BON JOVI: This House Is Not For Sale (ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

To say that since 2013, Bon Jovi's existence has been particularly turbulent would be a mild understatement. Between the departure of Ritchie Sambora, the departure of Mercury to finally join Island, and finally a change of management, there was nothing to be bored about. Except that Bon Jovi is first and foremost Jon Bon Jovi. He is the only real boss and he took the opportunity to assert himself. Rather than giving us the old adage "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger", the leader prefers to talk about integrity and experience, taking advantage of the opportunity to (finally!) officially integrate Hugh McDonald into the band's line-up. As for the position of new guitarist, while Phil X already fills this role in concert, it has been shared, for this new album, with John Shanks who also takes care of production.

As the title of the album indicates, Bon Jovi is not for sale, and as described on the cover, its roots are deep and solid. With "This House Is Not For Sale", the New Jersey band will not escape the recurring debates between fans and critics. On the other hand, it will reassure with a renewed energy and a beautiful collection of unstoppable tracks. Some will note the mark affixed by John Shanks with guitars regularly using aerial sounds ('Living With The Ghost', 'Born Again Tomorrow'). It is in fact in this instrument that the main evolution is noticeable. This is normal after the departure of Ritchie Sambora, even if the latter was often under-used on the latest opus. Nevertheless, his inspired solos are clearly missing, all the more so as this exercise is relatively rare here, only a few titles benefiting from it.

Apart from that, the formula has not been revolutionized and it will sometimes be possible to look for similarities between the new compositions and some tracks from previous albums. Nevertheless, this new release is particularly successful and encouraging for the future of the quintet. The energy is back and is very effective with enjoyable and melodic tracks such as 'Living With The Ghost', 'Born Again Tomorrow', 'Roller Coaster' or 'New Year's Day'. Some even get catchy with sharp guitars ('The Devil Is In The Temple', 'God Bless This Mess') or hymn-like choruses ('Knockout'). The lyrics are often clever and deal with the ordeals went through, sometimes with some references to Ritchie Sambora's departure, proving in passing that, if the door remains open to a return, the wound is real for the singer. Finally, ballad lovers should not worry too much. Although in smaller number, these sweets remain nevertheless of quality, whether it is the mid-tempo 'Labour Of Love' with the accents of 'Living In Sin' ("New Jersey" - 1988), or the more classical but nevertheless successful 'Scars On This Guitar'.

After a few less energetic albums that divided the fans, "This House Is Not For Sale" reassures us about the shape of the institution that Bon Jovi has become. The ordeals did not destroy the band, which was able to draw new inspiration and vitality from it, which had been lacking for some albums. It is now to be hoped that this new impetus will be confirmed in future concerts and recordings.

NB: Please note a limited edition with 5 additional tracks, most of which deserve the purchase of this version. - Official website

BON JOVI

THIS HOUSE IS NOT FOR SALE

ISLAND

ROCK