October 1, 2024
Studio One by PreSonus is an incredibly powerful DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) that offers a variety of tools to streamline your music production workflow. However, like many DAWs, getting the...
Read moreOctober 1, 2024
Crash cymbals often get buried in the mix, especially when using complex miking techniques like Glyn Johns, which balances close mics with overheads. While re-recording with higher cymbals may be a...
Read moreOctober 1, 2024
GarageBand is often seen as an entry-level DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), but it has powerful tools that, when used effectively, can create professional-quality tracks. Many indie musicians and...
Read moreOctober 1, 2024
When working with MIDI in Ableton, one might notice that although MIDI clips can send program changes, most of Ableton's native plugins don’t seem to respond to these changes effectively. This can...
Read moreSeptember 21, 2024
Read moreSeptember 20, 2024
One of the most common challenges for songwriters is deciding whether to write the music or lyrics first. This can feel like a "chicken-or-egg" situation, but there's no one-size-fits-all answer...
Read moreSeptember 20, 2024
Releasing a new single or album is a huge milestone for any musician. However, without proper planning, your work may not get the attention it deserves. It’s not just about putting the song online...
Read moreSeptember 20, 2024
When it comes to music production, getting the low end right can be tricky. Many producers face a common issue: after the initial mix sounds perfect, a few days later, the low end starts to feel...
Read moreSeptember 19, 2024
For many aspiring musicians, the dream of creating a professional-quality home studio seems out of reach due to costs and space constraints. However, with the right strategies and tools, it's...
Read moreSeptember 18, 2024
Collaborating on music remotely has become more common, but as you’ve experienced, it can be a challenge to get it right. Audio latency, control sensitivity, and lack of real-time feedback are...
Read moreSeptember 18, 2024
In today’s digital age, building a loyal fanbase is essential for musicians to thrive. Social media platforms have become powerful tools for connecting directly with fans, sharing music, and...
Read moreSeptember 18, 2024
As a songwriter, it can be frustrating to have melodies or lyrics in your head but no way to bring them to life without instrumental skills. Thankfully, with modern technology, there are apps and...
Read moreForty 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.