For the most part when you hear about Bon Jovi, fans will swoon over his Slippery When Wet(1986) album, Crush(2000), or pretty much anything else that BJ has written post 1986. Few fans will ever bring up his phenomenal debut album due to his first hit "Runaway", and even fewer fans will mention, let alone commend the masterpiece 7800 Degrees Fahrenheit(1985) album.

Like I stated above, the debut is not a single year studio album, but rather a studio album of various songs written from 1980-1983. Why does this collection prove to be a strong one? Here's the scoop:

1) Runaway- A fast and catchy rocker which saw some attention back when it came out. You can tell that Bon Jovi was definitely in "hungry-mode" here. 10/10

2) Roulette- Probably the heaviest track on here. Not very catchy, but good emphasis on the guitar playing makes this one a very respectable number. This track gets better with each listen. 9/10

3) She Don't Know Me- A mid-paced anthem with its main emphasis on the piano playing in the verses and a catchy chorus. Excellent. 9/10

4) Shot Through The Heart- THIS ALBUM'S MASTERPIECE TRACK. Starts out slow in the beginning and then turns into an all out rocker while remaining consistently melodic throughout the song. A personal favorite of mine. Very underrated in the context of BJ's work. 10/10

5) Love Lies- A slow, driving, and melodic rocker all in one. Some say that this song is a semi-ballad because of the fact that this is the softest track on here. I would have to agree agree, and it's an outstanding one at that. 10/10

6) Break Out- Heavy and anthemic with a nice backing keyboard line. Sort of hints at BJ's future albums. Great arena rocker. 10/10

7) Burning For Love- One of the faster tracks on here, Burning is another personal favorite of mine. Very catchy and it contains a very pleasing guitar solo. 9/10

8) Come Back- Another great fast rocker with a good solo. Not as noteworthy as some of the others, but it definitely has its strong moments. 8/10

9) Get Ready- The third fast rocker in a row, and the one to perfectly close the debut album. Piano takes the place of the keyboards for this one. The backing vocals during the chorus really makes this song work. 9/10

All that's said and done, the debut album was and still is today a solid start for BJ. It may not have had the sales and successes of Slippery When Wet, New Jersey(1988), and Crush, but it's just as equally strong, if not better in terms of quality. I would even have to say that the debut is just as strong as 7800, though the latter is still my personal favorite. As another reviewer mentioned, if you want to hear some good BJ but are not concerned with only hearing the big hits, then the debut album is a perfect choice to go with. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.


The Embryo   December 9, 2003
D. Rausch (United States)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

"Runaway," of course, started it all. The Bon Jovi legacy that has made it over three decades, despite how all of the 80's haters have tried to scar this band with a scarlet letter of its own. Resilience has kept the band out of the grave, which is much more than the once brutal grunge army can say for their beloved Cobain. Despite the fact that there is a large legion of those who use a wave of their hand to dismiss 80's rock as pretensious, Bon Jovi is indeed one of the rare examples of products as commercially in-your-face as the Big Mac who made it to that point by offering us something as creatively/artistically crafted as a gourmet entree at a prestigious New York City dining establishment.

I was 4 when this album came out, and didn't start rocking with them till "New Jersey" came out. I can't say for sure if I would have thought Bon Jovi the greatest thing ever to exist, if I was a teenager at the time. Fortunately, I'll never have to answer that. Indeed, Jovi's first 2 albums, while LOVED by a stubborn (in a good way) minority, aren't like the rest. They're less diverse, not as unique, offer less musically, and just about every song is about women and/or some sort of heart-break; which, as I noted on my Farenheit review, is just PERFECT musical therapy for certain times in everyone's life. Otherwise, though, this album isn't very multi-purpose for you the listener. Still, this first album, while not as meaningful as "Slippery..." or "Keep the Faith," somehow finds a bit of timelessness simply by being the "classic breakthrough that started it all."

Asides from the songs being generally perfect for rocking out every now and then, the debut's longevity hasn't really been owed to the music itself (I'm not referring to "Runaway", which was recorded with a different set of musicians before the final group was in place). JBJ himself said he didn't know what he should write, for example if the record company wanted 10 more "Runaways"... which is understandable for a band just getting into the biz and wanting to learn the ropes, but also hinting at one of Jon's attitudes that he still unfortunately sort of holds, that being, always think about what commercially will sell... Take those words carefully, I am not suggesting the band has ever "sold out", and indeed, this mentality has helped them get as big as they did, I am just saying that when it comes down to it, their first release doesn't have too much artistic integrity (though it made up for it with ambition), and thus it pales in comparison to most of their other recordings. Even a "bad" Jovi record, which this is NOT, can never be any less than good, however, so I'm throwing three stars its way just because even in their early 20's, there's an embryonic emotional spirit that is possessed in these 5 souls, necessary for eventually helping lots and lots of people through music. A talent given by God, and given to few.

The songs themselves - the music is much better than the lyrics, previously referred to as being largely "heartbreak lyrics." As far as 80's metal (though not heavy like Iron Maiden), it is nothing short of awe inspiring to hear David (who would have gone off to Juliard if not for the band) tinkering with ways to put keyboard effects and enhancements to music the way only prog-rockers had previously done. As a pianist myself, every note David has ever played has heavily influenced my take on how to craft music. As for Richie, this is wayyy before he gets self-conscious and starts underplaying, so you get some kickass soloing going on, again, especially for a person as young as he was at the time. The only general thing for some of you to look out for is this album has the 80's SOUND, if there ever was such a thing... so if you are one of those people who can't tolerate dated sounds, you might have some problems. For the rest of us, you'll notice I haven't really mentioned song titles - that's because this album really is very similar, it's almost not quite worthy enough of featuring certain songs over others. ALMOST. Here's my favorites (asides from "Runaway"): "She Don't Know Me" (though written by someone else), "Shot Through the Heart" (NOT the mass hit "You Give Love A Bad Name" that far too many people make the mistake about), "Get Ready" (The ONLY song in a major key on the whole record!!!!!). Particular songs aren't worth arguing over, I've saved THAT for my "Keep the Faith" review!!!

This album is what it is, and not much needs to be said other than it's nothing special but it rocks, especially when you're pissed off about a relationship situation. I still think everyone should own this, as everyone should own all Bon Jovi albums!!! Just make this and "7800 degrees..." the end of your collection, so you aren't hit with "Roulette" being your first impression. This album plays a very important role in the history of the band, and it just doesn't feel right without it.


Catchy and melodic...a sign of things to come   September 17, 2002
Brad (CT)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

This debut album by the legendary Bon Jovi showed right away that this band was destined for greatness. While later albums sold better, this effort is every bit as good.

"Runaway" is the one song here that many people know, as it made a dent in the pop charts and got a lot of rock radio play. This song still sounds fresh and exciting after all these years--a hard rock anthem classic. "She Don't Know Me" is another single from the album--a catchy first ballad by this band and really the only one on this album. Songs like "Roulette" and "Breakout" rock hard, while "Love Lies" and "Burning For Love" are over the top melodic anthems. "Shot Through The Heart" is another rocking gem on this fantastic debut effort.

Bottom line: if you liked the sound of "Slippery When Wet" and aren't caught up in only listening to big hits, then you will like this CD. An absolutely classic album by one of the true leaders of '80s melodic hard rock. Don't overlook this one.


One of the better   December 26, 2003
New Kiddintoun (Someplace Elsewhere)
4 out of 6 found this review helpful

Holy Sknikees. This is it. The #1 Bon Jovi album of all time (not to mention, one of the two greatest albums ever, along with "Van Halen"). The first song I ever heard from Bon Jovi is on this album ("Shot Through The Heart", which my gym teacher used to play over and over for a week, and it stuck with me). What kind of fool wouldn't pay good money for this historic album?! Here it is through my eyes:

1. Runaway - ****, I've heard that David didn't create the keyboard lick originally, but I'm sure he plays it better than the guy from Springsteen. and one of the greatest first songs a band ever recorded.

2. Roulette - *****

3. She Don't Know Me - ***** - the most underrated song on the album!

4. Shot Through The Heart - ****, the second most pop-based song on the album, a great example of the "Shout Along" era

5. Love Lies - ***** - another underrated tune.

6. Breakout - *****, the band's first time to show how good they sound in unison, not to mention the raw lyrics, guitar, and percussion collabortion

7. Burning For Love - **** - a Bon Jovi 70's like piece

8. Come Back - ****, hey, isn't that J. Geils?

9. Get Ready - ***, great intro, but when the song picks up with Jon's vocals.....

So, there you have it. BUY THE ALBUM!!!!!!!!!


Bon Jovi   July 11, 2001
Matt (Somewhere Over Pennsylvania)
3 out of 5 found this review helpful

Bon Jovi's debut album didn't go golf or platinum, but it is my faverite Bon Jovi album. Songs like "Come Back," "Burning For Love," "Runaway," "She Don't Know Me" and my faverite of all "Shot Through The Heart" really make the album for me. I think the band had a great influence from the legendary New Jersey hard rocker bad boy Bruce Springsteen. This album sparked a plug and helped Bon Jovi get the attention it needed. Good for the Jersey boys.