Product Description

Bon Jovi's 1984 debut not only became a blueprint for the band's multi-platinum releases of later years, but a definitive work for an entire genre. Though scores of short-lived pop-metal bands rocketed to popularity on the success of this release, the time-weathered BON JOVI continues to stand out from the pack.
"Runaway", with its infectious hook and keyboard work from E-Streeter Roy Bittan, was discovered by a New York DJ and gave the band some early exposure. "She Don't Know Me" is a catchy mid-tempo rocker. "Shot Through the Heart" turns the hard-rocking pulse up a few notches, with Richie Sambora letting loose on the kind of solo that would becopied by a plethora of L.A. bands. David Bryan's keyboards, an integral part of the group's sound, work nicely on the melodic rocker "Breakout". At a time when synthesizers dominated the pop landscape, Bon Jovi used them to gloss a heavy-rock foundation. "Come Back" shows the enormity of the charisma and emotion that Jon poured into his singing. BON JOVI is a great debut by a band in its underground, formative stage; a street album from a band hungry to make it.

Track Listing

1. Runaway
2. Roulette
3. She Don't Know Me
4. Shot Through The Heart
5. Love Lies
6. Breakout
7. Burning For Love
8. Come Back
9. Get Ready

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4398 in Music
• Released on: 1998-10-05
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 38 minutes

Customer Reviews

A hard rock classic
I bought this on vinyl back in 1984 and I LOVE it : melodic , catchy , hard, well crafted rock songs.

Great drummer, vocalist and guitarist. It sounds fresh today and it is great for driving down the M4.

Downhill from here!
Maybe they just became too popular but I 'discovered' Bon Jovi through the pages of Kerrang alongside Metallica and Iron Maiden. Back then these bands were almost taboo in the media and it was a relatively small club of people who followed heavy rock. They knew there was an honesty about the music they liked that gave a strong identity (to being a heedbanger). Bon Jovi pushed the commercial appeal of their music after this album losing an edge in favour of mass pop appeal. Their choice but they lost a bit of credibility.
So I would recommend this album to anyone who got into Bon Jovi latterly and have missed this album so far, it may not have an ultra glossy finish but has great songs and that youthful energy so many bands have on their first album.

The Great Bon Jovi Debut Album!
1984's self titled gem "Bon Jovi" album was the first disc from Jon and his band and what a debut.
All the songs of this CD are great, catchy, legendary, just what you'd expect from Jon --- he and his band can do no wrong.
The CD starts off with a killer track, "Runaway" and finishes off with a killer track, "Get Ready". It was clear when you first heard this disc that Bon Jovi would become a legend and go on to even greater and with albums such as "Slippery When Wet", "New Jersey", "Keep The Faith" and "Bounce" everyone was poved right.
"She Don't Know Me" and "Shot Through The Heart" are 2 fine standout tracks.