Great analysis of this tune, Rick! Towards the end you wonder how many background singers there were, and I can answer that question for you, being one of them. In 1985 many big bands came through Vancouver to record at Little Mountain Sound with Bruce Fairbairn, and Nancy Nash and I (joani Bye) were often called for backgrounds. In this case Bruce called us in to sing on a track for a band from New Jersey named Bon Jovi. We, along with Jon and Bruce, did all those screaming bgs and man, was it fun!! Bruce called when the record was released to apologize for the fact that they had neglected to credit us on the album. I didn't think it was a big deal, having never heard of them before we did the session. Of course I had no idea that song would become so huge and so iconic!! And unfortunately, the oversight was never rectified, even on wikipedia. On the upside, we still do receive royalties. And I'm famous among my 29-year-old daughter's friends, who all scream along with us when the song plays in a bar. A great song indeed!!
I mean, the bassist wasn't even credited! Amazing that they used people and didn't give them any credit on the album, but good to hear that you still get paid for it.
Finally somone talks about this bassline. I feel like such a boomer praising this song around my peers. I was 9 when it released. I started playing bass at 15. I have always said this was one of the bess basslines ever.
I’m more of a rhythm oriented guitar player and there is nothing better than playing with a bass player that plays like this, which I try to do if I’m playing bass. Love it
I hear you. Born in 1978 and started playing bass at 16, so I'm right there with you. This is one of those lines that just sticks with you. Every now and then I'll play this one today and feel that same feeling from 1987 at the roller rink and 1995 from figuring out the bassline in a world before RUclips...
This bassline makes this song what it is. Forget the vocals or the key change, or the talkbox riff, this bassline perfectly ties the whole thing together
Livin' On A Prayer has possibly the best chorus in the history of popular music. While some songs don't deserve the amount of recurrent airplay and relevance they have, this one absolutely does.
Have you heard heartland by sisters of mercy, that gets my thumbs up. If you are interested in finding meaning in a song. Though not as popular as BJ but one of the most influential and boot legged groups of the eighties.
It’s certainly up there with some of the best arena anthems of Queen and U2- ones that just about anyone would be happy to try and sing along too. I say “try” in this instance, because most people are getting nowhere near the modulation melody, let alone the harmonies above it, in this one.
@@tristantristan4733 Beautiful Day is another one of the best choruses in popular music. In fact, Livin' On A Prayer and Beautiful Day might be the top two.
And Rick's analysis is great, calling it the pre-chorus. A friend of mine has been singing it at karaoke and I had pointed out, that isn't really the chorus, it fools you because it turns out there is more. Pre-chorus is right.
What makes this song great for me is that my kids are singing this tune everyday, many times, from the top of their lungs. One starts it and the other immediately joins in. Anything that excites them excites me too haha. Awesome video Rick!
Glad to see Tico getting some love. He is a solid drummer, and I always loved his drum sound on those first few albums. I can picture him hitting that bell on the ride in the chorus. Love how it is mixed, so that it really comes through.
The 5 of them were extremely talented (Jon, Richie, David, Tico and Alec) and all great personalities I wished the interviews were always with the whole band and not only Jon and it also applies to other bands. It’s sad only the frontman gets attention in interviews. One friend told me in the graham Norton show Coldplay was there but only Chris Martin was on the couch. it was a relief she told me that I thought only Bon Jovi did that thing but it seems like sadly with all bands only the frontman is interviewed and gets the attention. I Love Jon he is my favorite frontman in a band along with Freddie Mercury and Steven Tyler but the other guys of the bands also deserve attention and it’s always interesting to listen to all of them. See their relationship between them and see all their personalities. In the 80s Bon Jovi did most of the interviews all together, in the the 90s and early 00s we still saw them all being interviewed but by late 00s it was just Jon which is not so bad. Love seeing him but really the most fun interviews were with all together
This was the record industry at its peak. Writers, producers, engineers, session players all paid for on the win big/lose big gamble of an A & R guy. A legendary time in music.
I seen a interview with Ritchie and he was saying when he brought in the talk box to the sessions he was met with some resistance. I bet they are happy they listened to him, it's such a signature part of the song, hard to imagine it without it
Rick I’m 75 and played most of my life and I have learned more from you about music than all those years and I really appreciate the insight you give. Good music is timeless because my son likes the same music as I as does my grandson. You are a credit to anyone with ears and much appreciated and much respect. Thank you.
I don't know how you do it, but when you start "air drumming" and "head bobbing" I love the song even more!! Your enthusiasm is so freakin' contagious!!!
As a guy with a degree in Music Ed, I really like it when you break down stuff like this. I recall that most of my colleges and professors often looked down their noses at popular music but this is a great view into this music and shows it is much, much more than most give it credit for.
The Middle Eastern finger cymbals at the beginning when the bass comes in adds an exotic touch. Bob Rock did something similar in the beginning of "Wherever I May Roam" by Metallica.
It’s actually a kids toy that makes the sound on it. Tico Torres was into that kind of percussive stuff. He also plays a metal ash tray on a BonnJovi track.
Watching your deconstruction videos, I now realize that my favorite songs from the ‘80s are even better than I thought. When I hear them broken down and analyzed, I hear parts very differently and now, I have a whole new appreciation for just how brilliant they really are. Thank you for all your hard work, keep it up!
@@smulismuli7976 agreed. I've only listened to Keep the Faith maybe 3-4 times, but it's a classic. New Jersey is my favorite album of theirs. No skippers on that album, but that applies to both Slippery and Faith. Such great songs.
Had the speed set to .5x because I was going over a song on guitar at half speed….almost feel out of my chair laughing when Rick said “Heyy yeverybodeeeeeee itssssssss Rick beaaatooooo
6:08 It might just be me, but I always loved how that snare comes in right after the word ''shot'', almost like word-painting (when the music reflects the literal meaning of a song's lyrics). To me, that snare always sounded like some sort of shot and it just fits perfectly like that.
Oh, it’s sooooo not just you! Hard to find a person who’s not air smashing that drum with the song. I couldn’t agree with you more on the sound and meaning.
Yup!! Me too. I always thought the same. It really is a great song and the lyrics even seem to reflect the age of the songs characters, as well as some "jersey slang"
That bass hook is one for the ages. This song was always heavy on the cheese for me but your analysis gives a great appreciation for the arrangement and writing. Really cool stuff.
Anyone else hear the Motown influence on the bass like when he sings “and that’s a lot for love” bass plays that I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch) Four Tops intro in the bass. So cool! It’s even in the same key!
Richie Sambora was the one singing all the really high notes, he was by far the better singer and filled in all the gaps. If you think I am wrong that is ok, check out his solo stuff Stranger in this Town, it's on RUclips songs like stranger in this town or father time you will immediately know that is where all the depth was.
@@lueysixty-six7300 Blaze of Glory soundtrack is a masterpiece! I find that These Days album was the pinnacle of his song writing. You can see Jon reaching a maturity that really shows in his songs.
@@kellybarthel8060 actually is David Bryan's voice that line. And he is the one who sings it live. Richie was a great vocalist as well, but that's not his voice.
I have always been fascinated with the base riff in this song. In the 80's, my friends thought I was nuts for focusing on it while everyone else was screaming. Nice job breaking this down
wow.. just wow... thank you so much for putting this song together piece by piece for us, i have been loving this song for 30 years and heard it in a completely new way today.
The first time I went to a REAL rock concert, here in my native town of Monterrey, Mexico, was Bon Jovi’s “New Jersey” tour. And I still remember them playing this song and just at that moment when they go to the pre-chorus and modulate to the next key…the fireworks in sync!! Wow!
Seeing this man's unadulterated joy as he works through the building blocks of this song is has been one of the most soul lifting moments I've had I a long time. Put a big smile on my face. Brilliant. Subscribed.
So glad to finally see a WMTSG on this song. In my opinion, it’s one of the greatest songs ever written. One of thos songs you never turn off. Case in point: I got in my truck this morning in 15 degree weather, and this song was on the radio....so there I am freezing my ass off, air drumming to this song.
Fantastic analysis Rick!. One of the main reasons why "Living on a Prayer" still resonates with so many generations of people some 36 years later is that it's message describing what most people globally have gone through at least once in their lives in hardship, loss of a job or a business, relationship breakdown or tragedy ie loss of a parent, child or someone really close to you. The song was a massive, critical junction for Bon Jovi & along with that album propelled them into the stratosphere. Although I've seen many bands including tribute ones all cover this song & get the bass, keyboards & guitars all laid down I found many singers, whilst technically brilliant as they are simply can't reach John (though I've never heard Steve Perry attempt it!) It's a fantastic karaoke hit but I dread the 3:20 mark when they all hit those high notes when it's best to be either really drunk (so you don't care) or do the "Adele trick" where you point the mic at the audience whose likely singing along anyway in unison. Loved when they had toured Melbourne, fantastic show!
That is a perennial problem for a touring band: you have to approximate onstage what you did in the studio. If the record contains almost super-human performance, it makes your life harder on tour. It's why Jon now lets the audience to hit those high notes for him on the chorus these days.
That's funny right there. He did sing a few songs too high. Notable: When he screams the long "out" on I'll be there for you. I felt like I was literally listening to nails on a chalkboard. Aagh!
Jon's songs are no joke to sing. Not only because of how high they are but nuances, vocal resources and interpretation he does. As far as live performing 84-86 and 90-94 was his top.
I was in the 6th grade when this song came out and I specifically remember the classroom next to us singing the chorus. It’s the only time I ever heard an entire class room sing a song like that before or since. It captured the zeitgeist perfectly when the song was at its height. That was the 80’s
Wow! That vocal-bass combo breakdown really brought home the point. The things that make a song really stand out are so subtle that to the uninitiated in music, like me, there is no way to notice such intricacies. Awesome video, Rick!
I've played this song at least a thousand times in Top 40 Dance Rock bands and it never fails to fill the floor... instantly. Great lyrics, killer shout out chorus, and a super fun bass line.
Well, "Livin' on a prayer" could be called a "hook bomb". There is so much going on within the 4 minutes. Wiki says that this song is Bon Jovi's signature song. And I remember being in the age of 13 when this song came out and was also continuously played in the GDR. Our school parties only had one beginning, and it was this song. Nowadays my daughter is 15 years old. And she loves such music. I am absolutely sure that these are songs that will have a long, long life. They will be played even when there is nobody left on earth who can explain who Jon Bon Jovi was.
This, Stairway to Heaven, and Take on Me were my karaoke go-tos because the high pitch parts would make the ladies swoon. If you can hit em, they're yours for the taking. Enjoy life while you can, young person reading this. It doesn't last forever.
Also, the untimely loss of Bruce Fairbairn remains a tragedy. The albums he produced for Bon Jovi and Aerosmith were outstanding: So musical, so organic, while the 80s were still raging on.
Very well unpacked, Rick. Interesting how you isolated the various parts to point things out like that bass line. Didn't realize that the guitar solo mimics it. Know much more about that song now.
@@nathanmcdairmant9318 The tracks (separated into vocals, guitar, bass, drums, and keyboard) are available online as people have ripped them from Rock Band (which derived them from the master tracks). I doubt actual isolation can produce quality as good as Rick seems to have here.
This song was play at my youngest daughter's father-daughter dance her senior year in high school in 2018. The girls flooded the dance floor on the first notes of the intro. Then sang along at the top of their lungs to a song I would have thought they never heard of. It was nice to know that the songs their dads loved still rocks in the 2000's!
As a 51 year old Australian guy, I appreciate your analysis of course, brilliant as always, but more so seeing your unbridled enjoyment and indulgence which somehow leaves me feeling that we are not so different after all. Rick Beato - Next level talented - loves this tune Me - No musical talent other than in my head - also loves this tune ❤️me some Beato. Any time. Any day.
@@marekreardon3977 the best Aussie thing I know is that live Crowded House finale of Hey Now, but maybe they're actually from NZ, and I'm probably utterly ignorant of things down under. I did see The Little River Band at my college, about a hundred years ago.
@@rubytuesday9539 there are a few Australian acts out there that have made it big internationally such as ACDC. LRB made it bigger overseas than in Australia I think. Crowded House are from New Zealand but like all good things from New Zealand they have been adopted by Australia
Bob Rock has already done some really great interviews (Gibson TV Icons, Tone Talk with Dave Friedman, Andrew Scheps) and I'm not sure how much new ground there is to cover, but I would watch you talk to him for 2 hours in a heart beat.
It was very overplayed back in the day to the point where i didn't want to hear it and preferred other Bon Jovi songs, but man, hearing it today and disassembled, great work... thank you for the continued series.....
Also to add to the greatness of this. I lived in Alaska & it was rare to see big artists in concerts. Mostly because we were out of the typical touring route. Most groups made it up to Seattle then turned to some other part of the country. I digress. Bon Jovi was at the peak of success at this moment. #1 Song #1 Album. They not only came to Anchorage for a show but stayed for an added 2 more shows!! What!?! Unheard-of. PS Didn't go to any show.
To hear an analysis of this song musically is astounding for me. I just get lost in all of it together. Damn great artist add so much to life. Enjoyed it Rick!!!
I've seen a sold out crowd waiting for death metal band Sepultura sing along to this while waiting for the band to come on. There was moshing and crowd surfing. It was hilarious. Five minutes later, the same people were moshing to brutal death metal. I don't know whether it was planned but whatever, the person who put it on the PA had a sense of humour and great judgement.
Glad you mentioned the drums - amazing sound for a live kit and Tico's playing is rock solid..a lesson in restraint, taste and playing the song. All the fills follow and enhance the music.
What I like about this series is that it shows me as a non-musical layman idiot how awesome it must be to be part of a band and playing the actual parts in harmony with the rest of the band. Like, the bass alone sounds kind of meh but maaan if it doesn't elevate the chorus I don't know. It must be so great to be able to play in a band like that and have it all line up. Not even on stage or in front of a crowd, just with the dudes, rocking out.
What it also shows is how much actual work and finesse goes into a truly great song, in comparison to all the other forgettable crap songs that are seemingly thrown together in maybe five minutes or so, just to make some cash.
I feel the same way, when he played the drums by themselves I lost the context in the song. It sounded like it was played really well, but it doesn't interest my ear that much. But you include the bass and suddenly its perfect and not overplaying but adding a lot
even as a kid, I somehow understood that the audience is part of the band. I remember watching my father play in his livingroom, and I used to imagine electricity arcing from him out into the room as he played. when I was an adult and we were playing on stage together, I imagined the same thing, but it was to each other firstthen out to the audience. it's just the way I visualized what was happening, but what you're talking about is the same thing, just within the music itself... the notes all work together, fitting together like puzzle pieces. or if you prefer the color analogy, when you combine certain colors together, in just the right amounts, you get those really vibrant combinations, that everyone loves. when you're playing in a band, or any teamwork situation, and everything comes together, it's just amazing... and when the audience is right there with you, it's better than sex. I literally get chills down my spine, even if I'm watching a broadcast performance. I remember watching U2 live in Boston on Direct TV when they were touring for All You Can't Leave Behind, and when he pulls the girl up on stage (I think probably his girlfriend) and lays down with her and sings to her... 🤯 even if that was setup before-hand, you could tell from her reaction it was an amazing moment, and the audience was dialed in for the rest of the show. and that can't be easy in a stadium like that.
One of my favorite memories is from a New Years Eve 20 years ago. This song came on and my friends and I belted out the lyrics like our life depended on it. One of the group snapped a couple of pictures and its all of us in the pure bliss of the music. I love this series Rick. Keep up the great work!
The prechorus is strong enough to be a chorus. Then, the amazing chorus kicks in. I never analyzed this song to that depth. Great breakdown Rick. This song kicks so much ass because it basically has a chorus followed by an even better chorus. Listened to this song probably a thousand times. Nostalgia.
It's probably one of the biggest choruses of all times! It's freaking huge! An absolute masterpiece of a chorus. I mean, this song has been beaten to death over the years, but there's a damn good reason why... It's just a tremendous piece of pop art!
I was born the same year this song came out, but somehow I didn't hear it for the first time until I was 18 in 2004. At that point in my life all the music I knew was either really old dad rock from before 1974 or a little bit of whatever the current pop was, and I had no context for what I was hearing, but I immediately fell in love and went out to the record store to buy a CD of Slippery When Wet, and it's still one of my favorite albums to this day.
I'm 'dad rock' or maybe 'grandpa rock' for you. I can play nearly every hit from the 50's and 60's. Keep on keepin' on, kid. P.S. when I was 21, and had been playing bass and guitar in (and fronting) gigging bands for 5 years, in Europe and the DC area, I went to an audition for Bon Jovi. It was in '70 or 71, so the band was just cracking out of the egg, and I don't think they even had a band name. I made the mistake of showing up on time, .....but another fellow showed up a half hour earlier, so he got the bass guitar spot. Plus, he had long hair and smoked pot, and I had cropped my hair, and quit doing drugs, .....so that was probably a bigger factor. Anyhow, the too-cool-for-their-own-good band didn't bother to hear what I could do. I was already writing songs for area bands at that time, and writing parts for the horn section in my R&B band, ....but none of that mattered. Image was everything, at that time.
@@frankmarsh1159 I stand corrected. It was a glitter band, and somehow I always had it stuck in my brain that it was Bon Jovi, or Axl Rose, ......but now I see the year (in which I had my snub, for being late for an audition), was off for those two bands. A big reason I entertained that memory was, the leader of the group had long semi-curly blonde hair and was clearly dominating the conversations. His band mates all had long dark hair. I got there, on time, and the band had already made their decision, so I went with a drummer (who also arrived on-time, but like me, was late)....and we jammed on some v. nice equipment, 20 ft. from the group. The drummer also had short hair. We were like pre-Police, and were kicking butt with our riffs. I should have buddied up with that drummer, but alas, we didn't stay in touch. It's all a bit moot, anyway, 'cause a few months later I split from DC to the west coast to join a rural yogi community, .....so I took myself out of the professional music scene. I'm like an American version of Sting who never pursued a music career. I rather regret it now. All the guys in my band in DC went professional, ....and I was leading the band, singing and writing most of the songs, etc. Oh well, we're all lucky because we have many crossroads to choose from as life rolls along. Most others in the world have few, if any choices - about how their lives unfold. All the best to you Frank.
Yet another masterful walk-through of a song I have heard, and shouted-not-sung, a million times but now appreciate on a much deeper level. You simply rock, Rick.
I learned to appreciate the bass in this song while playing it in Rock Band. I always made sure to play the bass, especially love the moving line part in the chorus that Rick mentioned.
Amazing breakdown. So many parts in this song that I hadn't noticed before, like the pads underneath, or how the bass line creates movement subtly to create the counterpoint with the vocal melodies. This song is truly one of the best.
One of the greatest modulations in all of popular music! It works so well because it pivots on the D chord. While it’s just a routine bVII in the E minor prechorus the listener has already heard twice, it is the also dominant chord for the subsequent G minor section. The vocals also hang on that leading tone (F#) which sets up the transition to G so well. So smooth, unlike the typical “gear shift” up a semitone that’s so popular (and usually jarring!)
THANK YOU Rick or being the only person I've ever found to point out how Sambora incorporated that INCREDIBLE bass line into his solo.. Not once, but TWICE!!!!
John's singing at the end has to be some of the most impressive ever recorded. The relentless touring for this album and playing this song every night destroyed his voice.
If you like high register singers you should check out Andre Matos. Two of his most amazing songs, to me, are "Stand Away" by Angra, and "Fairy Tale" by Shaman.
That's what a lot of vocalists do Jesse. They tell themselves "I'm either going to give 100% every night and end up blowing my voice out, or go mabey 75% and preserve it for the tour." I saw Bon Jovi on the SWW tour and by the time they got to Philly, Jon had to go with 75%. LOL!
My first concert experience was Bon Jovi. It was a 10th (I turned 10 in '89) birthday gift from my mom. I was a massive Bon Jovi fan at the time. I can still remember my heart racing with excitement during the show. Nice work as always Rick. It was cool to have this classic broken down by someone with such a love for music like you.
Good to show that even a relatively "simple" song, at least in terms of chords, can develop into a great song. Great production and as you point out, far more clever than you think.
ya it sounds simple , til ya try to play it ! :) ya drop that bass line AT ALL and it blows up, the only thing you can do is wait around until it starts over :) haha done that !!
Two musicians in Bon Jovi that I always thought were absolutely stellar - Richie Sambora and Hugh McDonald. Richie is someone who many know about and he's a great guitar player. Hugh however, is a criminally underrated bass player. He's amazing and his baselines are intricate and add a ton of value to the song.
My first ever tape purchase was in summer of 1986. I still remember being eight years old, going to Best Buy and getting a copy of Slippery When Wet with my Dad. Amazing!
My wife just told me, while watching the last video (Blink 182), that you are the only music channel she likes watching with me. We both love your style and presentation. The breakdown of the parts really let the individuals shine, gets me that much more into the song(s). As always, a great analysis, and a lot of fun. God bless
So many amazing things in this song, but that chorus... 🤯 I was ten when this came out and it completely took over the world. Kids and teachers alike were singing along. What a time to be alive. 😄
My gosh, I had forgotten how much I loved this song! I was in 7th grade when this hit the airwaves and SO many parts of this song gave me the chills! The speak-box, the many harmonics on the lead guitar throughout the song, the harmonies in the vicals, and I always loved doing air-drums to the part when he accentuates John's line: "We'll. Give. It. A. Shot!"
And we can't forget how impressive Richie's backing vocals were!!! ( On all records btw.) The MTV unplugged living on a prayer + wanted dead ir alive is one of my favorites live music of all time.
@@waltervsm no worries! And you're spot on about Richie's vocals. To me this was his coming out party because I don't think people realized just how great a singer he was. Together they were magical. Hate that they weren't able to work things out and keep going.
Rick, your musical knowledge and expertise is absolutely amazing. I love the what makes this song great series. I am a huge pantera fan and would love to see 5 minutes alone featured. I honestly believe you are the only person qualified to explain in detail how dimebag got that tone that remains unmatched to this day
You make my appreciation for rock and production heightened a million times over... The best on the tube at what you do... Thank you Mr Beato all the way from Aotearoa/New Zealand...
This song is the reason why so many labels were going after "the next Bon Jovi." I was stationed in Germany from Oct 1986 through Nov 1989. They were HUGE in Europe. It was one of the few times I saw American fashion influencing Europe. Everything from hair styles to clothes...and those boots! What's even more amazing than all that is how good Bon Jovi still is today. He still sings pretty well. He still writes great songs too. The band has seen some changes but still a great act.
That’s the problem with this song - it was just so big it probably helped sow the seeds of destruction of hard rock as every label tried to chase/ create the next Bon Jovi. As s result it became a parody of itself so that when grunge came along as the antithesis of it the whole style imploded/ and most hard rock bands of the 80s did not survive.
@@tristantristan4733 I think the other way of looking at Bon Jovi is recognising that throughout time they have been almost in cases the band that have bridged the gap between pop, pop/rock and classic and hard rock. They were the first tribute band I ever went to see in my life in around the year 2000 when It's My Life was being played a lot. I was born in 1988 so wasn't even alive when this came out, but given how simply seeing a tribute band to these made me crave more rock music and discover all the music from the past, as far back as the 60s, it's something very few bands are able to achieve. Most people alive who discover music for the first time are listening to what is current, and usually popular or in the charts. There honestly aren't many bands today that could bridge the gap of music being released in 2022 to any of the music released over the last 6 or 7 decades. Bon Jovi are truly a fundamentally important band in the history of rock music and have been vital to keeping rock music alive.
Watching this, I feels like this is actually a pretty strong candidate for the perfectly constructed and preformed rock song. Love to see Rick's face light up as each new element is added to the song.
As always, an excellent video Rick, there was a lot to cover in this song. For instance, Tores and Hugh' chemistry to make that drop and then Hugh lifts the whole thing up to take you on a journey so to speak between the verse and the chorus, there is a very subtle quick drop lift occurring right there. David's constant pulsing and tension building was also a magnificent piece of work. At 12:03-04 minutes, "Living on a prayer, listen carefully to what Tores and Hugh do in that quick exchange. This song was a masterpiece, to be honest, there is a lot more to this song. Don't take anything away from the sound engineers, they've done an excellent job.
Bon Jovi "Living on a Prayer", Europe "Final Countdown" and Status Quo "You're in the Army Now" were my 3 favorite songs as a kid. Yep, I guess I was an 80's child through and through. lol Also Scorpions "Still Loving You"!
I was 15 when this song came out (50 now) and this was our High School's anthem. My Dad gave me his Delorean (still have it) when I was 16 and jammed this album to school and after. It was easy to get the girls during this time. Pop the doors and blast Bon Jovi. Man the late 80's was the best time of my life. Wish we had cellphone camera's back then, would love to watch the footage.
That modulated final chorus hits so hard, and I never noticed how missing a beat really helps hammer it home. That's why I love these videos, you make me learn new things about songs I've loved for ages. Would love to hear more thoughts on the 80's rock, Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, Motley Crue, they all took some heat but they wrote some incredible songs.
I was born in 87. My parents were older so I never listened to Bon Jovi. When I started developing my own tastes, they were light years away from hair metal. But when that chorus hits, to this day I get a tear in my eye. I can't help it. This song taps into something really raw.
@Kev Durr - I appreciate your comment. I wasn't a huge fan of Bon Jovi either. Yet they managed to infect anyone under 21 into a frenzy by two great hooks: This one and You give Love a Bad Name. The problem though: One says to be strong and stay together; the other - blames a 2nd person for love being bad. 😜🤔. What are we supposed to do Mr. Bongiovi? Live on a Prayer or feel bad for giving love a bad name.🤔🤮
Incidentally, this same bass line on the chorus is the same bass line on "Heaven Is Place On Earth" I've wondered if anyone else has noticed that? I've often wondered who came up with it first lol
Yeah, it's just happene to me. A few days ago, i got crazy with these two songs. These two are on repeat. Then i watch rick's video and notice that the bass has the same hook as the solo that i really like. So after that, my ear has a greater ability to hear a bassline. Then i listened to "Heaven Is A Place On Earth" and i was like, "did every great song has that bassline tho?". I mean, it fits very well on both
How in the world is he pulling out and isolating all the tracks INDIVIDUALLY?? That's almost as mind blowing as the song! 🤣. This was the song that got me into music and wanting to play guitar. Just legendary. 🔥
Now there is software. Six years ago, when I first started listening to Rick, he was very cagy about how he got the isolated tracks. Sometimes he knew people. Sometimes he said, they're out there if you know where to look. But no one else knew where to look.
@@RockandRollWomanActually quite simple, the multi-tracks for these songs are used in games like Guitar Hero, and you can simply extract each track individually from the game. Otherwise, you can find the isolated tracks floating around for things like documentaries and whatnot. Now there is software of course, but it's merely trying it's best to "recreate" the track by itself, but there will always be artifacts.
Rick, I just love "WMTSG?" - it's like when they add colour to an old favourite black & white movie and your mind is opened up to a whole new experience! More power to you, man!
you make a good point there, that's exactly it! hearing those harmonies and bass parts isolated in particular for me really highlighted why this song is so great, and seeing rick explaining why these parts work and seeing him excited about it is so infectious
Every time I hear the verse ... ¨ We gotta hold on ready or not. You live for the fight when it's all that you got!¨ I get goose bumps. I loved this episode. Thank you for the brilliant show!
As a teenager in the 80's, in my circles, we would never give Bon Jovi any credit. Come on, they looked like any other hair mental band of the day but they had a keyboard player and that seemed sacrilege to the hard rock / metal genre of the day. I am also pretty sure their audience then and even to this day is 85% women / girls. Kudos to the guys that were not too cool to go to a Bon Jovi show. They knew not every female was going backstage, Haha! But nowadays I have to say that Bon Jovi has some really great songs. And even if you try to deny them, you know you are gonna slip up and sing along.
Same here. Maybe we just didn't have the self-awareness to remember that the likes of Ozzy and Dio also had keyboard players (yes, a badass sounding organ still counts), and we sure as hell weren't going to dismiss them. Knuckleheads, the lot of us. :D
We are older, not the original hippies lol but I was in HS in the 70’s. The 60s 70s bands we watched go commercial. Early stuff as opposed to later. Not all, but anything after that (80s) was new music or little kids music and or dance music/bubble gum music, disco sucks. That’s what people were saying back then. It was all a rehash. This is unfortunate because we missed some great stuff like Van Halen lol.
Yeah, as a teen in the 80s, there was a real split among my high school friends on this one. Some though they were just a pop fad and didn't count as real rock, much less metal. For me, they were more of a guilty pleasure and this was one of the songs I really liked. Not sure which is better between this and Wanted.
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
Great analysis of this tune, Rick! Towards the end you wonder how many background singers there were, and I can answer that question for you, being one of them. In 1985 many big bands came through Vancouver to record at Little Mountain Sound with Bruce Fairbairn, and Nancy Nash and I (joani Bye) were often called for backgrounds. In this case Bruce called us in to sing on a track for a band from New Jersey named Bon Jovi. We, along with Jon and Bruce, did all those screaming bgs and man, was it fun!! Bruce called when the record was released to apologize for the fact that they had neglected to credit us on the album. I didn't think it was a big deal, having never heard of them before we did the session. Of course I had no idea that song would become so huge and so iconic!! And unfortunately, the oversight was never rectified, even on wikipedia. On the upside, we still do receive royalties. And I'm famous among my 29-year-old daughter's friends, who all scream along with us when the song plays in a bar. A great song indeed!!
Awesome story!
That's great! Awesome to have been part of that song whether you knew it or not!
I mean, the bassist wasn't even credited! Amazing that they used people and didn't give them any credit on the album, but good to hear that you still get paid for it.
Love that story Joani! Your contribution to this massive hit has been enjoyed by millions. Kudos!
Joani, you were absolutely banging it out! What a great job you did on this song. I didn't know who was doing it. Now I do! You're a gem!
Finally somone talks about this bassline. I feel like such a boomer praising this song around my peers. I was 9 when it released. I started playing bass at 15. I have always said this was one of the bess basslines ever.
I’m more of a rhythm oriented guitar player and there is nothing better than playing with a bass player that plays like this, which I try to do if I’m playing bass. Love it
I hear you. Born in 1978 and started playing bass at 16, so I'm right there with you. This is one of those lines that just sticks with you. Every now and then I'll play this one today and feel that same feeling from 1987 at the roller rink and 1995 from figuring out the bassline in a world before RUclips...
Late 80's BJ is ALL about the bass, people think quality bass tunes are that repetetive plodding that swamps everything else.
This bassline makes this song what it is. Forget the vocals or the key change, or the talkbox riff, this bassline perfectly ties the whole thing together
Are we sure this wasn’t Alec John Such? Not sure Alec needed help at this point. RIP
Those golden harmonies between Richie and Jon were just breathtaking…damn I miss those so much!!🥺🥺🥺
Livin' On A Prayer has possibly the best chorus in the history of popular music. While some songs don't deserve the amount of recurrent airplay and relevance they have, this one absolutely does.
Have you heard heartland by sisters of mercy, that gets my thumbs up.
If you are interested in finding meaning in a song.
Though not as popular as BJ but one of the most influential and boot legged groups of the eighties.
@@judi3x835 Chief Keef is fire, but nothing compares to whole arena singing "WOAAAAAAAH WE'RE HALF WAY THEEEEERE!!'
It’s certainly up there with some of the best arena anthems of Queen and U2- ones that just about anyone would be happy to try and sing along too. I say “try” in this instance, because most people are getting nowhere near the modulation melody, let alone the harmonies above it, in this one.
@@tristantristan4733 Beautiful Day is another one of the best choruses in popular music. In fact, Livin' On A Prayer and Beautiful Day might be the top two.
And Rick's analysis is great, calling it the pre-chorus. A friend of mine has been singing it at karaoke and I had pointed out, that isn't really the chorus, it fools you because it turns out there is more. Pre-chorus is right.
What makes this song great for me is that my kids are singing this tune everyday, many times, from the top of their lungs. One starts it and the other immediately joins in. Anything that excites them excites me too haha. Awesome video Rick!
My 10 yr old daughter is obsessed with Bon Jovi 😂
@@Crashesdown253 Not a bad thing haha
🤣🤘
Wholesome
Great comment. Great kids.
Glad to see Tico getting some love. He is a solid drummer, and I always loved his drum sound on those first few albums. I can picture him hitting that bell on the ride in the chorus. Love how it is mixed, so that it really comes through.
The 5 of them were extremely talented (Jon, Richie, David, Tico and Alec) and all great personalities I wished the interviews were always with the whole band and not only Jon and it also applies to other bands. It’s sad only the frontman gets attention in interviews.
One friend told me in the graham Norton show Coldplay was there but only Chris Martin was on the couch. it was a relief she told me that I thought only Bon Jovi did that thing but it seems like sadly with all bands only the frontman is interviewed and gets the attention.
I Love Jon he is my favorite frontman in a band along with Freddie Mercury and Steven Tyler but the other guys of the bands also deserve attention and it’s always interesting to listen to all of them.
See their relationship between them and see all their personalities. In the 80s Bon Jovi did most of the interviews all together, in the the 90s and early 00s we still saw them all being interviewed but by late 00s it was just Jon which is not so bad. Love seeing him but really the most fun interviews were with all together
This was the record industry at its peak. Writers, producers, engineers, session players all paid for on the win big/lose big gamble of an A & R guy. A legendary time in music.
I seen a interview with Ritchie and he was saying when he brought in the talk box to the sessions he was met with some resistance. I bet they are happy they listened to him, it's such a signature part of the song, hard to imagine it without it
Absolutely. It’s not Livin on a Prayer without the talk box!
Rick I’m 75 and played most of my life and I have learned more from you about music than all those years and I really appreciate the insight you give. Good music is timeless because my son likes the same music as I as does my grandson. You are a credit to anyone with ears and much appreciated and much respect. Thank you.
I don't know how you do it, but when you start "air drumming" and "head bobbing" I love the song even more!! Your enthusiasm is so freakin' contagious!!!
You've gotta' love Rick!
@@DennisAlvarezMusic Agree
Everyone loves a great song and arrangement no matter how old you get.
Spot on 👍
I'd love to see you interview Desmond Child in a future video. So many of his songs were the soundtracks to my youth, even up to a young adult.
brilliant !
I agree. Please interview Desmond Child. 😁
Totally!!!
Same
Oooh! Ask why he tried to write a Dream Theater song! :)
As a guy with a degree in Music Ed, I really like it when you break down stuff like this. I recall that most of my colleges and professors often looked down their noses at popular music but this is a great view into this music and shows it is much, much more than most give it credit for.
I get to play this song and many other songs like it but this is really my fav. I feel so lucky I grew up in this time. It will never happen again.
Tico is absolutely the heartbeat of this band! A great, underrated guy from this era.
And great personality. The few times he appears on the interviews and award shows. Seems like the most shy but he is really cool
The Middle Eastern finger cymbals at the beginning when the bass comes in adds an exotic touch. Bob Rock did something similar in the beginning of "Wherever I May Roam" by Metallica.
Very eastern in wherever I may roam
Yeah, that sitar with the cymbals was something.
Yeah, I was kind of surprised Rick didn't mention the cymbals....
Bob was Bruce Fairbairn's protoge so I don't doubt there are many tricks he picked up.
It’s actually a kids toy that makes the sound on it. Tico Torres was into that kind of percussive stuff. He also plays a metal ash tray on a BonnJovi track.
Watching your deconstruction videos, I now realize that my favorite songs from the ‘80s are even better than I thought. When I hear them broken down and analyzed, I hear parts very differently and now, I have a whole new appreciation for just how brilliant they really are.
Thank you for all your hard work, keep it up!
This was Jon Bon Jovi at the peak of his power. Just the vocal melody makes this a great song,
New Jersey and Keep the Faith definitely have their songs and moments too
@@smulismuli7976 agreed. I've only listened to Keep the Faith maybe 3-4 times, but it's a classic. New Jersey is my favorite album of theirs. No skippers on that album, but that applies to both Slippery and Faith. Such great songs.
That high note in the chorus! I was doing this song years ago in my grade 8 vocals, was a killer!
@@matasbutkus4071 his?
The whole point and why it’s so good is it’s “theirs” not his
Greatest RUclips series in history.Thank you for providing us with insights on the magic behind these masterpieces
Agreed
Had the speed set to .5x because I was going over a song on guitar at half speed….almost feel out of my chair laughing when Rick said “Heyy yeverybodeeeeeee itssssssss Rick beaaatooooo
6:08 It might just be me, but I always loved how that snare comes in right after the word ''shot'', almost like word-painting (when the music reflects the literal meaning of a song's lyrics). To me, that snare always sounded like some sort of shot and it just fits perfectly like that.
Oh, it’s sooooo not just you! Hard to find a person who’s not air smashing that drum with the song. I couldn’t agree with you more on the sound and meaning.
Just like the snare hit in Sea of Sorrow by Alice in Chains, "you open fiiiiire, *dun dun* *BAM*", I love word painting
Yup!! Me too. I always thought the same. It really is a great song and the lyrics even seem to reflect the age of the songs characters, as well as some "jersey slang"
@@joer8273 :D Glad to hear
Also see Beatles’ Rocky Raccoon for this effect
None of the lyrics are fumbled. They work perfectly with the rhythms and melody. Probably why it is so recognizable and popular. Nice analysis.
That bass hook is one for the ages. This song was always heavy on the cheese for me but your analysis gives a great appreciation for the arrangement and writing. Really cool stuff.
Exactly this
I agree - the Journey Cheese , but they are still on top too :) 1/2 the schools' class songs are this , the other half are Dont stop Believin :)
@@Wag2112 You are right on the money. Spot-on, my friend. In JBJ’s case, it’s oozing of greasy, Jersey Italian cheese. Just skim off the toxic waste.
Anyone else hear the Motown influence on the bass like when he sings “and that’s a lot for love” bass plays that I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch) Four Tops intro in the bass. So cool! It’s even in the same key!
Hearing jons voice all alone... Man !!!! What a singer😀 hats off
Bon Jovi at his vocal peak was insane. Those notes he was hitting effortlessly back in the day are crazy.
Definitely! Absolutely breathtaking.
Richie Sambora was the one singing all the really high notes, he was by far the better singer and filled in all the gaps. If you think I am wrong that is ok, check out his solo stuff Stranger in this Town, it's on RUclips songs like stranger in this town or father time you will immediately know that is where all the depth was.
@@lueysixty-six7300 Blaze of Glory soundtrack is a masterpiece! I find that These Days album was the pinnacle of his song writing. You can see Jon reaching a maturity that really shows in his songs.
@@lueysixty-six7300 Last I heard he owned an arena football team in Philadelphia lol.
@@kellybarthel8060 actually is David Bryan's voice that line. And he is the one who sings it live. Richie was a great vocalist as well, but that's not his voice.
The bassline in chorus is so great, even Sambora did synchronise part of the bassline, so great
I have always been fascinated with the base riff in this song. In the 80's, my friends thought I was nuts for focusing on it while everyone else was screaming. Nice job breaking this down
I love how you isolate and explain the craft behind beloved songs! Wow. We are lucky to have you!
wow.. just wow... thank you so much for putting this song together piece by piece for us, i have been loving this song for 30 years and heard it in a completely new way today.
Yep
The first time I went to a REAL rock concert, here in my native town of Monterrey, Mexico, was Bon Jovi’s “New Jersey” tour. And I still remember them playing this song and just at that moment when they go to the pre-chorus and modulate to the next key…the fireworks in sync!! Wow!
Seeing this man's unadulterated joy as he works through the building blocks of this song is has been one of the most soul lifting moments I've had I a long time. Put a big smile on my face.
Brilliant. Subscribed.
So glad to finally see a WMTSG on this song. In my opinion, it’s one of the greatest songs ever written. One of thos songs you never turn off. Case in point: I got in my truck this morning in 15 degree weather, and this song was on the radio....so there I am freezing my ass off, air drumming to this song.
I have always said this is the slickest bass line in all of pop rock. The pre-chorus and chorus are perfect.
Isolated with the slight OD coming through makes it irresistible.
It’s pretty damn good but, when you have a moment listen to John Taylor’s baseline in Duran’s Rio. It’s sick.
This was my favorite one of this series. The song just lifts my mood no matter what is happening. Thank you for this!
Fantastic analysis Rick!.
One of the main reasons why "Living on a Prayer" still resonates with so many generations of people some 36 years later is that it's message describing what most people globally have gone through at least once in their lives in hardship, loss of a job or a business, relationship breakdown or tragedy ie loss of a parent, child or someone really close to you.
The song was a massive, critical junction for Bon Jovi & along with that album propelled them into the stratosphere.
Although I've seen many bands including tribute ones all cover this song & get the bass, keyboards & guitars all laid down I found many singers, whilst technically brilliant as they are simply can't reach John (though I've never heard Steve Perry attempt it!)
It's a fantastic karaoke hit but I dread the 3:20 mark when they all hit those high notes when it's best to be either really drunk (so you don't care) or do the "Adele trick" where you point the mic at the audience whose likely singing along anyway in unison.
Loved when they had toured Melbourne, fantastic show!
I saw that tour and after this song Jon, clearly out of breath, said “why did we do that vocal part so so high?!?!”
That is a perennial problem for a touring band: you have to approximate onstage what you did in the studio. If the record contains almost super-human performance, it makes your life harder on tour. It's why Jon now lets the audience to hit those high notes for him on the chorus these days.
@@thedevilinthecircuit1414 That’s been kicking Vince Neil’s ass for 40 years!
@@no_regerts5176 lol
That's funny right there. He did sing a few songs too high. Notable: When he screams the long "out" on I'll be there for you. I felt like I was literally listening to nails on a chalkboard. Aagh!
Jon's songs are no joke to sing. Not only because of how high they are but nuances, vocal resources and interpretation he does. As far as live performing 84-86 and 90-94 was his top.
I was in the 6th grade when this song came out and I specifically remember the classroom next to us singing the chorus. It’s the only time I ever heard an entire class room sing a song like that before or since. It captured the zeitgeist perfectly when the song was at its height. That was the 80’s
Wow! That vocal-bass combo breakdown really brought home the point. The things that make a song really stand out are so subtle that to the uninitiated in music, like me, there is no way to notice such intricacies. Awesome video, Rick!
When you play that bass part at the start EVERYONE knows the song immediately. That defines a classic
it makes me change the station faster than the rest of them can start playing
@@13christbane thats funny AF
@@13christbane I turn off highway to hell just as fast.
@@13christbane This is exactly how I feel. This song has always sounded like a cross between the Peter Gunne theme and "Venus" by Shocking Blue.
I've played this song at least a thousand times in Top 40 Dance Rock bands and it never fails to fill the floor... instantly. Great lyrics, killer shout out chorus, and a super fun bass line.
Other songs that do that are Vehicle, by the Ides of March, and You Shook Me All Night Long, by AC/DC.
Well, "Livin' on a prayer" could be called a "hook bomb". There is so much going on within the 4 minutes. Wiki says that this song is Bon Jovi's signature song. And I remember being in the age of 13 when this song came out and was also continuously played in the GDR. Our school parties only had one beginning, and it was this song.
Nowadays my daughter is 15 years old. And she loves such music. I am absolutely sure that these are songs that will have a long, long life. They will be played even when there is nobody left on earth who can explain who Jon Bon Jovi was.
Probably THE greatest pre-chorus ever.
Yes, the pre-chorus in this song is absolutely fantastic !!!! It is the part of the song that makes it so special and sets the mood for any listener.
Everybody who gut drunk in a karaoke bar knows just exactly how bloody high that chorus is!
Hell yeah, man! 😁 Right you are!
Ah yes, and for a while I though I was the only one who did that...
Even bon jovi can't hit that chorus now
@@echandonut now? Try 30 years ago.
This, Stairway to Heaven, and Take on Me were my karaoke go-tos because the high pitch parts would make the ladies swoon. If you can hit em, they're yours for the taking.
Enjoy life while you can, young person reading this. It doesn't last forever.
Also, the untimely loss of Bruce Fairbairn remains a tragedy. The albums he produced for Bon Jovi and Aerosmith were outstanding: So musical, so organic, while the 80s were still raging on.
The driving bass and that modulation in the final chorus gives me eargasms every time I hear it.
Very well unpacked, Rick. Interesting how you isolated the various parts to point things out like that bass line. Didn't realize that the guitar solo mimics it. Know much more about that song now.
I'm the same as you. I've heard that song a million times and never realised that before about the solo and bass line!
How do you isolate each track?
@@nathanmcdairmant9318 The tracks (separated into vocals, guitar, bass, drums, and keyboard) are available online as people have ripped them from Rock Band (which derived them from the master tracks). I doubt actual isolation can produce quality as good as Rick seems to have here.
Would just like to say that Beato's air drum is on point!
He's an absolute beast at air drums!
This song was play at my youngest daughter's father-daughter dance her senior year in high school in 2018. The girls flooded the dance floor on the first notes of the intro. Then sang along at the top of their lungs to a song I would have thought they never heard of. It was nice to know that the songs their dads loved still rocks in the 2000's!
This man really knows the science of chord's eventually the music as a whole.
4:01 As a drummer, I've started incorporating Rick's "airdrum face" into my playing. Makes my sound heavier 😄
As a 51 year old Australian guy, I appreciate your analysis of course, brilliant as always, but more so seeing your unbridled enjoyment and indulgence which somehow leaves me feeling that we are not so different after all.
Rick Beato - Next level talented - loves this tune
Me - No musical talent other than in my head - also loves this tune
❤️me some Beato. Any time. Any day.
Same same, Aussie too.x
100% love the passion. Would love to hear him review and deconstruct some classic Aussie acts and numbers.
@@marekreardon3977 the best Aussie thing I know is that live Crowded House finale of Hey Now, but maybe they're actually from NZ, and I'm probably utterly ignorant of things down under. I did see The Little River Band at my college, about a hundred years ago.
@@rubytuesday9539 there are a few Australian acts out there that have made it big internationally such as ACDC. LRB made it bigger overseas than in Australia I think.
Crowded House are from New Zealand but like all good things from New Zealand they have been adopted by Australia
Bob Rock has already done some really great interviews (Gibson TV Icons, Tone Talk with Dave Friedman, Andrew Scheps) and I'm not sure how much new ground there is to cover, but I would watch you talk to him for 2 hours in a heart beat.
It was very overplayed back in the day to the point where i didn't want to hear it and preferred other Bon Jovi songs, but man, hearing it today and disassembled, great work... thank you for the continued series.....
Also to add to the greatness of this. I lived in Alaska & it was rare to see big artists in concerts. Mostly because we were out of the typical touring route. Most groups made it up to Seattle then turned to some other part of the country. I digress. Bon Jovi was at the peak of success at this moment. #1 Song #1 Album.
They not only came to Anchorage for a show but stayed for an added 2 more shows!! What!?! Unheard-of. PS
Didn't go to any show.
That last line was anti-climactic as hell! Lol
@@HatedNelevated made me laughs though
To hear an analysis of this song musically is astounding for me. I just get lost in all of it together. Damn great artist add so much to life. Enjoyed it Rick!!!
Whenever I see this played live in a bar, everyone is SINGING their brains out! One of the best anthems of the 80s.
You simply cannot go hard on this song- it's the rule haha
I've seen a sold out crowd waiting for death metal band Sepultura sing along to this while waiting for the band to come on. There was moshing and crowd surfing. It was hilarious. Five minutes later, the same people were moshing to brutal death metal.
I don't know whether it was planned but whatever, the person who put it on the PA had a sense of humour and great judgement.
I remember the first time I heard this song and it changed my life. Best song ever
Glad you mentioned the drums - amazing sound for a live kit and Tico's playing is rock solid..a lesson in restraint, taste and playing the song. All the fills follow and enhance the music.
What I like about this series is that it shows me as a non-musical layman idiot how awesome it must be to be part of a band and playing the actual parts in harmony with the rest of the band. Like, the bass alone sounds kind of meh but maaan if it doesn't elevate the chorus I don't know. It must be so great to be able to play in a band like that and have it all line up. Not even on stage or in front of a crowd, just with the dudes, rocking out.
What it also shows is how much actual work and finesse goes into a truly great song, in comparison to all the other forgettable crap songs that are seemingly thrown together in maybe five minutes or so, just to make some cash.
I feel the same way, when he played the drums by themselves I lost the context in the song. It sounded like it was played really well, but it doesn't interest my ear that much. But you include the bass and suddenly its perfect and not overplaying but adding a lot
even as a kid, I somehow understood that the audience is part of the band. I remember watching my father play in his livingroom, and I used to imagine electricity arcing from him out into the room as he played. when I was an adult and we were playing on stage together, I imagined the same thing, but it was to each other firstthen out to the audience. it's just the way I visualized what was happening, but what you're talking about is the same thing, just within the music itself... the notes all work together, fitting together like puzzle pieces. or if you prefer the color analogy, when you combine certain colors together, in just the right amounts, you get those really vibrant combinations, that everyone loves. when you're playing in a band, or any teamwork situation, and everything comes together, it's just amazing... and when the audience is right there with you, it's better than sex. I literally get chills down my spine, even if I'm watching a broadcast performance. I remember watching U2 live in Boston on Direct TV when they were touring for All You Can't Leave Behind, and when he pulls the girl up on stage (I think probably his girlfriend) and lays down with her and sings to her... 🤯 even if that was setup before-hand, you could tell from her reaction it was an amazing moment, and the audience was dialed in for the rest of the show. and that can't be easy in a stadium like that.
It’s pretty good!
One of the best feelings ever.
One of my favorite memories is from a New Years Eve 20 years ago. This song came on and my friends and I belted out the lyrics like our life depended on it. One of the group snapped a couple of pictures and its all of us in the pure bliss of the music. I love this series Rick. Keep up the great work!
The prechorus is strong enough to be a chorus. Then, the amazing chorus kicks in. I never analyzed this song to that depth. Great breakdown Rick. This song kicks so much ass because it basically has a chorus followed by an even better chorus. Listened to this song probably a thousand times. Nostalgia.
It's probably one of the biggest choruses of all times! It's freaking huge! An absolute masterpiece of a chorus. I mean, this song has been beaten to death over the years, but there's a damn good reason why... It's just a tremendous piece of pop art!
I was born the same year this song came out, but somehow I didn't hear it for the first time until I was 18 in 2004. At that point in my life all the music I knew was either really old dad rock from before 1974 or a little bit of whatever the current pop was, and I had no context for what I was hearing, but I immediately fell in love and went out to the record store to buy a CD of Slippery When Wet, and it's still one of my favorite albums to this day.
I'm 'dad rock' or maybe 'grandpa rock' for you. I can play nearly every hit from the 50's and 60's. Keep on keepin' on, kid. P.S. when I was 21, and had been playing bass and guitar in (and fronting) gigging bands for 5 years, in Europe and the DC area, I went to an audition for Bon Jovi. It was in '70 or 71, so the band was just cracking out of the egg, and I don't think they even had a band name. I made the mistake of showing up on time, .....but another fellow showed up a half hour earlier, so he got the bass guitar spot. Plus, he had long hair and smoked pot, and I had cropped my hair, and quit doing drugs, .....so that was probably a bigger factor. Anyhow, the too-cool-for-their-own-good band didn't bother to hear what I could do. I was already writing songs for area bands at that time, and writing parts for the horn section in my R&B band, ....but none of that mattered. Image was everything, at that time.
@@brahmburgers Bon Jovi would have only been 8 or 9 years old in 70 or 71.
Was it a boy band or something?
@@frankmarsh1159 I stand corrected. It was a glitter band, and somehow I always had it stuck in my brain that it was Bon Jovi, or Axl Rose, ......but now I see the year (in which I had my snub, for being late for an audition), was off for those two bands. A big reason I entertained that memory was, the leader of the group had long semi-curly blonde hair and was clearly dominating the conversations. His band mates all had long dark hair. I got there, on time, and the band had already made their decision, so I went with a drummer (who also arrived on-time, but like me, was late)....and we jammed on some v. nice equipment, 20 ft. from the group. The drummer also had short hair. We were like pre-Police, and were kicking butt with our riffs. I should have buddied up with that drummer, but alas, we didn't stay in touch. It's all a bit moot, anyway, 'cause a few months later I split from DC to the west coast to join a rural yogi community, .....so I took myself out of the professional music scene. I'm like an American version of Sting who never pursued a music career. I rather regret it now. All the guys in my band in DC went professional, ....and I was leading the band, singing and writing most of the songs, etc. Oh well, we're all lucky because we have many crossroads to choose from as life rolls along. Most others in the world have few, if any choices - about how their lives unfold. All the best to you Frank.
Yet another masterful walk-through of a song I have heard, and shouted-not-sung, a million times but now appreciate on a much deeper level. You simply rock, Rick.
One of the classics. Great analysis, as usual, Rick.
"We got to hold on to what we've got."
You said it, Jon.
I learned to appreciate the bass in this song while playing it in Rock Band. I always made sure to play the bass, especially love the moving line part in the chorus that Rick mentioned.
Rick explaining music as enthusiastic as a kid showing you his new toy always makes my day. I'm really greatful for this channel
That bass is amazing. Been enjoying the song for years, but never paid attention to how well constructed it is.
How was his voice destroyed? He recorded new Jersey, young guns 2 ST and keep the faith afterwards where his vocal chops were stronger than ever…
I taught it to a student once - really a great part that I was surprised by once I paid attention to it!
Exactly
Amazing breakdown. So many parts in this song that I hadn't noticed before, like the pads underneath, or how the bass line creates movement subtly to create the counterpoint with the vocal melodies. This song is truly one of the best.
Rick always makes me have a deeper appreciation of songs I already love.
You should make an interview with Desmond Child if he agrees, about songwriting and how he helped create all those massive hit songs.
Yeah, Where would KISS be without him? ;)
Chris Jericho had Desmond Child on his podcast around December 2019, and they discussed this song and many others. Very entertaining.
One of the greatest modulations in all of popular music! It works so well because it pivots on the D chord. While it’s just a routine bVII in the E minor prechorus the listener has already heard twice, it is the also dominant chord for the subsequent G minor section. The vocals also hang on that leading tone (F#) which sets up the transition to G so well. So smooth, unlike the typical “gear shift” up a semitone that’s so popular (and usually jarring!)
THANK YOU Rick or being the only person I've ever found to point out how Sambora incorporated that INCREDIBLE bass line into his solo.. Not once, but TWICE!!!!
"Livin' on a Prayer" will be one of those songs that never get old
Yes, RIP "Livin' on a Prayer".
John's singing at the end has to be some of the most impressive ever recorded. The relentless touring for this album and playing this song every night destroyed his voice.
You are right. We saw the tour multiple times. With Cinderella opening. I worked with Ritchie in 84. He loved writing.
@@johnsanzone3965 Cinderella destroys bon jovi
I have read the same, that this song hurt his voice. He's really putting everything into it.
If you like high register singers you should check out Andre Matos. Two of his most amazing songs, to me, are "Stand Away" by Angra, and "Fairy Tale" by Shaman.
That's what a lot of vocalists do Jesse. They tell themselves "I'm either going to give 100% every night and end up blowing my voice out, or go mabey 75% and preserve it for the tour." I saw Bon Jovi on the SWW tour and by the time they got to Philly, Jon had to go with 75%. LOL!
My first concert experience was Bon Jovi. It was a 10th (I turned 10 in '89) birthday gift from my mom. I was a massive Bon Jovi fan at the time. I can still remember my heart racing with excitement during the show. Nice work as always Rick. It was cool to have this classic broken down by someone with such a love for music like you.
Good to show that even a relatively "simple" song, at least in terms of chords, can develop into a great song. Great production and as you point out, far more clever than you think.
ya it sounds simple , til ya try to play it ! :) ya drop that bass line AT ALL and it blows up, the only thing you can do is wait around until it starts over :) haha done that !!
Two musicians in Bon Jovi that I always thought were absolutely stellar - Richie Sambora and Hugh McDonald. Richie is someone who many know about and he's a great guitar player. Hugh however, is a criminally underrated bass player. He's amazing and his baselines are intricate and add a ton of value to the song.
My first ever tape purchase was in summer of 1986. I still remember being eight years old, going to Best Buy and getting a copy of Slippery When Wet with my Dad. Amazing!
My wife just told me, while watching the last video (Blink 182), that you are the only music channel she likes watching with me. We both love your style and presentation. The breakdown of the parts really let the individuals shine, gets me that much more into the song(s). As always, a great analysis, and a lot of fun. God bless
So many amazing things in this song, but that chorus... 🤯 I was ten when this came out and it completely took over the world. Kids and teachers alike were singing along. What a time to be alive. 😄
My gosh, I had forgotten how much I loved this song! I was in 7th grade when this hit the airwaves and SO many parts of this song gave me the chills! The speak-box, the many harmonics on the lead guitar throughout the song, the harmonies in the vicals, and I always loved doing air-drums to the part when he accentuates John's line: "We'll. Give. It. A. Shot!"
And we can't forget how impressive Richie's backing vocals were!!! ( On all records btw.)
The MTV unplugged living on a prayer + wanted dead ir alive is one of my favorites live music of all time.
That performance at the MTV VMAs was the catalyst for MTV Unplugged, I think. Iconic performance and one of the best ever. 😎👍🏻🔥
@@skyisfallingtoo yeahh mate!!!! It was on VMA, my bad... little confusion on my end hahaha 😅. And indeed, a masterpiece!!!
@@waltervsm no worries! And you're spot on about Richie's vocals. To me this was his coming out party because I don't think people realized just how great a singer he was. Together they were magical. Hate that they weren't able to work things out and keep going.
Rick, your musical knowledge and expertise is absolutely amazing. I love the what makes this song great series. I am a huge pantera fan and would love to see 5 minutes alone featured. I honestly believe you are the only person qualified to explain in detail how dimebag got that tone that remains unmatched to this day
This right here
I could say that this song is arguebly one of the ones that got me into rock.
You make my appreciation for rock and production heightened a million times over... The best on the tube at what you do...
Thank you Mr Beato all the way from Aotearoa/New Zealand...
This song is the reason why so many labels were going after "the next Bon Jovi." I was stationed in Germany from Oct 1986 through Nov 1989. They were HUGE in Europe. It was one of the few times I saw American fashion influencing Europe. Everything from hair styles to clothes...and those boots! What's even more amazing than all that is how good Bon Jovi still is today. He still sings pretty well. He still writes great songs too. The band has seen some changes but still a great act.
That’s the problem with this song - it was just so big it probably helped sow the seeds of destruction of hard rock as every label tried to chase/ create the next Bon Jovi. As s result it became a parody of itself so that when grunge came along as the antithesis of it the whole style imploded/ and most hard rock bands of the 80s did not survive.
@@tristantristan4733 I think the other way of looking at Bon Jovi is recognising that throughout time they have been almost in cases the band that have bridged the gap between pop, pop/rock and classic and hard rock. They were the first tribute band I ever went to see in my life in around the year 2000 when It's My Life was being played a lot. I was born in 1988 so wasn't even alive when this came out, but given how simply seeing a tribute band to these made me crave more rock music and discover all the music from the past, as far back as the 60s, it's something very few bands are able to achieve. Most people alive who discover music for the first time are listening to what is current, and usually popular or in the charts. There honestly aren't many bands today that could bridge the gap of music being released in 2022 to any of the music released over the last 6 or 7 decades. Bon Jovi are truly a fundamentally important band in the history of rock music and have been vital to keeping rock music alive.
Rick, Amazing song analysis....my whole respect 🤟🏻
Watching this, I feels like this is actually a pretty strong candidate for the perfectly constructed and preformed rock song. Love to see Rick's face light up as each new element is added to the song.
As always, an excellent video Rick, there was a lot to cover in this song.
For instance, Tores and Hugh' chemistry to make that drop and then Hugh lifts the whole thing up to take you on a journey so to speak between the verse and the chorus, there is a very subtle quick drop lift occurring right there.
David's constant pulsing and tension building was also a magnificent piece of work.
At 12:03-04 minutes, "Living on a prayer, listen carefully to what Tores and Hugh do in that quick exchange.
This song was a masterpiece, to be honest, there is a lot more to this song.
Don't take anything away from the sound engineers, they've done an excellent job.
Bon Jovi "Living on a Prayer", Europe "Final Countdown" and Status Quo "You're in the Army Now" were my 3 favorite songs as a kid. Yep, I guess I was an 80's child through and through. lol Also Scorpions "Still Loving You"!
Sounds like my dad, that's some of his favourites too
Would be awesome to see “Easy Lover” by Philip Bailey and Phil Collins, in a similar vein to this as another 80s anthem! Quality video!
Easy Lover is a masterpiece! I would love to see Rick break it down.
@@atrfan11 absolutely. If you haven't already, check out Jorge St Jorge drum cover of Easy Lover. Bloody brilliant.
That would be great!
Phillip Bailey certainly gets into the stratosphere wi that one,
Best falsetto in the business
Rick's breakdown videos are so engaging and makes you interested in music theory; love it 🇯🇲
I was 15 when this song came out (50 now) and this was our High School's anthem. My Dad gave me his Delorean (still have it) when I was 16 and jammed this album to school and after. It was easy to get the girls during this time. Pop the doors and blast Bon Jovi. Man the late 80's was the best time of my life. Wish we had cellphone camera's back then, would love to watch the footage.
That modulated final chorus hits so hard, and I never noticed how missing a beat really helps hammer it home. That's why I love these videos, you make me learn new things about songs I've loved for ages.
Would love to hear more thoughts on the 80's rock, Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, Motley Crue, they all took some heat but they wrote some incredible songs.
Awesome. The only problem was that even back in the day John couldn’t sing it live! 😀
I was born in 87. My parents were older so I never listened to Bon Jovi. When I started developing my own tastes, they were light years away from hair metal. But when that chorus hits, to this day I get a tear in my eye. I can't help it. This song taps into something really raw.
Never was a Bon Jovi fan since I was a kid in the 80's but this is undeniably a well written song AND you just made me respect this song.
@Kev Durr - I appreciate your comment. I wasn't a huge fan of Bon Jovi either. Yet they managed to infect anyone under 21 into a frenzy by two great hooks: This one and You give Love a Bad Name. The problem though: One says to be strong and stay together; the other - blames a 2nd person for love being bad. 😜🤔. What are we supposed to do Mr. Bongiovi? Live on a Prayer or feel bad for giving love a bad name.🤔🤮
I agree, I was never a fan of Bon Jovi but I have discovered this song some time ago
The dual vibrato before the chorus- not an accident.
Incidentally, this same bass line on the chorus is the same bass line on "Heaven Is Place On Earth" I've wondered if anyone else has noticed that? I've often wondered who came up with it first lol
As a bass player myself, i noticed it years ago. two of my favourite songs!! Glad to see someone noticing that too :D
Yep. Has “copyright legal challenge” written all over it.
Yeah, it's just happene to me. A few days ago, i got crazy with these two songs. These two are on repeat. Then i watch rick's video and notice that the bass has the same hook as the solo that i really like. So after that, my ear has a greater ability to hear a bassline. Then i listened to "Heaven Is A Place On Earth" and i was like, "did every great song has that bassline tho?". I mean, it fits very well on both
Livin' on a Prayer = 1986
Heaven Is a Place on Earth = 1987
"Livin' on a Prayer" is heard nightly in just about every NJ dive and karaoke bar. Great song.
You're joking? It's awful.
@@graywybenga3808 If it's so awful, what the hell are you doing here listening to it?
@@ThePedroDB maybe he means New Jersey is awful 😂
Yes, NJ’s official bar music is Bon Jovi. I’ll vouch for that
@@ThePedroDB Who says I listened to it?
Not that bright, are you? I'm guessing your parents are siblings.
How in the world is he pulling out and isolating all the tracks INDIVIDUALLY?? That's almost as mind blowing as the song! 🤣. This was the song that got me into music and wanting to play guitar. Just legendary. 🔥
Now there is software. Six years ago, when I first started listening to Rick, he was very cagy about how he got the isolated tracks. Sometimes he knew people. Sometimes he said, they're out there if you know where to look. But no one else knew where to look.
@@RockandRollWomanGreg Gilles of Girl Talk said the same.
@@RockandRollWomanActually quite simple, the multi-tracks for these songs are used in games like Guitar Hero, and you can simply extract each track individually from the game. Otherwise, you can find the isolated tracks floating around for things like documentaries and whatnot. Now there is software of course, but it's merely trying it's best to "recreate" the track by itself, but there will always be artifacts.
You rock, my ears are hearing new nuances in the music you review. Thank you Rick.
Same here!
Rick, I just love "WMTSG?" - it's like when they add colour to an old favourite black & white movie and your mind is opened up to a whole new experience! More power to you, man!
you make a good point there, that's exactly it! hearing those harmonies and bass parts isolated in particular for me really highlighted why this song is so great, and seeing rick explaining why these parts work and seeing him excited about it is so infectious
Every time I hear the verse ... ¨ We gotta hold on ready or not. You live for the fight when it's all that you got!¨ I get goose bumps. I loved this episode. Thank you for the brilliant show!
As a teenager in the 80's, in my circles, we would never give Bon Jovi any credit. Come on, they looked like any other hair mental band of the day but they had a keyboard player and that seemed sacrilege to the hard rock / metal genre of the day. I am also pretty sure their audience then and even to this day is 85% women / girls. Kudos to the guys that were not too cool to go to a Bon Jovi show. They knew not every female was going backstage, Haha! But nowadays I have to say that Bon Jovi has some really great songs. And even if you try to deny them, you know you are gonna slip up and sing along.
Absolutely 💯
I would say that was/is pretty correct, yes :)
Same here. Maybe we just didn't have the self-awareness to remember that the likes of Ozzy and Dio also had keyboard players (yes, a badass sounding organ still counts), and we sure as hell weren't going to dismiss them. Knuckleheads, the lot of us. :D
We are older, not the original hippies lol but I was in HS in the 70’s. The 60s 70s bands we watched go commercial. Early stuff as opposed to later. Not all, but anything after that (80s) was new music or little kids music and or dance music/bubble gum music, disco sucks. That’s what people were saying back then. It was all a rehash. This is unfortunate because we missed some great stuff like Van Halen lol.
Yeah, as a teen in the 80s, there was a real split among my high school friends on this one. Some though they were just a pop fad and didn't count as real rock, much less metal. For me, they were more of a guilty pleasure and this was one of the songs I really liked. Not sure which is better between this and Wanted.