The Oswegonian

The Independent Student Newspaper of Oswego State

DATE

Apr. 20, 2024 

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Laker Review

Bon Jovi gives listeners new rock anthem

Classic rock lives on.

Bon Jovi’s “This House Is Not for Sale” brings back that quintessential rock listeners have missed in the era of pop-punk.

“This House Is Not for Sale,” Bon Jovi’s first album since 2013, dropped on Nov. 4.

Each song on the album has its own distinct style. Listeners are not tuning into one, cohesive album that sounds the same throughout. Each song has its own personality, with monster guitar riffs and Bon Jovi’s classic rock sound. But, in this rare case, it is a good thing. Each track has its own fingerprint that it leaves with the listener time after time.

The title track and lead single kicks the album off with that vintage rock sound Bon Jovi is known for. Packed full of awesome guitar riffs, “This House Is Not for Sale”’s opening guitar sounds similar to some other rock legends, but has its own flare that sets it apart. Not to mention the lyrics are fun to sing along to.

Possibly the best track on the album, “Living with the Ghost” has everything audiences want in a rock song. Guitar riffs, catchy lyrics and a drum beat that will not quit. The lyrics message of having the power to start out fresh, but acknowledging the past is there is poetic on its own. Add in the imaginative guitar riffs and Jon Bon Jovi’s memorable voice and it is a work of art.

“Labor of Love” and “Scars on This Guitar” take a break from the hard rock and roll. While “Labor of Love” is a beautiful song, “Scars on This Guitar” takes the cake for being the most emotion filled track on the entire album. An ode to that special someone, it is a passionate acoustic ballad about thanking a loved one for being there through thick and thin. “Scars on This Guitar” is sure to be one of the next big wedding songs in the near future. It is a stunningly beautiful track bound to shed a few tears.

The only bland song on “This House Is Not for Sale” is “The Devil’s in the Temple.” The guitar is the only sound that is memorable and it is not even that great on this track. The lyrics are not as heartfelt as the other songs on the album and Bon Jovi’s voice is almost drowned out by the background music almost like his heart is not really into this one. Overall, not their best work.

God Bless This Mess” has the most mellow rock sound of the album. Yes, it still has that great guitar sound, but it takes a turn and is drowned out by Bon Jovi’s voice. It is almost like a vintage rock song, especially when it ends with a fading guitar.

To close the album, “Come on up to Our House,” is slower than a lot of the tracks on the album, it is the perfect way to close out “This House Is Not for Sale.” Opening with a soft piano that transitions to a harmonious guitar, it invites the listener to revisit the rest of the album. “Come on up to Our House” has a very homey sound that feels comfortable and pleasant.

Bon Jovi’s “This House Is Not for Sale” is another slam dunk for the legendary band and is worth listening to over and over.