“7800° FAHRENHEIT: Bon Jovi’s Overlooked Album of 1985”

In the annals of Bon Jovi’s discography, “7800° Fahrenheit” holds a peculiar place. Released in 1985 as the band’s second studio album, it followed the success of their debut and the hit single “Runaway.” However, despite achieving commercial success, the album seems to have fallen out of favor with its own creators.

Charting at #37 on the Billboard 200 and eventually going gold within seven months, “7800° Fahrenheit” boasted popular singles like “Only Lonely” and “In and Out of Love.” Yet, despite these accomplishments, Jon Bon Jovi himself appears to harbor a disdain for the album. This sentiment is reflected in the band’s decision to largely ignore it in their live performances since the late 1980s and omit any tracks from it on their greatest hits album released in 2010.

The reasons behind Jon Bon Jovi’s aversion to “7800° Fahrenheit” are multifaceted and open to interpretation. One possibility is artistic evolution. Bands often undergo significant growth between albums, and the artistic direction of “7800° Fahrenheit” may no longer align with Bon Jovi’s current vision or musical style. Additionally, the album’s production quality or reception may not have met the band’s expectations, leading to a sense of disappointment or frustration.

Another factor could be the context in which the album was released. The mid-1980s marked a period of transition and experimentation for many rock bands, as they navigated the evolving landscape of popular music. It’s possible that “7800° Fahrenheit” was overshadowed by other releases of the time or simply didn’t resonate as strongly with audiences compared to later albums like “Slippery When Wet.”

However, despite Jon Bon Jovi’s apparent disownment of “7800° Fahrenheit,” it still holds significance for many fans. The album represents a snapshot of Bon Jovi’s early career and captures the energy and spirit of the band during that era. Songs like “Silent Night” and “Tokyo Road” showcase the raw talent and potential that would later propel Bon Jovi to superstardom.

Ultimately, whether one agrees with Jon Bon Jovi’s assessment of “7800° Fahrenheit” is subjective. Some may view it as an underrated gem deserving of more recognition, while others may side with the band’s decision to distance themselves from it. Regardless, the album remains a notable chapter in Bon Jovi’s legacy, serving as a reminder of their journey from humble beginnings to global rock icons.