Bon Jovi'Bounce'

Island Records

Grade: B+


Still basking in the glowing success of their multi-platinum album, "Crush," Bon Jovi, the band of Jon Bon Jovi, released their eighth album with Island Records, "Bounce" last week.

One of the few surviving bands of the '80s, Bon Jovi continues to entertain with newly inspired material. As told on their website, www.bonjovi.com, "Bounce" is a journal kept by the band of where they have been this past year, a diary of what they have witnessed and what they have felt.

Partially written during the gloomy aftermath of Sept. 11, the title of the album represents the resiliency of the city of New York and the American people as they "bounce" back from the tragedy and continue to lead their lives with newfound determination. Containing a mix of guitar driven tracks and ballads, "Bounce" conveys a sense of frustration mixed with ever-present optimism in its prolific lyrical content.

The first two tracks, "Undivided" and "Everyday," are inspired by the events of Sept. 11. Utilizing hard-hitting guitar and up-tempo drum beats, the songs express feelings of anger, as well as a determination to remain strong in spite of disaster. In "Undivided," Bon Jovi refer directly to the spirit of the American people after Sept. 11 as he declares, "Once we were divided / Now we stand united / We stand as one ... undivided."

"Everyday," the first single off the album, proclaims rebirth and renewed strength in a more personal sense as the band resolves to" ... touch the sky / spread these wings and fly."

The title track off the album, "Bounce," contains powerful rock beats. The song has the defiant mentality of another popular Bon Jovi song, "It's My Life." Although the band originally aimed to make "Bounce" a sports-themed anthem, the lyrics gain a more meaningful dimension from its connection to Sept. 11.

In contrast to the fast, forceful rock anthems, "Bounce'" contains several more mellow ballads. On the fourth track, "Joey," Bon Jovi makes use of his crooning, raspy voice as he reassures Joey that things "Will be alright /we're gonna find a better life." Instead of focusing on the guitars, this song and others rely on the melancholic harmonies of the piano to convey the tenderly optimistic tone. The equally piano heavy "Right Side of Wrong," sounds like a hybrid of Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel.

In addition, the album contains many love songs. "The Distance," a song about conquering obstacles for love uses toned-down guitars to convey its resolute, hopeful message. "All About Lovin' You," is another love song. Despite Bon Jovi's heartfelt crooning, the lyrics can't help being vaguely reminiscent of a generic boy band tune. "You Had Me From Hello," suggestive of a famous line from "Jerry Maguire" is another emotive love song that employs piano and string instrumentals.

The album engages the listener with its catchy, upbeat tunes and memorable lyrics. Bon Jovi manages to stay true to its rock-pop roots, while evolving musically and lyrically at the same time. Containing a well-rounded mix of love ballads and head-banging anthems, the album will please fans both young and old.