Review Summary: The foundations of Bon Jovi's success
Most people might know Bon Jovi from Slippery When Wet, New Jersey and Keep the Faith. Not unsurprisingly though, since they became widely famous during these three previously mentioned albums and the hits they offered. I would go a step back and concentrate on 7800 Degrees Fahrenheit a totally underrated album. It is 1985 and it's been a year since the band had their debut album released. Not wanting to waste any more time they go straight into the studio to record their follow-up album. The outcome is an album with the same power and tone like Bon Jovi but with better songs in it's total. A ballsy attitude by a bunch of twenty-year old mates with tight jeans and long hair who do not take much. It is the album with no love songs and other kind of ballads, just straight rock music. Lyrics are not Jon's strong point at that time, however he was showing signs that he was following the right path.
Tico Torres's livelihood in his drum playing is the fact that makes ''In and Out of Love'' a great song and gives the spark for great things to come. ''Price of Love'' seduces with it's catchy intro solo on guitar, while ''Only Lonely'' intoxicates the listener with it's melody and chorus. The dynamite ''King of the Mountain'' is a forceful song in regards to power and intensity, whilst ''(I Don't Wanna Fall) to the Fire'' is something very close as well. I believe that ''Silent Night'' and ''The Hardest Part is the Night'' are two songs which underpin the inspiration behind the numerous ballads which came later on from the band. ''Tokyo Road'' is another great composition with powerful riffs and with Jon's outstanding performance shows his potentials as a frontman. ''Secret Dreams'' is based on the melody laid down by the keyboards, which give their own distinct beauty on Bon Jovi's sound.
Overall, this album ''shouts'' that Bon Jovi is a band with great potentials and if handled properly they would surely find success. Indeed, through the passage of years the band became more commercial and they managed to capitalize their publicity and thus turned to a great rock band.
