It took four years to record a new album, but now the legends are back. In Bon Jovi’s 12th studio album, _What About Now_, encouraging anthems stress that no matter how bad things are, if we steadfastly hold on to hope things will get better.
Power ballads with the themes of never being afraid, standing up for all people and being a rock are repeatedly hammered into one’s brain. The album is full of positive vibes that constantly emphasize progress is possible. The lead single “Because We Can” has a cheery, can-do attitude that is more pop-friendly than his last few albums. “Amen” is a slow ballad that lets Bon Jovi’s vocals shine as he sings about the exhilaration of love. The fast-paced country song “What’s Left of Me” allies itself with the common man who is full of dreams, but still finds it hard to make ends meet.
The album gives a pop-rock feel that is far away from the band’s hard-rock roots. _What About Now_ is an edgeless album full of cheesy, cliché songs that are full of catchy beats and guitar rifts that make it just relevant enough to be noticed.