Bon Jovi - New Jersey

Bon Jovi had perfected a formula for hard pop/rock by the time of New Jersey, concentrating on singalong choruses sung over and over again, frequently by a rough, extensively overdubbed chorus, producing an effect not unlike what these songs sounded like in the arenas and stadiums where they were most often heard. The lyrics had that typical pop twist -- although they nominally expressed romantic commitment, sentiments such as "Lay Your Hands on Me" and "I'll Be There for You" worked equally well as a means for the band and its audience to reaffirm their affection for each other. The only thing that marred the perfection of this communion was Jon Bon Jovi's continuing obsession with a certain predecessor from his home state; at times, he seemed to be trying to recreate Born to Run using cheaper materials. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide

Name Credits Alec John Such Vocals (Background), Vocals, Bass Audrey Nordwell Cello Bob Rock Engineer, Mixing Bruce Fairbairn Percussion, Producer, Horn Cameron Wong Photography Cecille Larochelle Vocals, Vocals (Background) Chris Cavallaro Engineer Chris Taylor Assistant Engineer David Bryan Vocals (Background), Keyboards, Vocals George Marino Digital Remastering Engineer Goudin Dido Morris Percussion Hugh Syme Design, Artwork Joani Taylor Vocals (Background), Vocals Joanie Bye Vocals (Background), Vocals John Allen Engineer Jon Bon Jovi Guitar (Acoustic), Vocals, Vocals (Background), Harmonica, Artwork, Guitar Linda Hunt Vocals (Background), Vocals Lovena Fox Vocals (Background), Vocals Peter Berring Vocals, Vocal Arrangement, Arranger Richie Sambora Mandolin, Vocals, Vocals (Background), Guitar (Electric), Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar Scott Fairbairn Cello Sue Leonard Vocals, Vocals (Background) The Sweet Thing Vocal Association ? Tico Torres Drums, Percussion Tim White Photography