New Jersey
The fourth studio album that produced five Billboard Hot 100 top ten hits.
New Jersey is the fourth studio album by American rock band Bon Jovi, released on September 19, 1988, by Mercury Records. Produced by Bruce Fairbairn and recorded at Little Mountain Sound Studios in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, it was the follow-up to the band's third album, Slippery When Wet. The album reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart in its second week of release after debuting at number eight, remaining at the top for four consecutive weeks. Named after the band's home state, it produced five Billboard Hot 100 top ten hits, the most top ten hits to date for any hard rock album, including "Bad Medicine" and "I'll Be There for You," which both reached number one.
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Lore & Background
The album was recorded very shortly after the Slippery When Wet Tour, because the band wanted to prove that they were not just going to be a one hit wonder. Initially planned as a double album, the idea was rejected by the record label due to skepticism about the higher price point. One working title was Sons of Beaches, alluding to the title of Slippery When Wet. In 1996, ten years after release, the album was certified 7× platinum by the RIAA. It debuted at number one in the UK, a first for the band, and was released by the Soviet state-owned record label Melodiya, becoming the first American album to be officially released in the USSR.
In Their Own Story
When the Slippery When Wet Tour ended in October 1987, the band were inactive for about three to four weeks. Then Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora began making demos for 17 songs. They felt a high level of pressure because they did not feel as though they had "the amazing song." Jon Bon Jovi said, "I really wanted to do it again, not for monetary reasons—I have plenty of money—but it was such an amazing feeling to have done what we've done. There was a real fear of not being able to write 'You Give Love a Bad Name' again." They wrote "Love Is War" but Jon Bon Jovi wanted to write a song as successful as "You Give Love a Bad Name" so desperately that it came out with exactly the same chord progression. Later, they wrote "Bad Medicine" and "Born to Be My Baby" with Desmond Child. "Born to Be My Baby" was originally recorded acoustically, but producer Bruce Fairbairn persuaded them to re-record it with electric instruments in a much more metal style.
Reader's Guide
Released on September 19, 1988, New Jersey debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 chart, climbing to No. 1 the following week and spending four weeks at the top spot. It sold 7 million copies in the United States. The album debuted at No. 1 in Canada, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Sweden, New Zealand and Australia. "Bad Medicine" and the ballad "I'll Be There for You" both hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. "Born to Be My Baby," "Lay Your Hands on Me," and "Living in Sin" reached the Top 10. To celebrate the band's 30th anniversary in 2014, the album was repackaged as a 2CD "Deluxe Edition" with B-sides and previously unreleased demos, and a "Super Deluxe Edition" including a DVD with the documentary Access All Areas: A Rock & Roll Odyssey and New Jersey: The Videos.
Did You Know?
- The album was initially planned as a double album but the record label rejected the idea due to skepticism about the higher price point.
- One working title for the album was Sons of Beaches, which alluded to the title of Slippery When Wet.
- The song "Love Is War" was written with exactly the same chord progression as "You Give Love a Bad Name" because Jon Bon Jovi desperately wanted to replicate its success.
- New Jersey was the first American album to be officially released in the USSR through the state-owned label Melodiya.
- The short mono track "Ride Cowboy Ride" is credited to "Captain Kidd and King of Swing," the nicknames of Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora.
Origins and Creative Pressure
The album was recorded very shortly after the Slippery When Wet Tour, because the band wanted to prove that they were not just going to be a one hit wonder. It was initially planned to be a double album; however, this idea was rejected by the record label because they were skeptical about the higher price point and decided they would only release a single album. One working title for the album was Sons of Beaches, which alluded to the title of Slippery When Wet. When the tour ended in October 1987, the band were inactive for about three to four weeks. Then Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora began making demos for 17 songs. They felt a high level of pressure because they did not feel as though they had "the amazing song." Jon Bon Jovi said, "I really wanted to do it again, not for monetary reasons—I have plenty of money—but it was such an amazing feeling to have done what we've done. There was a real fear of not being able to write 'You Give Love a Bad Name' again." They wrote "Love Is War" but Jon Bon Jovi wanted to write a song that would prove to be just as successful as "You Give Love a Bad Name" so desperately that it came out with exactly the same chord progression.
Production and Musical Diversity
The album was produced by Bruce Fairbairn like its predecessor and recorded at Little Mountain Sound Studios in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It marked the final collaboration between Bon Jovi and producer Bruce Fairbairn. Although the glossy production and anthems from Slippery When Wet remained, the band wished to show a level of diversity on the album. The album is much more experimental with a long, atmosphere-building intro on "Lay Your Hands on Me," harmonica and organ duels on "Homebound Train" and a flamenco guitar intro on "Wild Is the Wind." "Ride Cowboy Ride" is a short song functioning as an introduction to "Stick to Your Guns" and was recorded in mono. The song is credited to "Captain Kidd and King of Swing," the nicknames of Bon Jovi and Sambora. "Love for Sale" was recorded and engineered by John P. Allen and Chris Cavallaro at Chalet Sound in Allenwood, New Jersey. All pre-production songs were recorded and engineered at Chalet Sound by Allen with additional engineering by Cavallaro and Nejat Bekan.
Commercial Dominance and Global Reach
New Jersey debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 chart, but climbed to No. 1 the following week and spent four weeks at the top spot. It eventually sold 7 million copies in the United States. The album debuted at No. 1 in Canada, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Sweden, New Zealand and Australia. "Bad Medicine" and the ballad "I'll Be There for You" both hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. "Born to Be My Baby," "Lay Your Hands on Me," and "Living in Sin" reached the Top 10. It produced five Billboard Hot 100 top ten hits, the most top ten hits to date for any hard rock album. In 1996, ten years after release, the album was certified 7× platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). New Jersey was released by the Soviet state-owned record label Melodiya, being the first American album to be officially released in the USSR.
Legacy and Commemorative Reissues
To celebrate the band's 30th anniversary in 2014, the album was repackaged with bonus tracks. New Jersey was released on July 1, 2014, as a 2CD "Deluxe Edition," which included the original album remastered along with B-sides and previously unreleased demos from the New Jersey/Sons of Beaches sessions. The "Super Deluxe Edition" includes both discs plus a DVD containing the documentary Access All Areas: A Rock & Roll Odyssey and New Jersey: The Videos. Both titles were previously available on VHS.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was New Jersey released and what impact did it have?
Released in August 1988, this record marked the band's transition from local heroes to worldwide icons. It became their first multi-platinum success, launching hits that defined an era of arena rock.
Who produced the New Jersey album?
The project was helmed by renowned producer Bruce Fairbairn, who helped refine the band's sound into a more melodic direction. His work on this record is often credited with polishing their raw energy into stadium-ready anthems.
Which songs became hits from this era?
The album features iconic tracks like 'Livin' on a Prayer' and 'You Give Love a Bad Name,' which remain staples of classic rock radio today. These singles showcased Jon Bon Jovi's ability to craft relatable stories within high-energy rock structures.
What musical style defines New Jersey?
Musically, the record blends heartland rock with arena rock elements to create a broad appeal for massive crowds. It moved away from their earlier hard rock roots toward a more accessible and emotionally resonant style.
Why is this album considered a milestone for the band?
This second studio album cemented the group's signature identity and established them as international superstars overnight. It set a high bar for their future output, proving they could write enduring hits that connect with audiences globally.