Bon Jovi: New Jersey

Introduction

Released on 19 September 1988, New Jersey by Bon Jovi is a landmark album that not only solidified the band’s status as one of the most commercially successful rock bands of the 1980s but also demonstrated their ability to evolve musically while staying true to their roots. Following the immense success of Slippery When Wet (1986), which catapulted the band to global fame, New Jersey had the unenviable task of maintaining the momentum and proving that Bon Jovi was not a flash in the pan. The album achieved this and more, producing five Billboard Hot 100 top-ten singles—a record for a rock album—and reaching multi-platinum status across the globe.

Named after Jon Bon Jovi’s home state, New Jersey was recorded during a period of intense creativity and pressure. The band was determined to avoid the sophomore slump after Slippery When Wet and instead created an album that was both commercially viable and artistically ambitious. Produced by Bruce Fairbairn and recorded at Little Mountain Sound Studios in Vancouver, the album marked the end of a creative era for the band before their subsequent stylistic shifts in the 1990s.

This article will explore the album’s genesis, recording process, commercial performance, critical reception, and lasting legacy. We will also delve into the stories behind the songs, the challenges faced during production, and the cultural landscape in which the album was released. By the end, you will understand why New Jersey remains a defining moment in Bon Jovi’s career and in rock music history.

As Jon Bon Jovi once remarked, “We wanted to prove we weren’t just a band with one good album. We were a band that was here to stay.” The enduring legacy of New Jersey is a testament to the band’s ambition and their ability to connect with fans across the world. With over 19 million copies sold worldwide, the album’s influence on rock music is undeniable.

The Genesis of New Jersey

The journey to New Jersey began in the wake of the band’s grueling tour for Slippery When Wet, which spanned over 16 months. Exhausted but inspired, Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora retreated to the studio with a determination to prove that their success was not a fluke. The band’s chemistry was at an all-time high, and their collaborative efforts resulted in a collection of songs that pushed their sound in new directions while retaining the anthemic qualities that had made them superstars.

At the time, the music industry was undergoing a significant shift. The glam metal scene was thriving, with bands like Def Leppard, Mötley Crüe, and Poison dominating the charts. Bon Jovi was often grouped with these acts, but they sought to differentiate themselves by incorporating more mature themes and diverse musical influences. While Slippery When Wet was unapologetically fun and radio-friendly, New Jersey would aim for a deeper emotional resonance, particularly in tracks like “Blood on Blood” and “Living in Sin.”

Several key contributors helped shape the album. In addition to Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora, who co-wrote most of the tracks, the album featured songwriting input from Desmond Child, a longtime collaborator who had co-written hits like “You Give Love a Bad Name” and “Livin’ on a Prayer.” The band’s lineup remained consistent, with David Bryan on keyboards, Alec John Such on bass, and Tico Torres on drums. Together, they crafted a sound that was polished yet powerful, thanks in large part to the production expertise of Bruce Fairbairn.

Below is a table of the band members and their respective roles:

The recording of New Jersey was financed by the band’s record label, Mercury Records, with a substantial budget reflective of the high expectations placed on the album. The total recording costs were reportedly in the millions, but the investment paid off handsomely, as the album quickly recouped its expenses through global sales. As for the album title, it was a simple yet effective homage to Jon Bon Jovi’s roots. “We were proud of where we came from,” Jon later said, “and we wanted the world to know.”

Recording Process

Recording for New Jersey took place at Little Mountain Sound Studios in Vancouver, British Columbia, between May and July of 1988. The studio had become a go-to destination for major rock acts, thanks in large part to its state-of-the-art facilities and the presence of renowned producers like Bruce Fairbairn and engineers such as Bob Rock. Little Mountain had already been the birthplace of Slippery When Wet, and the band felt comfortable returning to the familiar environment.

Bruce Fairbairn, who had previously worked with Aerosmith and Loverboy, was once again at the helm. Known for his meticulous attention to detail, Fairbairn pushed the band to experiment with different sounds and arrangements. He also brought in Bob Rock, who would later become a legendary producer in his own right, to handle the engineering and mixing. The sessions were intense, with the band working long hours to perfect each track.

Little Mountain Sound Studios was equipped with some of the most advanced recording technology available at the time. While specific details of the hardware used during the New Jersey sessions are not always explicitly documented, it is likely that the studio employed a combination of Neve or SSL mixing desks, UREI 1176 compressors, and AKG C414 microphones—standard equipment for high-end rock productions of the era.

Despite the professional setup, the recording process was not without its challenges. One memorable incident occurred when Jon Bon Jovi’s voice began to give out due to the demanding nature of the sessions. Fairbairn had to arrange for a vocal coach to help Jon regain his strength and ensure that his performances remained consistent. Additionally, tensions occasionally flared within the band, as the pressure to deliver another hit album weighed heavily on everyone involved.

Bruce Fairbairn was a prolific producer whose influence extended far beyond New Jersey. Below is a table of notable albums he produced:

Commercial Performance and Reception

New Jersey was an immediate commercial success, debuting at number eight on the Billboard 200 and climbing to the top spot in its second week. It remained at number one for four consecutive weeks, making it Bon Jovi’s second consecutive chart-topping album. Internationally, the album performed equally well, hitting number one in the UK, Canada, Australia, and several other countries. By 1996, the album had been certified 7× platinum in the United States, with worldwide sales exceeding 19 million copies.

Below is a table of Bon Jovi’s album sales, highlighting New Jersey:

The album earned numerous accolades, including certifications in over a dozen countries. In addition to its 7× platinum status in the US, New Jersey achieved platinum or multi-platinum certifications in Canada, the UK, Germany, and several other markets. It was also the first American album to be officially released in the Soviet Union, further cementing its global reach.

Other albums released in 1988 include:

• Appetite for Destruction by Guns N’ Roses [20 million]
• Hysteria by Def Leppard [12 million]
• OU812 by Van Halen [4 million]

Singles and Track Analysis

The singles from New Jersey dominated the charts throughout 1988 and 1989. “Bad Medicine” and “I’ll Be There for You” both reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, while “Born to Be My Baby” peaked at number three. “Lay Your Hands on Me” and “Living in Sin” also broke into the top ten, making New Jersey the first rock album to generate five top-ten singles.

Below is a table of the album’s tracks and their meanings:

*Indicates singles. “Bad Medicine” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, while “Born to Be My Baby” peaked at number three. “I’ll Be There for You” also topped the charts.

For a taste of the album’s sound, you can listen to “Bad Medicine” here:

Influences and Legacy

Musically, New Jersey was influenced by a variety of genres, from hard rock to blues and even a touch of country. Bon Jovi drew inspiration from artists like Bruce Springsteen, whose working-class anthems resonated with Jon Bon Jovi’s own songwriting. The band also looked to the burgeoning glam metal scene, incorporating the genre’s larger-than-life production and infectious hooks.

Below is a table of the album’s influences and the artists it influenced:

The year 1988 was pivotal in both music and global events. The world was witnessing the end of the Cold War, with the Soviet Union beginning its transition toward a mixed economy. In the tech world, the first well-known computer virus, the 1988 Internet worm, was released, and the concept of the World Wide Web was first discussed at CERN. In cinema, films like Rain Man and Who Framed Roger Rabbit dominated the box office, showcasing the diversity of popular culture during this period.

Five Things About New Jersey

Here are five interesting facts about New Jersey:

Media and Television Usage

One of the tracks from New Jersey, “Bad Medicine,” has appeared in various media over the years. Below is a table of its known appearances:

Critical Reviews and Retrospectives

Critical reception for New Jersey was generally positive, though some critics noted that it did not quite reach the heights of Slippery When Wet. Rolling Stone described the album as “highly commercial and formulaic,” while other reviews praised its more mature themes and ambitious sound.

Below is a table of critical reviews:

After New Jersey

Following the release of New Jersey, Bon Jovi embarked on a world tour that further cemented their status as rock icons. However, the intense schedule took its toll on the band, leading to a brief hiatus in the early 1990s. During this period, Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora pursued solo projects, but they reunited for Keep the Faith in 1992, which marked a shift towards a more mature, introspective sound.

As of 2024, Bon Jovi remains active, though the band has undergone significant changes. Richie Sambora left the group in 2013, and while the band has continued to release new music, their sound has evolved away from the glam metal of their early years. Nevertheless, New Jersey remains a defining moment in their career, frequently cited as one of their best works.

Remasters and Reissues

Since its original release, New Jersey has been reissued several times, including a deluxe edition in 2014 to celebrate the album’s 25th anniversary. Below is a table of the known remasters and reissues:

Conclusion

New Jersey remains one of Bon Jovi’s most important albums, both commercially and artistically. It showcased the band’s ability to grow beyond their glam metal roots while still delivering the anthems that fans loved. Its impact on rock music is undeniable, influencing countless artists and helping to define the sound of late 1980s rock.

For further reading, visit the official Wikipedia page for New Jersey or the official Bon Jovi website.

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