Bon Jovi: Jon Bon Jovi (vocals, guitar); Richie Sambora (guitar, background vocals); David Rashbaum (keyboards, background vocals); Alec John Such (bass, background vocals); Tico Torres (drums).
Additional personnel: Aldo Nova, Tim Pierce (guitar); Roy Bittan (keyboards); Huey McDonald (bass); Frankie La Rocka (drums); David Grahmme, Mick Seeley (background vocals); Chuck Burgi, Doug Katsoras.
Engineers: Scott Litt, Jeff Hendrickson, Larry Alexander.
Recorded at The Power Station, New York, New York.
Digitally remastered using 20-bit technology by George Marino (1998, Sterling Sound, New York, New York).
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 be copied 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.
