"Blaze of Glory (Young Guns II)" – Jon Bon Jovi’s Western Rock Masterpiece (1990)

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Bon Jovi Discography (1985): "7800º Fahrenheit"

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 "7800º Fahrenheit" (1985)

Bon Jovi "7800º Fahrenheit"

"7800° Fahrenheit" is the second studio album by American rock band Bon Jovi, released on March 27, 1985 by Mercury Records. This work marked a significant evolution from their self-titled 1984 debut, showing more complexity in production and a stronger attempt to establish their musical identity amidst the rise of hard rock and glam metal in the 1980s.

The album's title refers to the temperature at which rock supposedly melts (7800 degrees Fahrenheit equals about 4315 °C), serving as a metaphor to reflect the album’s darker and more emotionally intense tone compared to their later releases.

Background and Production

Following the moderate success of their debut album, Bon Jovi returned to the studio aiming to solidify their place in the rock scene. 7800° Fahrenheit was recorded at The Warehouse Studios in Philadelphia, with producer Lance Quinn, who also worked on their first album.

The band faced both commercial and personal pressure during the creative process. Jon Bon Jovi would later describe this album as their “darkest moment,” as they were constantly touring with little time for writing or reflection. Although the band was not fully satisfied with the final result, the album helped them gain international recognition and paved the way for their explosive third album, Slippery When Wet (1986).

Musical Style

The album blends elements of hard rock, glam metal, and AOR (Album-Oriented Rock), with lyrics exploring themes of heartbreak, frustration, and personal struggle. The production is more polished than their debut, with more elaborate instrumentation and a clearer sound, although it still lacked the radio-friendly formula they would master in later years.

Tracklist

All songs were written by Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora, with contributions from other members such as David Bryan and external songwriters.

  1. In and Out of Love – 4:26

  2. The Price of Love – 4:14

  3. Only Lonely – 5:02

  4. King of the Mountain – 3:51

  5. Silent Night – 5:08

  6. Tokyo Road – 5:41

  7. The Hardest Part Is the Night – 4:25

  8. Always Run to You – 5:00

  9. (I Don’t Wanna Fall) To the Fire – 4:27

  10. Secret Dreams – 4:56

Singles and Videos

The album spawned several singles. While they did not achieve major chart success in the U.S., they received MTV airplay, which helped the band build a broader fan base:

  • "In and Out of Love" – The most popular track from the album, featuring a quintessential '80s glam-style music video.

  • "Only Lonely" – Reached #54 on the Billboard Hot 100.

  • "The Hardest Part Is the Night" – Found more success in Europe, especially in the UK.

  • "Silent Night" – A ballad showcasing the band’s more melodic side.

Bon Jovi Line-up (1985)

  • Jon Bon Jovi – Lead vocals

  • Richie Sambora – Guitars and backing vocals

  • Alec John Such – Bass and backing vocals

  • Tico Torres – Drums and percussion

  • David Bryan (credited as David Rashbaum at the time) – Keyboards and backing vocals

Reception and Legacy

Upon release, 7800° Fahrenheit received mixed reviews. Some considered it an inconsistent effort, while others praised its musical growth compared to the debut. Though it didn’t produce major hits, the album was certified Gold and eventually Platinum in the U.S., establishing Bon Jovi as a band to watch.

Over time, Jon Bon Jovi has been critical of the album, stating that it doesn’t represent the band’s true essence, and they rarely perform songs from it live. However, for die-hard fans, 7800° Fahrenheit is a crucial piece of the band’s early development.

Certifications and Chart Performance

  • USA (RIAA) – Platinum

  • Canada – Platinum

  • UK – Gold

  • Peaked at #37 on the Billboard 200.

Trivia

  • The album title was coined by manager Doc McGhee as a way to give the band a more “dangerous” image.

  • "Tokyo Road" includes a spoken Japanese intro, which was unusual for American rock music at the time.

  • David Bryan is credited as David Rashbaum, his real name, since he had not yet adopted his stage name officially.

Conclusion

7800° Fahrenheit represents a transitional phase for Bon Jovi. While the band would later adopt a more commercial and mass-appealing sound, this album captured their youthful intensity and raw energy. It's a cult favorite within their discography, appreciated for its authenticity, even if the band itself has distanced from it in retrospect.

Bon Jovi "7800º Fahrenheit". Audio CD

Access Bon Jovi's complete discography at the following link https://bonjoviforever2025.blogspot.com/search/label/Discography

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