This is re-review as I reviewed this when it came out. Have my feelings softened on this one? We will see…

Back in 2013, Richie Sambora met Orianthi and sparks flew, apparently.  The two were an item and decided they needed to put out music for the masses and I was happy about it at the time. I love Richie’s vocals and his bluesy, rock style plus he can play the guitar (have you heard of Bon Jovi?).  Orianthi is also one helluva a guitar player herself and she can sing with the best of them.  She has played for Michael Jackson and for Alice Cooper as well as her own solo work.  The two together, I was expecting a bluesy rock album with some amazing guitar work.  Did I get that…well…we will see.

After releasing two E.P.’s in 2017 and a couple singles including one double single, we finally get a full album called ‘Radio Free America’ from RSO (it’s there initials, get it!).  Now here is the problem with that…the full album is all 13 songs previously released with those E.P.’s and singles and only 2 new songs.  That is right, only 2 and one is a cover.  So, if you bought the E.P.’s, you aren’t getting much more.  And to make it worse, it is an album of 15 songs in length (over an hour and 7 minutes).  That is pretty long for an album and you know there will be filler…and trust me there is filler.  I heard they recorded 25 songs, I would like to know where those other 10 songs are and will they ever see the light of day now that they are no longer together. Man, I hope so.

With the opening and title track “Making History” Richie & Orianthi are doing what we wanted them to do.  They are rocking out.  The guitars on this one are exceptional with an almost Def Leppardesque sound from around the “Euphoria” era at times (maybe).  The guitar solo is freaking sensational and it is all I ask from these two.  Of course I have one minor negative on the song.  The vocals are missing something whether it is the chemistry or the mix.  Bob Rock is the producer and he does great work, but I am not a fan of them singing simultaneously.  I prefer them to trade back and forth.

Now that isn’t my complaint for this song.  The next song “We Are Magic” is one my favorite song the two of them have done together.  It is a magical little song (pun intended).  The two sound great and the song does lean more pop, but this one works.  It is catchy and actually a pretty song. (Can a song be pretty??)  I also love that Richie pulls out the Talk Box for a little bit to open the song. His Bon Jovi roots are still there.

The next song “Rise” is heavy on the guitar and sounds exactly like an Orianthi song.  The two sing together and were definitely going for an aggressive rock anthem. The sound on the vocals is a little muddied, but still sounds good overall so I was a little disappointed on the production value.  I feel like they are actually trying too hard on this one.  Don’t get me wrong, I still like the song a lot. I am just nitpicking as expectations were high for this album.

“Take Me” is the bluesy track I was looking for just not very rocked out.  Richie does the vocals on this and no Orianthi anywhere except instrumentally. Some acoustic guitar and nice bass and drum groove.  Richie sounds great and this is what I would expect from him based on his solo work.  Great song!

“Masterpiece” is a ballad with piano accompaniment and a what sounds like a drum machine (I hate drum machines on so called rock albums).  On this one they share singing duties again, but take turns rather than singing at the same time.  The song is one of those that you can see the beauty behind it, but they don’t quite capture that magic they were going for.  They both do sound better on this one vocally and I do like it, but I feel it could have been so much more especially if they would’ve used real drums. The drums are horrible here.

We then go into an acoustic ballad called “Walk With Me”.  When I first reviewed this one I was whiny about the hillbilly foot stomping and clapping that came in into the middle of the song.  And guess what, that still sucks. Cut that out and I would have really liked this song a lot more.

“I Don’t Have To Need You Now” is up next and features Richie on vocals.  I am a bigger Richie fan than Orianthi (although she is awesome) so I would like more Richie on the albums.  This gives me just that.  It is classic Richie.  He sounds amazing and you remember what is missing in Bon Jovi today…those awesome backing vocals of Richie.  This is a great rocker and in the same vein as his Bon Jovi work and some of his solo pieces.  It is great to add to my Richie collection.

“Truth” has more piano and another love song with a slowed tempo.  Orianthi and Richie do sing in unison but Orianthi is more in front of the mix.  Richie’s  accompaniment is relegated to more of a backing vocals mostly used to add texture which he did so well on Bon Jovi. Orianthi is the shining star here.

This song features Orianthi on vocals and is called “Together on the Outside”.  The only weird part of this song is the opening line that maybe Richie does in some Alice Cooper voice that makes absolutely zero sense.  If you pull that out, the song is exceptional (can someone actually remove that from the song for me…PLEASE!!!!).  It is definitely filled with everything you expect from an Orianthi song and some damn fine guitar work with that blazing solo. It is freakin’ awesome. Why Oh Why is that Opening Alice Cooper moment with Richie included. Dumbest thing ever.

“Good Times” is probably the worst song on the album (Maybe not the worst because I think there is one that tops it).  It is a complete mess.  I am not sure how to describe it.  It is pop with a country twang and it makes me sick to hear these two talents do something like this.  Another one where I feel they are trying too hard to be something they are not.  What I thought might be Richie doing a little rap with some effects on his voice was actually K-OS, a rapper from Canada. I think I liked it better thinking it was Richie. So not a good time.

Hopefully, the next song “Forever All The Way” will find some redemption.  This is another ballad with Richie handling the vocals and Orianthi supplying some background vocals.  I will give them this one mainly for its simplicity.  Richie sounds great and the guitar playing is simple and elegant which is as it should be as these two are great guitar players.  It is a little blah at times so it isn’t one of the better songs and after “Good Times” it is no where near the worst.

Now, I have to admit, I have been waiting for a great cover of the Sonny & Cher classic song, “I Got You Babe”.  Sadly, this isn’t it.  In fact, no one is actually waiting for a cover of “I Got You Babe”.  I am sorry to admit this is dreadful.  Is that harsh?  I am sorry, but it is.  I give them credit for trying a few things different with it.  They definitely bring into the modern era for sound and they try to rock it out.  It doesn’t work.  It was a cheesy song before and it is still a cheesy song now.  This might be the worst song on the album.

“One Night of Peace” (Modern Mix) was written by Sambora a long time ago and it stems from a friend of his that was deploying combat.  The song is about peace and at least having that one night of peace on Christmas (that is what I am assuming).  It is a touching, heartfelt song, but OMG it is too cheesy.  Maybe I am too cynical now in this cruel world, but I am tired of “Peace” songs as it will never happen and we have been there and done that.  It might be a beautiful song, but I can’t take it.

“Blues Won’t Leave Me Alone” is Orianthi’s attempt at a Blues song.  She actually does a fine job, but there is a little problem.  Her voice is so pretty and sweet that it is lacking the grit that highlights a blues song.  It is missing that life experience sound in her vocals.  Outside of that, it is a decent song.  The blues guitar on it is Richie at his finest and is what puts the song over the top to make it a keeper.

And we finally get to the last song “Hellbound Train”, a Savoy Brown cover.  Originally, thought this song meander one for too long and went nowhere. The original is long and i love it, but didn’t like this one. You know, I was wrong. I really like this one a lot more. It has some great guitar work and Richie sounds fantastic. I think I’ll keep this one now.

Track Listing:

1. Making History – Keeper
2. We Are Magic – Keeper
3. Rise – Keeper
4. Take Me – Keeper
5. Masterpiece – Keeper (1/2 point)
6. Walk With Me – Keeper (1/2 Point)
7. I Don’t Wanna Have To Need You – Keeper
8. Truth – Keeper
9. Together On the Outside – Keeper
10. Good Times – Delete
11. Forever All the Way – Keeper (1/2 point)
12. I Got You Babe – Delete
13. One Night of Peace (Modern Mix) – Delete
14. Blues Won’t Leave Me Alone – Keeper
15. Hellbound Train – Keeper

The Track is 10.5 out of the 15 Tracks or 70% which is barely a passing grade.  Overall content wise, it is an okay album.  I find the overall album kinda lacking and didn’t meet my expectations which were probably set to high.  So let the Richie Sambora fans start the bashing, but that is only my opinion and we can like different things.  The first half of the album is strong. The back half is all filler and no killer.  If the album was only 10 songs and the 10 songs I somewhat liked, it would be a pretty darn good album. The new songs on here that weren’t on the E.P.’s were not steller except maybe one.  If you are Richie fan, it is a must. An Orianthi fan, a must.  If not, not a must.  My Overall Score is a 3.0 out of 5.0 Stars as I think it is decent and I have softened on it a little however, it still didn’t come close to expectations with two such fine players and singers.

NEXT UP: BON JOVI – ‘2020’ (2020)

THE BON JOVI COLLECTION SERIES:

1. Bon Jovi – The Albums Box Set (2017)
2. Jon Bongiovi – The Power Station Sessions (1980-1983) (2001)
3. Bon Jovi – Bon Jovi (1984)
4. Bon Jovi – Shot Through the Heart: Live in Cleveland, OH March 17, 1984 FM Broadcast (Bootleg)
5. Bon Jovi – “Burning For Love” – 12″ Single – Japanese Edition (1984)
6. Bon Jovi – 7800° Fahrenheit (1985)
7. Bon Jovi – Slippery When Wet (1986)
8. Bon Jovi – “Borderline” – 12″ Single – Japanese Edition (1986)
9. Bon Jovi – New Jersey (1988)
10. Bon Jovi – New Jersey: Super Deluxe Edition – Disc 2/DVD (1988)
11. Bon Jovi – “I’ll Be There For You” – Cassette Single (1988)
12. Jon Bon Jovi – Blaze of Glory (1990)
13. Jon Bon Jovi – “Blaze of Glory” – Cassette Single (1990)
14. Richie Sambora – Stranger in this Town (1991)
15. Bon Jovi – Keep the Faith (1992)
16. Bon Jovi – “Keep the Faith” – CD Maxi Single (1992)
17. Bon Jovi – “I Believe” – 7″ Single (1992)
18. Bon Jovi – Cross Road (1994)
19. Bon Jovi – “Please Come Home for Christmas” – CD Single (1994)
20. Bon Jovi – These Days (1995)
21. Bon Jovi – Live From London – DVD (1995)
22. Jon Bon Jovi – Destination Anywhere (1997)
23. Richie Sambora – Undiscovered Soul (1998)
24. Bon Jovi – Crush (2000)
25. Bon Jovi – Live From Osaka E.P. (2000)
26. Bon Jovi – “Thank You For Loving Me” – CD Single (2000)
27. Bon Jovi – The Crush Tour – DVD (2000)
28. Bon Jovi – The Love Songs E.P. (Promo) (2001)
29. Bon Jovi – Tokyo Road: Best of Bon Jovi (2001)
30. Bon Jovi – One Wild Night Live: 1985-2001 (2001)
31. Bon Jovi – Bounce (2002)
32. Bon Jovi – Unauthorized: Rock ‘n Roll Legends – Bootleg DVD (2002)
33. Bon Jovi – Target E.P. (2003)
34. Bon Jovi – This Left Feels Right (2003)
35. Bon Jovi – Wild in the Streets: Unauthorized – Bootleg DVD (2003)
36. Bon Jovi – This Left Feels Right – DVD (2004)
37. Bon Jovi – 100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can’t Be Wrong (Part 1) – (2004)
38. Bon Jovi – 100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can’t Be Wrong (Disc 1, Part 2) – (2004)
39. Bon Jovi – 100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can’t Be Wrong (Disc 2, Part 3) – (2004)
40. Bon Jovi – 100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can’t Be Wrong (Disc 3, Part 4) – (2004)
41. Bon Jovi – 100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can’t Be Wrong (Disc 4, Part 5) – (2004)
42. Bon Jovi – 100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can’t Be Wrong (Disc 5 & 6, Part 6) – (2004)
43. Bon Jovi – Have a Nice Day (2005)
44. Bon Jovi – Live from the Have a Nice Day Tour (Walmart Exclusive) (2006)
45. Bon Jovi – Lost Highway (2007)
46. Bon Jovi – Lost Highway: The Concert (2007)
47. Bon Jovi – The Circle (2009)
48. Bon Jovi – When We Were Beautiful Documentary DVD (2009)
49. Bon Jovi – Live at Madison Square Garden – DVD (2009)
50. Bon Jovi – Greatest Hits: The Ultimate Collection (2009)
51. Bon Jovi – Greatest Hits: The Ultimate Video Collection – DVD (2010)
52. Bon Jovi – Inside Out – DVD (2012)
53. Richie Sambora – Aftermath of the Lowdown (2012)
54. Bon Jovi – What About Now (2013)
55. Bon Jovi – Live E.P. (RSD – 2013)
56. Bon Jovi – Live 2 E.P. (RSD – 2014)
57. Bon Jovi – Burning Bridges (2015)
58. Bon Jovi – This House is Not For Sale (2016)
59. Bon Jovi – This House is Not For Sale – Live From the London Palladium (2016)
60. Bon Jovi – The Albums Box Set – The Extra LP (2017)
61. RSO – Radio Free America (2018)
62. Bon Jovi – 2020 (2020)
63. Bon Jovi – Forever (2024)
64. Bon Jovi – “Legendary” – 7″ Single (2024)
65. Bon Jovi – 40th Anniversary Box Set (TBA – I Hope it is out by the time we get here)

We’ve reviewed a bunch of pieces already over the years and won’t review again. They are as follows:

1. Bon Jovi – The Brotherhood Tour Book (1988-1990)
2. Bon Jovi – Bon Jovi Tour 2011 – Tourbook
3. Bon Jovi – The Rock History – Bootleg CD
4. Bon Jovi – “You Give Love A Bad Name” – 12″ Single
5. Bon Jovi – “You Give Love a Bad Name” – 7″ Single
6. Bon Jovi – Red Hot & 2 Parts Live E.P. – 12″ Single
7. Bon Jovi – “Wanted Dead or Alive” – 7″ Single
8. Bon Jovi – “Bad Medicine” – 7″ Single
9. Bon Jovi – “Born to Be My Baby” – 7″ Single
10. Bon Jovi – “I’ll Be There For You” – 7″ Single
11. Bon Jovi – “Lay Your Hands on Me” – 7″ Single
12. Bon Jovi – “Living in Sin” – 7″ Single