Album Review: Bon Jovi - What About Now

Bon Jovi are back with their latest release, What About Now – proof that they've still got it after 30 years. This album has a slight country influence, but what sets it apart is Richie Sambora's undeniable guitar playing and Jon Bon Jovi's vocals. When these two combine on anything, they're a force to be reckoned with.

The album opens with an anthem, Because We Can, and weaves through a series of songs that are destined to be future classics. Clear standout track Amen features soaring vocals from Bon Jovi and lyrics that create beautiful imagery (“I fell through the stars/Went walking on the moon/Burned like a thousand candles in her arms”). What's Left Of Me seems unexpected due to the banjo parts, but somehow this just works. Two specific tracks are unmistakably reminiscent of other songs, with Beautiful World sounding like Matchbox 20's How Far We've Come and The Fighter, John Denver's You Fill Up My Senses (Annie's Song).

What About Now is all about hope and belief, with Army Of One most reminiscent of the message in Bon Jovi classic Keep The Faith. Love and heartbreak are other topics that are explored on this album. Any Bon Jovi fan knows that a new album means a battle to decide which of Mr Sambora's guitar solos is the best. On this album, it's a three-way tie between Army Of One, Thick As Thieves and I'm With You. Bon Jovi's 12th studio album is comforting and familiar, just like curling up on the couch with a good book.