Neil Daniels – Let It Rock: The Making of Bon Jovi's Slippery When Wet
Soundcheck Books
www.soundcheckbooks.co.uk

Rating: C from me... B from an un-married 45 year old woman with Jon’s poster in her bedroom.

There are two types of rock fans in this world, those who like Bon Jovi and those who hate Bon Jovi.  I am the latter.  I have distaste for the bands songs, sounds, looks and attitude... maybe even his suburb of New Jersey.  I think they are pop music pretending to be rock stars.  The only redeeming element in the band's history is their guitar player, Richie Sambora, who has been rumored to be kicked out of the band by the big-toothed pretty-boy Jon Bon Jovi.

While I have never been a fan, or even close to a fan, I can't deny the band's success.  They are huge, and never huger than when they released Slippery When Wet.  It’s a dreadful slab of Sorority Chick Fake Metal but it sold millions, hell, maybe billions by now.  It changed the face of music – for the worse – but one can't deny it is an important album in the history of hair spray and spandex rock and roll.

I was shocked when author Neil Daniels asked me for an essay on the album, as I think he knew I hated them.  I was more shocked when I discovered he printed every word of filth I used to describe the album and band.  Then, I laughed and I am still laughing. Thanks Neil. He took ‘giving the other side of the story’ to a new level.  However, I even admit in the essay that the album is...and I hate to say it...catchy.

My tirade aside, the book is well done and Neil does a great job of mixing current quotes by artists and journalists with some retro interviews from the band.  He lays it out there...says what was going on and why this album was so great and everyone agrees...everyone but me. 

At the end of the day it’s a good read and really does delve into the history of the album, even the cover shot -and the cover shot that should have been.  Photographer Mark Weiss tells the tale very entertainingly, I must admit.  But, I can't give it anything higher than a C because it is against my principles and my biased attitude to admit anything with the Bon Jovi moniker can get a higher than average rating.  I will admit that people who actually like the album and the band's biggest fans will love this, and will tell me I should have a given it an “A” rating. 

Sorry Neil, that's as close as I can get to saying I like it.  Next time, do one on Moving Pictures or Blackout...you know...real rock and roll... don’t call me if it’s Nickelback.

By Jeb Wright