Search - Bon Jovi :: Keep the Faith

Bon Jovi at their career-best

mxw991 | London | 05/29/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bon Jovi were on the verge of terminally languishing in the almost-great league at the end of the 80's, until this excellent record launched them into the rock-stratosphere. Softer than heavy metal, harder than most AOR, Bon Jovi turned their large air-punching-rock skills (of "Living On A Prayer", "Bad Medecine" etc etc) to producing an album of powerful, mature and strong songs, from the building, driving opening combo of "I Believe" & "Keep The Faith" to the tender "Bed Of Roses". The mamoth "Dry County" (at ten minutes) is a classic which many thought Bon Jovi just couldn't make. The strength of the singles is enough to commend this album, but the album tracks shine too.Richie Sambora (responsible for some of the best air-guitar fodder) displays a new depth and soleful-ness to his playing, further evidenced on his solo albums. Tico Torres is more powerful than before, and with production that is a fine line between polish and grit, the sound is convincing.As an album there are only a couple of tracks that don't measure up and the album lacks the hunger and raw energy of "Slippery When Wet" or (the under-rated) "New Jersey", but it is a more complete album and is better equipped to withstand the test of time than it's predecessors.This is a journey almost into Aerosmith territory (on a soft day), and Bon Jovi get away with all limbs intact..."

A Good Rock and Roll Album

Jeffrey T. Munson | Dixon, IL | 09/20/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"With the release of "Keep the Faith", Bon Jovi successfully made the change from an 80s glam/hair band to a great rock and roll band in the 90s.



This cd is loaded with great songs, including the title cut, "I Believe", and the very good "Dry County", an 8 minute song about the problems facing rural America.



For fans of ballads, there are two excellent ones on this cd; "Bed of Roses" and "I Want You". Both feature Jon's tremendous vocals and Richie's great guitar work.



There is very little filler material on this cd. Each song is very good in its own right. From the upbeat "Sleep When I'm Dead" to "In These Arms", there is something for everyone on this cd. I highly recommend this great disc. Pop it in and hear some great rock and roll by the boys from New Jersey."

This Album Just Doesn't Get Enough Credit

Jay Lenderman | Macon, GA | 05/22/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Slippery When Wet made them superstars. New Jersey established them as a great rock band, but Keep The Faith just proves that Bon Jovi is not just another band from the 80's. There are the trademark Bon Jovi songs with the catchy chorus and guitar riffs, but it's the songs that are different to Bon Jovi fans that makes this album work. The opening track I Believe is a solid rock that grabs your attention and it is followed by the title track which is a departure from anything on the New Jersey album. I'll Sleep When I'm Dead is a typical Bon Jovi sing-a-along that's fun to listen to and In These Arms is a cool rock ballad for the ladies, but it was Bed Of Roses that got all of the women to cry. It was also the biggest hit off of the album. The best track would have to be Dry County. Jon Bon Jovi is at his best vocally and Richie Sambora pulls off an excellent guitar riff that will blow your socks offf. The most underrated song would have to be Fear. This song definitely stands out on this album compared to the other songs. To give you my honest opinion, this is Bon Jovi's best album and I am a huge Bon Jovi fan. The songs are more solid and put together than any other Bon Jovi tune. This album also proves than Bon Jovi can be taken seriously as artists and not just another 80's rock band lying by the waste side."