|
But so what. Just about every track from the album could have been released as a single, and actually it's a bit surprising that they didn't do a Michael Jackson and try to spin off even more hits. But unlike the other "hair" bands, who were mostly all show and no chops, Bon Jovi were actually pretty talented. 'Slippery When Wet' is simply great stadium rock that you can play loud and sing along with. But they could also branch out a bit to incorporate Western imagery on 'Wanted Dead Or Alive', or go for a more reflective mood on 'Without Love' and the relatively poignant 'Never Say Goodbye'. Go on, admit it.
'Slippery When Wet' is big, loud, unashamed 80's stadium rock; huge riffs, huge choruses and huge hair. 'Without Love' in particular would have been a massive success had it been released as a single.Yes, it's very much of its time, and it won't win you too many points in the style stakes to been caught listening to this in 2010. You used to love Bon Jovi back in the day too, didn't you. The latter two songs are a good example of why Bon Jovi survived and reinvented themselves as a more adult-contemporary band in the 90's; unlike most other rock/metal bands, Bon Jovi's ballads never sound forced or embarrassing.While there were some huge hit singles, the best thing about 'Slippery When Wet' is its consistency; there's not one weak song here. What more do you want. Sure, their mix of pop-metal and working-class rock is regarded as very uncool in the 2000's, but this album was a classic of its time.
They could write great arena anthems like 'Raise Your Hands', 'Social Disease', 'Wild In The Strets', 'Let It Rock', and the massive hits 'You Give Love A Bad Name' and 'Livin On A Prayer'.
The only worhtwile song on here, in my opinion, is "I'd Die For You." Now that's a good song.If you're into bon jovi, GET IT, BY ALL MEANS. this isn't the worst album ever, but it's not good. GREAT 80's ROCK. but if you have a taste in music, buy van halen's 1984, or Def Leppard's High 'N' Dry instead. Now, i'm a huge fan of the 80's rock scene, but for some reason, i never caught on to this album. Livin' on a prayer, for god's sake, i'd rather listen to an old guy crap his pants.
(What instrument is that.). Bon Jovi ditches the star crossed lovers for a classic Western motif.
That he references a 6-string in the song only adds to the mystery. I dare you to find a more infectious 12-string riff.
"You Give Love a Bad Name" is ostensibly the anthemic tale of a succubus in angels' garb taking advantage of a mullet clad bohunk. In "Wanted Dead or Alive" Mr.
The rest of this album is garbage, but these three tunes keep it floating above the poop. "Livin' on a Prayer" instantly seduces with its opening riff.
Presumably our two main characters' narrative continues here in an unlikely New Jersey love story.
"Raise Your Hands" and "Social Disease" are two of my other favorites, unapologetic rockers celebrating sex drugs and rock and roll, or maybe just sex. "Wanted Dead or Alive" would have to be considered the album's most classic song, not as dated as the aforementioned hits or "Never Say Goodbye" (never cared for that one). When Jon and Richie played the song unaccompanied by the band on the MTV awards show and created the `Unplugged' phenomenon. With `Slippery When Wet', Bon Jovi became America's answer to Def Leppard, a hard rock band that could sell a multi-platinum album to both the girls and the boys. `Slippery' was a document of the times and made Jon Bon Jovi the king of MTV and radio-friendly heavy metal.if you could call it that. Megastar status was now secured as "You Give Love a Bad Name" blasted out of radios during the summer of '86 and "Livin' on a Prayer'" provided the perfect follow-up later in that fall. The third time was the charm as Jon and Richie hooked up with Bruce Fairbairn, Bob Rock and Desmond Child to create their most lasting document and one of the signature albums of the `80's. Both #1 hits mind you and the Bon Jovi express was going off the rails.
Good album. Highlights: #2 You Give Love a Bad Name, #3 Livin' on a Prayer, #7 Without Love, #9 Never Say Goodbye. Lowlights: #1 Let It Rock, #4 Social Disease.
|