Review: Richie Sambora “Aftermath of the Lowdown”

Rock

Bon Jovi’s better half returns with his long-awaited third solo album, “Aftermath of the Lowdown”. No stranger to dramatic highs and lows in his personal life, Sambora throws lots of emotive lyrics into his work. This time around also features an unexpected pairing with power pop legend Roger Joseph Manning Jr (Jellyfish), who plays keyboards on the record. Other notable contributors include guitarist Rusty Anderson (Paul McCartney) and Elton John’s longtime songwriting collaborator Bernie Taupin.

Things get off to a sizzling start with some outstanding guitar work in “Burn The Candle Down”, but the song is unfortunately ruined for me with the use of heavily distorted lyrics. Why a singer as talented as Sambora would chose to disfigure his voice like this defies logic. But the next track and first single, “Every Road Leads Home To You” is a terrific soaring modern rocker that sounds like Coldplay after testosterone injections. But even this is not as good as the upbeat rocker “Nowadays”, which features beautiful chord changes and an instantly memorable chorus you’ll want to sing all day. “Learning How to Fly With a Broken Wing” is another engaging anthem among the rocking tracks.

After a mighty peppy first half, the back half of the record is predominantly filled with balladry, but this is a specialty for Sambora. Among the most inspired, I would cite “Weathering the Storm” and the midtempo “Seven Years Gone”, which features one of his best vocal deliveries this time out. The album closes with a short Bowie-styled lullaby called “World”. Sambora sings “World, we don’t want you to end”, which is pretty much the same sentiment I had regarding the record at this point.

“Aftermath of the Lowdown” is a top quality rock album with a 50/50 mix of upbeat tunes and ballads. The album is a quantum leap into the modern rock era. Sambora is in excellent form on all levels – as songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist. Shame we don’t get to hear his solo efforts more often, but I guess that other band keeps him pretty busy! :)

Richie Sambora – Official site.

Check out the video for “Every Road Leads Home To You”:

You Were Robbed – Richie Sambora

"You Were Robbed" features artists and bands that should have gotten much more recognition and fame than they did. Check them out now...better late than never!

Richie Sambora has gotten plenty of love in the context of Bon Jovi, but his first solo record, 1991’s “Stranger In This Town”, didn’t capitalize on his fame to the extent that I expected. The record barely cracked the top 40 on the Billboard charts and its rousing lead single, “Ballad Of Youth” struggled to reach a dismal 63 on the singles chart. The subsequent singles, the soulful ballad “One Light Burning” and title track, didn’t even chart. Admittedly, the choice of singles was a bit perplexing, and probably has a lot to do with why the album wasn’t as warmly received as similar melodic rock records dominating the time period.

“Stranger In This Town” contains plenty of Bon Jovi-ish anthems (for example, “Ballad of Youth” and “Rosie”), but infuses the blues and a touch of soul that distinguish it from his day job output. In fact, the one and only Eric Clapton guests on the track, “Mr. Blueman”. Sambora’s voice harmonizes with Jon Bon Jovi perfectly, but this record shows he can stand on his own vocally. His voice also has more of an everyday man’s quality to it that exudes a charm all on its own.





Two of my favorite cuts on his debut solo record are saved until the end. “Father Time” is a huge power ballad that continues to resonate with me to this day, and “The Answer” is a rare and beautiful acoustic treat that makes us wonder why Sambora doesn’t put down his electric guitar more often.





Some other cool bits of trivia – Randy Jackson (American Idol dawg judge) played bass on “One Light Burning”, Desmond Child co-wrote “Rosie” and “Father Time”, and Dean Fasano (Message/Prophet) contributing backing vocals.

Bottom line: I would take this solo release from Sambora over any of Jon Bon Jovi’s solo efforts. This record is no "New Jersey", but surely should have performed much better than it did.

Under Cover: It's My Life

Crazy polka version of this Bon Jovi hit. And it's not Weird Al.

Село і люди "It's My Life" (Bon Jovi)

Cover tune catastrophe: You Give Love A Bad Name

I'm not sure what is worse: having your hit rock song sampled by rappers or having it performed this way.

Miracles of Modern Science "You Give Love A Bad Name" (Bon Jovi)

Classic melodic rock CD of the week

By Stephen Kasenda

BON JOVI “New Jersey” (1988)

Bon Jovi labeled their fourth album “New Jersey” out of pride for their home state. Though it seems hard to beat the victorious 30 million sales of "Slippery When Wet", this album carved another important record for being the only hard rock album in history that spawned five singles on the Top 10 of Billboard Hot 100.

Among the singles that conquered the charts, I don't like "Lay Your Hands On Me" as I found it's too boring and disposable. "I'll Be There For You" is a decent generic ballad, but "Bad Medicine" and "Born To Be My Baby" are essential upbeat rockers. And the heart-throbbing backstreet ballad, "Living In Sin", is legendary and I consider it as one of their greatest piece ever penned.

After the previous "Wanted Dead or Alive", Bon Jovi had a big interest in the wild west cowboy theme, reflected on tracks such as "Blood On Blood", "Ride Cowboy Ride", and "Stick To Your Guns". The list of great songs here goes on with the anthemic "Wild Is The Wind" and the acoustical outro of "Love For Sale".

"New Jersey" is a crucial part of Bon Jovi's growing phase and a huge nostalgic memory to many. Remember when hair was long and the hysterical shout of "when you get drunk, I'll be the wine" with guitars on your lap and the neighbor’s girl secretly falling in love with you. Whether you like it or not, Bon Jovi played an important role in bringing many new fans to the rock/metal community, and "New Jersey" is their one thing to blame.

Read more of Stephen’s features at MetalMusicArchives.

Kneejerk: Alter Bridge - Bon Jovi

Welcome to the latest edition of KNEEJERK, where we preview some new releases and give our short, "kneejerk" reaction...


Alter Bridge “AB III”

I haven’t really gotten into Alter Bridge all that much, despite my admiration for Myles Kennedy, the lead vocalist with one of the best voices in rock today. The band always seemed to be a bit restrained, still tethered to Creed and uncertain where their niche was in the musical climate of the day. If anything can be said about “AB III” is that the band sounds a lot more confident of its footing. “Slip To The Void” is a seductive way to kick off the record, luring you in with a slow pace that you know is going to explode at any moment. “Isolation” is pure shredding rock, what you would expect from a band that recently moved to the Roadrunner music label. But for me, the band is at its best on more melodic tracks like “Ghost Of Days Gone By” and “All Hope Is Gone”. Other standouts include “I Know It Hurts”, “Breathe Again”, and the remarkable ballad “Wonderful Life”. An ambitious 16 song opus, “AB III” should satisfy its fan base, and with their inclusion of more accessible radio-ready tunes this time out, may even expand that base.


Bon Jovi “Greatest Hits/Ultimate Collection”

Considering the number of 80s hard rock bands that have gone down in flames never to be heard from again, it is quite the miracle that Bon Jovi not only escaped unscathed, but emerged to rack up a whole new consortium of younger fans. By softening their sound and going for the commercial jugular, the band deserves a lot of credit for successfully navigating the choppy and uncertain waters of the present musical tide. The band has been around for over 25 years cranking out hit album after hit album, so one disc really isn’t enough to fit all of their hits. And in recent times, the criteria for what makes a “hit” are less clear. Either way, I’d recommend you go for the 2 CD collection rather than the single disc – more of the hits, plus four new songs (whereas the single disc only gives you 2 of the new songs). Even with the two CD set, there are some unfortunate omissions. There are no songs from the albums “7800º Fahrenheit” or “Bounce”, and the songs “Never Say Goodbye”, “Misunderstood”, and “Living In Sin” should be here rather than “When We Were Beautiful”, “Someday I’ll Be Saturday Night”, or “Blood on Blood”. Even Jon Bon Jovi’s solo tune “Miracle” was technically a bigger hit than these (and yes, they do include his monster solo smash “Blaze Of Glory” from the same soundtrack). But beauty is in the ear of the beholder, and it is easy enough these days to make your own Bon Jovi playlist – in that context, I’m not sure why bands even bother with these compilations anymore. In terms of new songs, “What Do You Got” is a sluggish but melodic tune and “The More Things Change” would have fit nicely on “Lost Highway”. I liked the arena-ready “This Is Love This Is Life” better.

You Were Robbed - Amanda Marshall

"You Were Robbed" features artists and bands that should have gotten much more recognition and fame than they did. Check them out now...better late than never!


While quite famous in her native Canada, Amanda Marshall has not come close to reaching similar heights here in the US. Marshall was 'discovered' by another famous Canadian musician, the late great Jeff Healey. Her self-titled debut album appeared in 1995, pleasing the ears of many of our friends up North. Marshall has an astonishing voice that could stop traffic - it is soulful, but with a raspy rock edge. She delivers every song with sincere conviction and gravitates to those with memorable melodies. Her debut has a great mix of acoustic guitar and piano, perked up with some electric guitar for an extra punch every now and then. Just listen to tracks like "Let It Rain", "Birmingham", and "Sitting On Top Of The World".

Her 1999 sophomore effort, "Tuesday's Child" was almost as good, featuring more powerful pop rock gems like "Believe In You", "Love Lift Me", and my favorite, "If I Didn't Have You". Overall, this record is more ballad-rich, with lots of strings and glossy production. Some of that "organic" feel of the debut was compromised, but most of the songs are still strong and her voice is brilliant as always. She also had Desmond Child, Eric Bazilian (Hooters), and Carole King helping out with the songwriting, and Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi) playing guitar on "Why Don't You Love Me".

Marshall's third release, "Everybody's Got a Story" (2001), however, was a dramatic course change deep into R&B territory. I was not a fan of it. While there is a greatest hits compilation out there called "Intermission", I recommend you just pick up her first two albums - each is a masterpiece and available for pennies in used CD stores.

Amanda Marshall is reportedly in the studio cooking up a new release. Here's hoping that 2010 will be her year.

Marshall

Amanda Marshall: Official site.

Check out the video for "Let It Rain":

Review: Bon Jovi "The Circle"

The ham and cheese of rock are back with a new record, following their so-called "country"-inspired detour, "Lost Highway". With "The Circle", Bon Jovi is once again claiming that they are going back to the big arena rock sound of their late 80s hey day. "The Circle" is as much "New Jersey" as "Lost Highway" is a "Ropin' The Wind". In other words, big arena rock this is NOT; but that doesn't mean it isn't a decent record from Jon Bon and the Jersey boys. And to their credit, "The Circle" is generally more upbeat and not overwhelmed with the band's proclivity for sappy power ballads.

We have all the elements that set the stage for a reliable Bon Jovi effort: yet another blatant retread of their biggest hit "Livin' On A Prayer", a song referencing Superman, a piano ballad that gives the vestigial David Bryan something to do, and a handful of tracks letting us know that Billy Falcon and Desmond Child are still alive somewhere.

Things get off to a predictable start with the driving single, "We Weren't Born To Follow" but then suddenly get stuck in molasses with the sleep inducing "When We Were Beautiful". They step back up to the plate with a Springsteen-esque track "Work For The Working Man", which is a tune the Boss could have pulled off much better. Then comes "Superman Tonight", which, while lyrically challenged, is a decent midtempo track with an enjoyable chorus. Beginning with "Thorn In My Side", the album really picks up in terms of delivering the catchy AOR we expect from modern Bon Jovi, serving up some of the best tracks the band has done since "Have A Nice Day". Bottom line regarding "The Circle": the record has its moments, but too many lackluster tracks interspersed among the standouts bring down my enthusiasm for it as a whole.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11

Bon Jovi on MySpace. Official site.

Rare CD: Review: Franke and the Knockouts "Below the Belt"

"Below the Belt" was the 1982 sophomore effort from this short-lived AOR band from Jersey, better known for their initial hit "Sweetheart" (which graced the top 10 in 1981). Franke (Previte) and the Knockouts released 3 CDs total and many consider them to be lost gems of the era. They are also known for "discovering" drummer Tico Torres, who played with them in 1983-4 before joining Bon Jovi. Curiously, there is a song on "Below the Belt" called Gina, who in Bon Jovi's lyrical lexicon, "dreams of running away".

Franke and the Knockouts really should have been more than a one hit wonder - maybe a three or four hit wonder. Franke Previte wrote some excellent melodies, and sang them with an exceptional voice that sounded a lot like Mike Reno (Loverboy) with a touch of Lou Gramm. Musically, Franke and the Knockouts also sounded a lot like classic Foreigner.

"Below the Belt" had a moderate hit with the cozy balled, "Without You (Not Another Lonely Night)". Some other cool lost AOR cuts on this record include the punchy "Never Had It Better" and the mellow mid-tempo number, "Morning Sun (Dream On)". Of course, no AOR record is complete without a Survivor-ish anthem for the rebellious at heart; "Keep On Fighting" fills that quota, complete with plenty of thumping bass.

Proving that good tunes eventually find more than a few ears, Previte later went on to win an Academy Award since some of his early songs, "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" and "Hungry Eyes" were recorded by other artists for 1987's huge "Dirty Dancing" soundtrack. The original versions recorded by Franke and the Knockouts can be found together on their "Sweetheart Collection" disc, but you'll need to take out a loan to pay for it. "Below the Belt" don't come any cheaper.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 5, 7

Franke and the Knockouts - official site.

And look here - a video for "Without You"!

Rare CD: Bon Jovi "Crossroad" Japan 2 bonus cd

"In this auction, I'm selling a MEGA RARE Bon Jovi item. It is SEALED COPY Japanese 2 cd version of Crossroad released in 1998. The bonus cd contains live tracks along with an outtake. Any serious bidders know the rarity of this item, so I don't need to explain this in too much depth. This set is virtually impossible to find anywhere in ANY condition (even in Japan!). This copy is sealed and therefore complete with all the goodies (OBI, inserts) in perfect unopened condition. Maybe once every year or so one of these will appear on ebay, but not in this condition. If you are viewing this auction, I am not exaggerating when I say this may be your last chance to purchase this one sealed. I searched for years for this, and only came across when buying a large lot of Bon Jovi cds (the seller did not realize what he had at the time).

I have the entire set of Japan 2 cd remasters and will be selling them all. All but one of these are sealed! Keep a look out for my other auctions!

"Crossroad" - PHCR-90021/2

Tracklisting:
1. Livin' on a Prayer
2. Keep the Faith
3. Someday I'll Be Saturday Night
4. Always
5. Wanted Dead or Alive
6. Lay Your Hands on Me
7. You Give Love a Bad Name
8. Bed of Roses
9. Blaze of Glory
10. In These Arms
11. Bad Medicine
12. I'll Be There For You
13. In and Out of Love
14. Runaway
15. Never Say Goodbye

Bonus Cd:
1. Always (live)
2. Someday I'll Be Saturday Night (live)
3. With a Little Help From My Friends (live)
4. Good Guys Don't Always Wear White
5. Blaze of Glory
6. Stranger in This Town"

Sold on ebay for over $300