5 New from $28.93 21 Used from $2.19 1 Collectible from $17.98
Digitally remastered using 20-bit technology by George Marino (1998, Sterling Sound, New York, New York).
Riding a resurgence in popularity with the triple-platinum success of their greatest-hits package CROSSROADS, Bon Jovi returns with THESE DAYS, their first studio album since 1992's KEEP THE FAITH. And it's obvious that the alterna-rock nihilism exhibited by many of their more angst-ridden peers has affected the band's material, giving the blue-collar romanticism of the Jersey rockers a darker vibe.
Jon Bon Jovi's characters on THESE DAYS weigh in with more mature and darker conflicts than those explored on previous albums. On "Hey God," a family man on the brink of homelessness cries out for spiritual guidance. The title track goes a step further, describing the sheer hopelessness that goes with not having a place to live. Other characters who've lost their way are either on quests of faith ("Something To Believe In") or have found other altars to worship at ("Something For The Pain").
Along with heightened lyrical development, the group's sound continues to evolve away from the usual pop-metal fare. Jon Bon Jovi occassionally drifts into a raspy voice that is a direct nod to Bruce Springsteen, while David Bryan's keyboard playing veers from the lush orchestration of "Lie To Me" to a simpler harpsichord tone in "If That's What It Takes." Still, Bon Jovi remain a guitar-driven band, and Richie Sambora's muscular style has expanded to include some tasty electric-sitar playing.
Though Jon Bon Jovi's sunny optimism is tempered by the murkier subject matter, he still closes THESE DAYS with "Diamond Ring," a gentle matrimonial proposal that shows this Jersey boy is still a romantic at heart.
Producers: Peter Collins, Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora.
Personnel: Jon Bon Jovi (vocals, harmonica, percussion, background vocals); Richie Sambora (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, sitar, electric sitar, background vocals); Suzie Katayama (accordion); Jerry Vivino (tenor saxophone); Edward Manion (baritone saxophone); Mark Pender (trumpet); Richie La Bamba (trombone); Robbie Buchanan (keyboards, programming); David Bryan (keyboards, background vocals); Jerry Cohen (keyboards); Tico Torres (drums, percussion); Tommy Funderburk, Rory Dodd (background vocals).
Audio Mixer: Bob Clearmountain.
Audio Remasterer: George Marino.
Recording information: 16th Avenue Sound, Nashville, TN; A&M Studios, Hollywood, CA; Bearsville Sound Studios, Woodstock, NY; Ocean Way Recording Studios, Hollywood, CA; One On One Studios, North Hollywood, CA.
Ensemble: The Miami Horns.
Photographers: Cynthia Levine; Mark Seliger.
Bon Jovi: Jon Bon Jovi (vocals, harmonica, percussion); Richie Sambora (acoustic & electric guitars, electric sitar, background vocals); David Bryan (keyboards, background vocals); Tico Torres (drums, percussion).
Additional personnel: Suzie Katayama (accordion); Jerry Vivino (tenor saxophone); Ed Manion (baritone saxophone); Mark Pender (trumpet); Richie LaBamba (trombone); Robbie Buchanan (keyboards, programming); Jerry Cohen (keyboards); Hugh McDonald, Randy Jackson (bass); Tommy Funderburk, Rory Dodd (background vocals).
Re-Mastered
Rolling Stone (6/29/95, p.42) - 3 Stars - Good - "Bon Jovi trade their metallic party-dude past for Garth Brooks and ZZ Top-ish turns....Bon Jovi pump out those really big, rounder-than-round sound-wavin' hooks, the ultimate guilty pleasure. The fact is, nobody does it better..." Q (2/96, p.62) - Included in Q's 50 Best Albums of 1995. Q (7/95, p.115) - 4 Stars - Excellent - "...Striving to locate himself in the moral jungle of extreme wealth, Bon Jovi focuses on two themes: losing his faith and losing his money....THESE DAYS is the kind of partial self-reinvention the longer career requires."
12 years later...... It's been 12 years after I bought this cd i was 15 back then. now I am 26 and i got into progressive rock and metal like dream theater, spock's beard, rush and stuff like that and I still play this album every week. This is bon jovi's best. I just wish for the day they do something like this again. Don't think twice before buying this album just buy it and appreciate the quality of everything in this album.
Submitted by snakepit62 (Miami,FL, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful.
THE DARKER THE BERRY.... This is by far the darkest Bon Jovi album ever. To be honest with you, it's their best. The songs are so personal. I wish they would make another album close to this caliber.
Submitted by superman2010 (Chatham, VA, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
THE DARKER THE BERRY.... This is by far the darkest Bon Jovi album ever. To be honest with you, it's their best. The songs are so personal. I wish they would make another album close to this caliber.
Submitted by superman2010 (Chatham, VA, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Bon Jovi's Best Album Every track on this album is a keeper! Even the non-album tracks (which if you were to get all the singles & promos numbers around 10) are great. People who don't like this album just want a regurgetated New Jersy-type sound. It's been all down hill since this one. Crush was so-so, Bounce was real weak, and Have A Nice Day is a "heapin helpin" of DUNG! Buy This Album!! Submitted by Rasheed (Central California, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Good for the soul! This was a great album. it has stuck with me since it came out. It was a great album for a teenager with girl problems. the songs, "lie to me," and "letting you go" are great for the bad times and "damned" and "these days" are great for the "GET OVER IT" times. Just an all around good album to get a young fella over his problems. Submitted by jeremy (Chandler, Az, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
12 years later......
THE DARKER THE BERRY....
Share this Product