Bon Jovi – What About Now (2013)
Release Date: March 12, 2013
Label: Island Records / Mercury
Type: Studio Album
Genre: Rock / Arena Rock / Pop Rock
Length: 46:40
Producers: John Shanks, Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora
Overview
What About Now is Bon Jovi’s thirteenth studio album, marking a continuation of the anthemic arena rock sound blended with polished contemporary production. The album features uplifting themes of resilience, hope, and personal reflection, balancing high-energy rockers with emotional ballads.
The lead single, “Because We Can,” became a stadium-ready anthem that exemplifies the band’s enduring ability to craft anthemic choruses that resonate with fans worldwide. What About Now also showcases the songwriting partnership of Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora, while co-writing with John Shanks gives the album a modern rock sensibility.
Tracklist
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Because We Can – 4:06
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Amen – 3:48
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What About Now – 3:42
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Pictures of You – 3:46
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Army of One – 3:35
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Thank You for Loving Me – 4:01
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Not Running Anymore – 4:02
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Blind Love – 3:50
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Room at the End of the World – 3:42
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New Year’s Day – 3:38
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Beautiful World – 4:17
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This Is Love This Time – 4:03
Bonus Tracks / Special Editions:
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“Stand Up” (International Bonus Track)
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“Dirty Little Secret” (Deluxe Edition)
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Lead Single: “Because We Can” served as the anthem for the 2013 Circle Tour, opening many live shows.
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Chart Success: The album debuted at #1 in 15 countries, including the UK, Australia, and Germany.
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Songwriting Highlights: Tracks like “Army of One” and “Amen” combine motivational lyrics with Bon Jovi’s signature arena rock hooks.
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Did You Know? The album was recorded at multiple studios across the US, including New Jersey and Los Angeles, blending East Coast rock grit with polished production.
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Tour Tie-in: The Because We Can World Tour (2013–2014) heavily featured this album, performing new tracks alongside classics like “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “You Give Love a Bad Name.”
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Political and Social Commentary: Songs such as “Amen” and “Not Running Anymore” touch on perseverance, activism, and social awareness, reflecting contemporary issues.
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Modern Sound: The album blends classic Bon Jovi guitar riffs, layered vocals, and pop-rock hooks, keeping the band relevant in the 2010s music scene.
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Visual Theme: The album cover features a globe-shaped guitar, symbolizing global connection and the universal message of the album.
Album Credits
Bon Jovi:
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Jon Bon Jovi: Lead vocals, acoustic guitar
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Richie Sambora: Guitar, backing vocals, talk box
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David Bryan: Keyboards, backing vocals
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Tico Torres: Drums, percussion
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Hugh McDonald: Bass guitar, backing vocals
Production Team:
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Producers: John Shanks, Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora
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Engineers: Obie O’Brien, John Shanks
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Mixing: Bob Clearmountain
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Mastering: Ted Jensen
Mini Review
What About Now demonstrates Bon Jovi’s ability to combine anthemic rock energy with contemporary polish. Tracks like “Because We Can” and the title track deliver uplifting, stadium-ready hooks, while “Pictures of You” and “Not Running Anymore” show introspection and lyrical depth. With strong songwriting, polished production, and motivational themes, the album balances classic Bon Jovi arena rock with a modern sensibility, keeping the band relevant in the 2010s.
