New Jersey [Remaster] (CD - 1988)

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).

This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files.

Personnel: Richie Sambora (vocals, guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolin, background vocals); Jon Bon Jovi (vocals, guitar, acoustic guitar, harmonica, background vocals); David Bryan (vocals, keyboards, background vocals); Sue Leonard, Joanie Bye, Lovena Fox, Cecille Larochelle, Linda Hunt, Alec John Such, Joani Taylor (vocals, background vocals); Peter Berring (vocals); Scott Fairbairn, Audrey Nordwell (cello); Bruce Fairbairn (horns, percussion); Tico Torres (drums, percussion); Goudin Dido Morris (percussion).

Audio Mixer: Bob Rock.

Recording information: Chalet Sound; Little Mountain Sound Studios Ltd.

Photographers: Tim White ; Cameron Wong.

Unknown Contributor Role: The Sweet Thing Vocal Association.

Arranger: Peter Berring.

Bon Jovi had perfected a formula for hard pop/rock by the time of New Jersey, concentrating on singalong choruses sung over and over again, frequently by a rough, extensively overdubbed chorus, producing an effect not unlike what these songs sounded like in the arenas and stadiums where they were most often heard. The lyrics had that typical pop twist -- although they nominally expressed romantic commitment, sentiments such as "Lay Your Hands on Me" and "I'll Be There for You" worked equally well as a means for the band and its audience to reaffirm their affection for each other. The only thing that marred the perfection of this communion was Jon Bon Jovi's continuing obsession with a certain predecessor from his home state; at times, he seemed to be trying to recreate Born to Run using cheaper materials. ~ William Ruhlmann

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. minimize