By 1982, Jon Bon Jovi re-recorded “Runaway” which he had originally recorded back in 1980 and had shopped it around with no luck. This re-recording he did with what he liked to call The All-Star Revue which consisted of guitarist Tim Pierce, keyboardist Roy Bittan, drummer Frankie LaRocka, and bassist Hugh McDonald (remember this name). The song started getting a little traction and eventually Jon Bongiovi got a record deal and changed his name to Jon Bon Jovi. He was an artist with a deal, but no band. Jon wanted a band and he was going to go with Johnny Electric, but Pamela Maher that suggested he use the name Bon Jovi since a two word name worked so well for Van Halen. No one really liked that idea at first, but eventually Jon came around and Bon Jovi was born.

So, Jon called his old buddy from his old band Atlantic City Expressway, David Bryan Rashbaum, and the ball got rolling. David called his buddy Alec John Such to handle bass and a drummer he knew by the name of Tico Torres. Alec and Tico were formerly in a band together called Phantom’s Opera. They needed a guitarist, so Jon reached out to his friend Dave Sabo (or “Snake”) who played with them for a very short time. He never actually joined the band, but thankfully he would go on to something almost quite as good with a band called Skid Row…maybe you’ve heard of them.

But the band still needed a guitarist. Jon had seen, and was impressed, by a guitarist by the name of Richie Sambora. Richie had played with Joe Cocker and was in a band called Mercy. Hell, Richie even auditioned with Kiss to replace Ace Frehley, but that didn’t go well. Jon asked him to join and now the band was complete. The band had a new manager by the name of Doc McGhee and with his help, they went off to record their debut album.

The name of the album was going to be “Tough Talk”, but that didn’t end up as the title as the record company had other ideas. They felt a self-titled album was certainly the way to go and they wrote the checks so they got their way. The album came out on January 24, 1984 and has been certified platinum. It reached #43 on the album chart so not a bad start for a brand new band. There is even an Aldo Nova connection to this album as he supplied some additional keyboards and guitars as the band hadn’t been complete yet while Jon was in the studio. We will touch on him more later in the series.

For the Deluxe Edition that was released on November 22, 2024, the band added a second disc of rare unreleased demos and mixes as well as some live songs from their first tour in Japan at Shibuya Public Hall in Tokyo on April 28, 1985. All this is part of the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the band’s existence. 40 years, crazy to think it has been that long and that means I am getting old as I was there from the beginning.

THE DEBUT ALBUM! (DISC 1):

The opening track “Runaway” was actually recorded in 1982 as mentioned above, but the real traction came when it was re-released as the opening single to their debut album where it hit #39 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts. The song kicks off with such a killer keyboard riff and then these explosive drum hits with a guitar scratch down the strings and then it was off to the races. The song feels huge and that chorus is nothing short of inspiration. So catchy, so infectious…simply put it is perfection. It has this rebellious energy that was so exciting and that guitar solo by Tim Pierce was lethal…it just cut right through you. An utterly classic Bon Jovi song.

And the energy doesn’t let up from their as up next is the wickedly killer track “Roulette” with the fading in of the vicious riff, the countdown, then the bombastic drums and bass with a very young Jon slaying on the vocals. It’s serious, dramatic tone makes you stop and take notice and with Richie’s solo and that massive chorus you can’t help be sing this song long after it was done.

The band’s second single was the ballad “She Don’t Know Me” written by Wild Cherry’s keyboardists Mark Asvec. The only song on the album not written with any band member. The song was supposed to be on project for Mark called Fair Warning, but the problem was that a famous band was releasing an album with that same title so lo and behold, Bon Jovi got the song as that project died. Anyway, the song went to #48 on the Hot 100 just missing the Top 40. It is a power ballad as it is upbeat, but had a lot of heart and emotion. Jon’s vocals are spot on with that slight whine to it that really grabs hold on the chorus and damn he hits a really high note. The power part is those Tico drums and Richie’s guitar. A great combo.

“Shot Through the Heart” is a darker song with a lot of heartache, but it ain’t a ballad. It has a slow start but builds then comes crashing through the door with a lot intensity. Jon’s vocals are confident and cocky sounding which really makes you stand up and listen. Richie’s solo is a spitfire as it races through like an out of control race care. It is also another song where I think the keyboards from David add such a layer and texture. Crank it baby!

With a piano opening, a pullback on the urgency, smooth and sultry vocals from Jon, “Love Lies” is another beautiful power ballad. Glam rock wasn’t in full swing yet, but there is a taste of it here. Throw in another great Richie solo and you have one of my favorite songs on the album as it sees a softer side of the band and a step up on the songwriting with both Jon and David writing it. Could’ve been a single.

“Breakout” is up next and with more keyboards and a lot of “ooh oohs”, but it is another hard rocker and sees Jon stretch that vocal range. A fun rocker that sees Jon telling the girl he is better off on his own…see you bitch!!..okay that was harsh and Jon doesn’t say that…it was implied.

The third and final single was “Burning for Love” now sees Jon wanting some loving tonight. It has a lot of attitude and Jon seems a little desperate, but it all works so well. This upbeat rocker is a little more generic than the others, but still a heckuva lotta fun.

“Come Back” turns up the volume and aggression as Jon attacks the vocals with a confident veracity. The guitar has edge, the drums have intensity, the keyboards sing and the bass chugs a great groove. this song screams 80’s and I’m okay with that.

Lastly we get “Get Ready” and it doesn’t really sound like anything else on the album. We get a Jon scream, a jazzy piano, a funkier sound all around. The chorus is a little cheesy and it isn’t their best track, but you know, I kinda dig it as much as I kinda don’t. Still a little fun though especially with those backing vocals on the chorus as it is like the whole band is singing along. After the guitar solo, Jon changes things up and stats asking you to c’mon, c’mon and they cranked up the fun and let it all out.

Track Listing:

1. Runaway – Keeper
2. Roulette – Keeper
3. She Don’t Know Me – Keeper
4. Shot Through the Heart – Keeper
5. Love Lies – Keeper
6. Breakout – Keeper
7. Burning For Love – Keeper (1/2 Point)
8. Come Back – Keeper
9. Get Ready – Keeper (1/2 Point)

The Track Score is 8 out of 9 Tracks or 89% which is outstanding for a debut album.  I actually wouldn’t skip anything here.  I have had a copy of this album off and on since 1984 when it was released and I have always loved it.  It always transports be back to that time and a lot of great memories around music.  The first 1/2 of this album is solid, and some of their best work.  “Runaway” is an all time classic Bon Jovi song.  The band might have better albums, but not by much.  My Overall Score is a 4.5 out of 5.0 Stars.  If the back 1/2 was a little stronger, this would’ve been a 5!  What a great way to kick off their studio albums.

BONUS TRACKS (DISC 2):

The first 4 tracks are different versions of the big song of this album and one of their best songs ever, “Runaway”. First up is the “Cassette Writing Demo” and it is so cool. So raw sounding with only Jon and a guitar and at only around 2 minutes long it is a stripped down, early version and you can already hear the awesomeness that was to come with the final version. Then it is “Pre-Production Studio Demo” and now we have a more flushed out version, still far from finished, but still cool to hear such an early version. The song still needed some polish and a lot more production work (with less echo on Jon’s vocals), however, it was coming together.

Next is an “Alternate Version” which opens with some studio banter and then that raging keyboard riff that is so identifiable to the song. A very different version of the song with a very playful quality. The drums are powerful and sound great…Jon doesn’t feel like he is singing all out and more reserved. Still a cool version, but not the best. The last “Runaway” track is an “Extended Version with a 2024 Mix”. The extended version adds around 50 seconds to the original. The extended part comes at the end with a longer drawn out closing with more guitar riffage and all instrumental and then a slow fade out. This is the closest we get to the original studio version out of all these tracks.

Now we get a “Reference Vocal Performance” for the song “Come Back”. Basically, it is a demo that has Jon singing words, not necessarily the right ones, that give us placeholders for where the vocals need to go when the song is fully flushed out. I like when Jon says “Solo” and scats some of it, but there is no solo there. I think it is cool that after 40 years, the band still had a few things lying around that haven’t been heard and I am so glad to finally have them in the collection.

Now, it is of to the band’s first tour in Japan at Shibuya Public Hall in Tokyo on April 28, 1985. We get 4 tracks with a new mix from Obie O’Brien. It opens with “Roulette” and man does that song kick some major ass. I love how young they sound and hungry they were. They then go with “Breakout” and Jon gets the audience singing along with a lot of “Woah oh oh oh’s” and hand clapping. Another heavy song that total slays live. This one gets stretched out to 7 minutes thanks to Richie really delivering the solos.

And if you thought we wouldn’t get another version of “Runaway”, why not a live version. When the keyboard riff kicks off the crowd goes nuts. They know what is coming. I love how they jam at the end and Tico really hammers those drums with Richie’s fingers burning smoke over the strings. And lastly we get…are you ready for it…“Get Ready”. I like how the four songs they gave us were all rockers and all pure adrenaline and great live. It showcased the band’s energy and skill and why they would go on to be one of the biggest bands in the world.

And that is everything (at least on the Deluxe CD). I think Apple Music has a couple more tracks which I won’t buy as I prefer physical media. Despite 5 different versions of “Runaway”, I think this deluxe version is awesome. You get the masterful debut album with a second disc of rare, unreleased tracks so that is all awesome. I would’ve preferred a full live show from that era, but at least they had a handful live included. I gave the original album a 4.5 rating out of 5.0 and why would I change that for this package. I wouldn’t. So My Overall Score is still a 4.5 Out of 5.0 Stars. It would’ve been bumped up to a 5.0 if it had a full live show.

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 – “Legendary” – 7″ Single (2024)
64. Bon Jovi – Forever (2024)
65. The Albums Ranked Worst To First
66. Bon Jovi – Bon Jovi (Deluxe Edition) (2024)

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