The album that started it all. Interestingly enough, the song that really drew attention to the band, Runaway wasn’t even recorded by the band other than Jon on vocals. It was recorded by a bunch of session guys a year earlier. I guess the label didn’t have that much faith in the old BJ’s, as I would have at least re-recorded it with the band to get that continuity. How they were wrong ,hey?
Let’s be straight here, this album is chock full of bangers, not a dull moment. I rate this album as high as Slippery, and if the production was better it’s a close run thing. Other than the obvious Runaway, I’m going to pick a track that deserves your attention but doesn’t get the spotlight too much and that’s Roulette. A much heavier sound and groove and yet that commercial vibe and feel isn’t lost.
If you saw Bon Jovi early, say after the first three albums, they could rock it out with the best of them and they put on a great show. Sure, it’s a great album.
9.5/10 from The Grooveman.
