March 6, 2006

 

POP MUSIC REVIEW

Bon Jovi keeps it simple, and that's how fans like it

A tried-and-true blend of power-pop hooks and smoldering looks leaves 'em happy at a packed Staples Center show.

 

By Randy Lewis, Times Staff Writer

 

In 500 years, all modes of transportation as we know them will be extinct, travel and communication will take place at the speed of thought, and food will be a thing of the past because we'll have figured out how to absorb nutrients directly at the cellular level.

 

Yet you can bet that somewhere in the universe there will still be an anti-grav stage floating in a futuristic arena where long-haired guys in leather will be strumming power chords and wheedling electric guitar solos for throngs of fist-pumping humanoids pretty much the way Bon Jovi did Friday at a packed Staples Center.

 

There were times when the scene played out like something trapped in a time bubble, uncontaminated by seismic shifts in the pop landscape since the strikingly handsome Jon Bon Jovi, now 44, and his New Joisey bandmates came on the scene in the early '80s.

 

But the group, enjoying a second wind from its career-rejuvenating "Have a Nice Day" album, made its case for tuneful arena rock that rarely loses sight of journeyman craftsmanship.

 

Art it ain't, but it does command a certain amount of respect, as does the band's decision to weave in new material throughout the show.

 

The album shows that Bon Jovi's knack for earnestly catchy rock is undiminished, but it remains not so much Springsteen Lite as Bob Seger Lite. It's politely edgy rock for contented rebels, music that doesn't rail at injustice or mediocrity but gently and generically bumps up against it.

 

Still, the success of "Have a Nice Day," which is nearing the 1 million sales mark in the U.S., is a reminder that hip-hop, R&B, pop-punk, emo, scream-o and other genres drawing most of the media attention today haven't rubbed out the audience for what Bon Jovi provides. That would be hook-laden melodies and ideas presented in instantly graspable four- and five-word lyric phrases sung by an affably charismatic, non-threatening frontman.

 

Contrary to what Bon Jovi sang in one of the new album's songs about how he's "Complicated," his appeal, and the group's, is anything but.

 

 

I truly detest this awful excuse for a rock band, amongst the absolute worst Yank garbage ever to be inflicted upon us...... :puke:

 

(sorry Mark...)

I truly detest this awful excuse for a rock band, amongst the absolute worst Yank garbage ever to be inflicted upon us...... :puke:

 

(sorry Mark...)

 

Um, yep, I'm with you on that.

 

Again, sorry Mark...

Booo! I love them! Seeing them in June... as long as Wembley is finished!

bump

woohoo i went see them atmanchester and coventry and they were fantasic.....especially at coventry cuz i was front of the golden circle

 

i did a bit of a review of it on here...... http://www.buzzjack.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=8022

 

 

theres some pics on that link too :yahoo:

Edited June 13, 200619 yr by pink_princess01

i think bon jovi are brilliant,,i wentto see them in dublin last month and they are a brilliant live band,,,the new album have a nice day was a great comeback and they deserve there success,,,there around a long time and have been successful a very long time so they deserve credit for that alone,,,,

 

and as isaid they are one of the worlds best live bands and reallygive fans a great show any time they perform

If you like watching middle aged men fart about in leather trousers.

 

Can this be moved to pop? I know some people find Bon Jovi incredibly alternative, but they're no more edgy than Cliff Richard.

If you like watching middle aged men fart about in leather trousers.

 

Can this be moved to pop? I know some people find Bon Jovi incredibly alternative, but they're no more edgy than Cliff Richard.

 

 

lol he mite be middle aged but hes the hottest 44 year old i've ever seen.....especailly close up :wub: :wub:

never mind looking how good or bad looking he is,,just buy the single

never mind looking how good or bad looking he is,,just buy the single

 

 

i have.....and now i have no money for my dinner this week at work :P

If you like watching middle aged men fart about in leather trousers.

 

Can this be moved to pop? I know some people find Bon Jovi incredibly alternative, but they're no more edgy than Cliff Richard.

 

Richie!

 

Give that guy a golden star!!! at last someone who know what he's talking about!!!

Bon Jovi Rule! Saw them at Manchester, Covenrty and Milton Keynes. Absoultely fantastic. Brilliant show. Superb.

 

Bon Jovi Rule! Saw them at Manchester, Covenrty and Milton Keynes. Absoultely fantastic. Brilliant show. Superb.

 

 

did u take any pics at coventry? :wub:

i agree bon jovi rock and have done for years,,they have stood the test of time

woohoo i went see them atmanchester and coventry and they were fantasic.....especially at coventry cuz i was front of the golden circle

 

i did a bit of a review of it on here...... http://www.buzzjack.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=8022

theres some pics on that link too :yahoo:

 

Excellent review. I've moved the thread to the Indie and Alternative Rock Forum as it's more likely passing Bon Jovi fans would see it.

i wiah there a bon jovi forum where it could be all about the best band in the world bon jovi

i wiah there a bon jovi forum where it could be all about the best band in the world bon jovi

 

Get to 50 yes votes and away you go.

http://www.buzzjack.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=8535

i will do my best but it has my vote

 

I'll vote for a Bon Jovi forum to get the Bon Jovi topics out of here.

 

They're not rock...and certainly not indie - they're pop. Do your job properly mods!

 

*grumble*