers and engineers fall into common traps...

Read more
stayc main image

Choosing the Best CPU for Music Production

October 18, 2024

When upgrading your CPU for music production, whether you're composing orchestral scores, producing electronic music, or working with intricate multi-track projects, selecting the right processor...

Read more
stayc main image

How to Create Epic Risers and Transition Effects for Electronic Music

October 11, 2024

Creating epic risers and transition effects is essential for electronic music producers to build tension and anticipation before a drop or shift in their tracks. Here’s how you can do it...

Read more
stayc main image

Automating a Drum Bus in Reaper to Create Dynamic Room Effects

October 6, 2024

Read more
stayc main image

EQ in Practice: How to Use Subtractive EQ to Clean Up Muddy Mixes

October 6, 2024

ixing music is an art, and one of the most essential tools for achieving clarity in a mix is the equalizer (EQ). One technique, in particular, known as subtractive EQ, can work wonders for cleaning...

Read more
stayc main image

How to Manage Static Noise in High Frequencies When Compressing Vocals

October 6, 2024

One common frustration in vocal production, especially for home studio and bedroom producers, is encountering static noise in the high frequencies after compressing and brightening vocals...

Read more
stayc main image

Sampling Like a Pro: How to Flip Samples and Avoid Legal Issues

October 6, 2024

Sampling has been a cornerstone of modern music production, allowing producers to reimagine and breathe new life into old tracks. Whether you're producing hip-hop, EDM, or any genre, knowing how to...

Read more
stayc main image

What Makes an EQ or Compressor VST High-Quality: Insights and Examples from Pros

October 6, 2024

When selecting EQ and compressor plugins, musicians and producers look for more than just a shiny interface or brand recognition. It's all about how these tools perform in real-world scenarios...

Read more
stayc main image

Sound Design 101: Crafting Killer Drum Sounds Using Synthesizers

October 6, 2024

Drum sounds form the backbone of many music genres, and while sample packs are popular, designing your own drum sounds from scratch can elevate your production to a whole new level. Crafting custom...

Read more
stayc main image

Mastering Multiband Compression Sidechaining: A Solution to Clashing Frequencies

October 6, 2024

In modern music production, one of the most common challenges is the clash of frequencies between instruments. For example, bass guitars and drum kits often compete for space in the lower end of...

Read more

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

stayc main image

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.