Bon Jovi: Jon Bon Jovi (vocals, acoustic guitar, harmonica); Richie Sambora (acoustic & electric guitars, mandolin, background vocals); David Bryan (keyboards, background vocals); Alec John Such (bass, background vocals); Tico "The Hit Man" Torres (drums, percussion).
Additional personnel: Audrey Nordwell, Scott Fairbairn (cello); Gouin "Dido" Morris (percussion).
The Sweet Thing Vocal Association: Joanie Bye, Joanie Taylor, Lovena Fox, Sue Leonard, Cecille Laochelle, Linda Hunt (background vocals).
Engineers: Bob Rock, John Allen, Chris Cavallaro.
Digitally remastered using 20-bit technology by George Marino (1998, Sterling Sound, New York, New York).
After selling more than 12 million copies of SLIPPERY WHEN WET (and becoming the light-metal champions of the decade), Bon Jovi took its "Wanted Dead Or Alive" rock n' roll cowboy theme to the next level on NEW JERSEY. The album was produced by Bruce Fairbairn and engineered by Bob Rock-two masters when it comes to maximizing a band's sound. Pledging allegiance to the band's home state, NEW JERSEY reeks of attitude, emotion, and the need to party.
"Lay Your Hands On Me" is a venerable cock-rock anthem, while the hooks and chorus of "Bad Medicine" 'continued the band's Top 10 streak. "Blood On Blood" tells the story of childhood friends who maintain their bond to the end. "99 In The Shade" provides the musical backdrop for a group of friends taking an impulsive July cruise to the nearest shoreline. NEW JERSEY closes with "Love For Sale," a drunken sing-along about romance gone sour. The album represents Bon Jovi at the band's creative peak. Like a dream meeting of Bruce Springsteen and Clint Eastwood (with some Guns N' Roses thrown in for good measure), NEW JERSEY maintains Bon Jovi's harder-edged early sound while elevating the band to superstar status.
