From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Bon Jovi is the debut album from American rock band Bon Jovi, released January 21, 1984. Produced by Tony Bongiovi and Lance Quinn, the album is significant for being the only Bon Jovi album on which a song ("She Don't Know Me") appears that was not written or co-written by members of the band.
Aside from hit single "Runaway", songs from the album were rarely performed live after the band released their breakthrough album Slippery When Wet in 1986. However, on the band's current Circle Tour, songs including "Roulette", "Shot Through the Heart", and "Get Ready" have been performed.
Making of the record
In 1980, Jon Bon Jovi started to work at Power Station Studios, a Manhattan recording facility where his cousin, Tony Bongiovi, was a co-owner. Jon Bon Jovi made several demos and sent them out to many record companies, but failed to make an impact.
In 1982, Jon Bon Jovi went to local radio station WAPP 103.5FM "The Apple". DJ Chip Hobart listened to Jon's demos and loved "Runaway", deciding to include it on the station's compilation album of local homegrown talent. The studio musicians who helped record "Runaway" were known as The All Star Review. They were: guitarists Dave Sabo and Tim Pierce, keyboardist Roy Bittan, drummer Frankie LaRocka and bassist Hugh McDonald.
The song began to get airplay around New York. Jon signed to Mercury Records, part of the PolyGram company. Jon Bon Jovi wanted a group name and the A&R staff at PolyGram came up with Bon Jovi.
In March 1983 Bon Jovi called David Bryan (then Rashbaum), who in turn called bassist Alec John Such and an experienced drummer named Tico Torres. At that time Bon Jovi's lead guitarist was Dave Sabo (a.k.a. The Snake), who later formed the group Skid Row. Dave Sabo was eventually replaced by Richie Sambora.
Band recorded the album (originally titled "Tough Talk" but renamed after the record company decided it was wiser to issue the album as a self titled release) at Power Station Studios and produced by Tony Bongiovi and Lance Quinn. Most of the songs are written by Jon Bon Jovi David Bryan and Richie Sambora. "Burning For Love" and "Come Back" were the very first songs written for the album. Three singles were released from the album, "Runaway", "She Don't Know Me" and in Japan only, "Burning For Love".
Reception
Track listing
Special Edition Bonus CD
Nippon Phonogram Japan PHCR-90011/2
- Runaway (Live Le Zenith 1988/11/20)
- Roulette (Live BBC Friday Rock Show)
- Shot Through The Heart (Live Japan Tour 1985)
- Burning For Love (Live Japan Tour 1985)
- Get Ready (Live Japan Tour 1985)
- Breakout (Live Super Rock '84)
- Runaway (Live Super Rock '84)
Personnel
Bon Jovi
Additional personnel
- Roy Bittan – keyboards
- Chuck Burgi - additional drums
- David Grahmme - background vocals
- Doug Katsaros - additional keyboards
- Frankie La Rocka – drums
- Hugh McDonald – bass
- Aldo Nova - additional guitar, additional keyboards
- Tim Pierce – guitar
- Mick Seeley - background vocals
Engineers
- Larry Alexander
- Jeff Hendrickson
- John Bengelshmy
Chart positions and sales
Album
| Country |
Peak position |
Certification |
Sales |
| United States |
43 |
Platinum [3] |
2,000,000+ |
| Canada |
|
Gold [4] |
50,000+ |
| Switzerland |
|
Platinum [5] |
50,000+ |
| Japan |
|
Gold |
100,000+ |
| Australia |
39 |
|
|
Singles
| Year |
Single |
Chart |
Position |
| 1984 |
"Runaway" |
The Billboard Hot 100 |
39 |
| 1984 |
"She Don't Know Me" |
The Billboard Hot 100 |
48 |
References
[2]
Wikis
Quiz
Map
Search
