Rock anthem of the week for May 29th

Here we are again, the week is over, the kids are in bed, it's time to get the Rock Anthem of The Week in your head.

This week the economy has been on my mind. Times are tough all over but through it all, we get by with the support of our friends and family. I thought I would choose an anthem that represents the spirit of taking it as it comes and never giving up.

The Rock Anthem of The week this week is Livin on a Prayer by Bon Jovi.



Released on the 1986 album Slippery When Wet, the song rocketed the band to superstar status. The 80's brought us Hair Metal and while Bon Jovi may have been lumped in with that genre (some say they created the genre) there was some real substance to this band. Their image was definately big hair and tight pants their songwriting was a something more than three chords and a guitar solo.

While many bands were writing about sex, drugs, and the excesses of rock and roll Bon Jovi was writing about the real world. Livin on a prayer tells the story of two young lovers trying to make their way in this world. Gina and Tommy have become a part of our life. They represent ourselves, our family, everybody knows someone like Gina and Tommy.

Richie Sambora's use of the Talk Box on the verses is nothing short of ballsy and bold. In an era of refridgerator size racks the use of a 1970's era effect on the song was definatley outside of the box thinking. And just when the song had built to a crescendo with the proclomation "you live for the fight cuz that's all that you've got.." you are hit with a massive wall of vocals in the chorus.

In short, music can document a tough situation as well as become an escape from it. Livin on a prayer does just that.

Livin on a prayer (live acoustic version)


Scott