Blaze of Glory is the debut solo studio album by Jon Bon Jovi released on 7 August 1990
For me, Personally, I believe Blaze of Glory has a more polished and flawless sound.
More than any album by Jon Bon Jovi or Bon Jovi
The creation of This album is clearly as on the album art cover.
“inspired by the film Young Guns II”.
Blaze of Glory
The album wasn’t just about capturing the emotions of the characters in Young Guns II. Instead, it was a way for Jon Bon Jovi to channel the intense pressure and emotions he was feeling at the time.
The album became a deeply personal project, reflecting the weight on his shoulders during that period.
The Hardest Years
Between 1987 and 1990, Bon Jovi reached the peak of their fame with the massive success of Slippery When Wet (1986) and its follow-up, New Jersey (1988).
New Jersey came with its own set of challenges. It marked the band’s first attempt to dive away from glam metal, a style they hadn’t explored before.
While they felt pressured to adapt to the musical trends of the time, they were cautious about making too drastic a change. They feared losing their hard-earned success and alienating their fans.
Despite not quite matching the triumph of Slippery When Wet, New Jersey still became a monumental commercial and cultural force in rock music. During this period, Bon Jovi solidified their place as one of the biggest rock bands in the world, amassing a massive global fanbase and earning their status as rock legends.
Their year-long tour showcased Bon Jovi’s incredible musicianship and unwavering dedication to their fans. However, as the grind of constant touring took its toll, tensions began to rise among the band members.
By early 1990, the tour finally came to an end, and the band members returned home on separate flights—a clear sign of the growing boredom and strain in their relationships. The group’s dynamic was fragile, which helps explain why it took so long for their next album to materialize.
During this turbulent time, Jon Bon Jovi released his first solo album, giving fans something new and exciting to enjoy. Not to be left behind, Richie Sambora, along with bandmates David Bryan and Tico Torres, followed with his own solo project the following year.
Blaze of Glory
At first, The filmmakers of Young Guns II approached Bon Jovi, asking to use his iconic song “Wanted Dead or Alive” (from Slippery When Wet) in their film, a sequel centered on Billy the Kid, played by Emilio Estevez.
However, Jon Bon Jovi felt the song didn’t match the film’s tone. Instead, he wrote a brand-new track, “Blaze of Glory,” which perfectly captured the spirit of the movie. This decision once again highlighted his incredible creativity and ability to adapt.
Inspired by the challenge of creating a song that fit Young Guns II, Jon’s creative energy surged. One idea led to another, and soon he had written enough material for an entire album. This became Blaze of Glory, a project deeply inspired by the film.
The album can be seen as a concept piece, with each song intricately tied to the story of Billy the Kid and Pat Garrett—an outlaw and the bounty hunter turned sheriff who ultimately brought him to justice. Through this album, Jon Bon Jovi not only paid homage to the film but also crafted a standalone work of art.
While some of the songs on Blaze of Glory were originally written for the film but didn’t make the final cut, the album still maintains a strong thematic unity. In every way, Blaze of Glory stands as a testament to Jon Bon Jovi’s singular vision and the power of music to tell complex stories and evoke deep emotions.
The sound of this album may not have the “glam” edge of New Jersey, but Jon Bon Jovi’s songwriting talent shines as brightly as ever. Taking risks as a solo artist, he delivered something truly special.
Billy the Kid
The title track, “Blaze of Glory,” captures the loneliness of a wanderer on the vast, empty plains, with Jeff Beck’s sharp, piercing guitar work complementing Jon’s raw, emotional vocals. It’s a song that resonated deeply with fans.
The album paints a vivid picture of life on the run, constantly evading the law in a harsh, unforgiving world. The emotions are raw and palpable, with Jon’s raspy voice adding layers of loneliness and despair to tracks like “Miracle” and “Santa Fe.”
The latter is named after the place where Billy the Kid was imprisoned before his trial, serving as a somber reminder of the brutal realities of the Wild West. Meanwhile, in “Blood Money,” Bon Jovi seems to taunt Pat Garrett, the former friend turned sheriff who relentlessly pursued his bounty.
Through Blaze of Glory, Jon Bon Jovi not only tells the story of Billy the Kid but also creates a timeless work that captures the struggles, loneliness, and defiance of life on the edge.
The Good, The Bad and the Beauty
With Blaze of Glory, Jon Bon Jovi proved he was far more than just the frontman of a popular rock band.
He showcased himself as a gifted songwriter with a unique perspective on life, and this album stands as a powerful testament to his artistry. While he may never create something quite as impactful again, his place among rock legends is firmly secured.
As I listen to Blaze of Glory, one name comes to mind: Bob Dylan. Jon Bon Jovi even dedicated the song “Blood Money” to Dylan, and it’s easy to see why. In 1973, Dylan released Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid, a soundtrack for Sam Peckinpah’s western film of the same name. Both albums share a melancholic tone, but Bon Jovi’s rock edge gives Blaze of Glory an intensity that resonates deeply with listeners.
While Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid leans heavily into sadness and gloom, Blaze of Glory balances its emotional weight with nods to classic rock ‘n’ roll. Tracks like “You Really Got Me Now” even carry a subtle hint of Little Richard’s influence in the background.
What’s truly remarkable is how Jon Bon Jovi stepped away from the glam metal sound of his earlier work to create this album. It’s a bold departure that still holds up incredibly well today. For me, Blaze of Glory remains a timeless piece of rock artistry, a testament to Jon Bon Jovi’s versatility and enduring talent.
Final Thoughts
In 1990, all hair bands were on the verge of collapse. Blaze of Glory come with impeccable timing. Yet, despite the challenges, their unmistakable impact on the world of rock endures. The album became a crossroads for Bon Jovi, blending elements of both glam metal and adult rock, propelling them forward with unwavering momentum. Their journey stands as a testament to the lasting allure of rock music and the transformative nature of human bonds.
Blaze of Glory
Released: 7 August 1990
Studio: A&M (Hollywood, California)
Length 48:43
Label: Mercury
Producers: Jon Bon Jovi Danny Kortchmar Alan Silvestri
Track listing
All tracks are written by Jon Bon Jovi, except where noted.
- “Billy Get Your Guns” 4:49
- “Miracle” 5:20
- “Blaze of Glory” 5:35
- “Blood Money” 2:34
- “Santa Fe” 5:42
- “Justice in the Barrel Intro” 6:48
- “Never Say Die” 4:54
- “You Really Got Me Now” 2:24
- “Bang a Drum” 4:44
- “Dyin’ Ain’t Much of a Livin’” 4:40
- “Guano City” (instrumental) Alan Silvestri 1:16
Musicians
- Jon Bon Jovi – vocals, backing vocals, guitars (tracks 2-3, 5-10), piano (track 3), harmonica (track 4), producer
- Kenny Aronoff – drums, percussion
- Jeff Beck – electric guitar (tracks 6, 10), slide guitar, guitar solo (tracks 1-3, 6-7, 9)
- Robbin Crosby – guitar (track 7)
- Bob Glaub – bass (tracks 5, 10)
- Randy Jackson – bass (tracks 1-3, 6-9)
- Ron Jacobs – engineer
- Elton John – piano (tracks 1, 10), backing vocals (track 10)
- Danny Kortchmar – guitar (tracks 1-2, 4-9), producer
- Dale Lavi – hand claps
- Myrna Matthews, Julia Waters, Maxine Waters – backing vocals (tracks 2, 6, 9, 10)
- Carmella Lento – backing vocals
- Aldo Nova – guitars, keyboards, piano, tambourine
- Phil Parlapiano – accordion (tracks 2, 4)
- Lou Diamond Phillips – vocals (track 6)
- The Runners – hand claps (track 1)
- Little Richard – piano, vocals (track 8)
- Brian Scheuble – engineer
- Alan Silvestri – arranger
- Benmont Tench – Hammond organ (tracks 1-3, 5-7, 9-10), piano (tracks 5, 8)
- Waddy Wachtel – guitar (track 9), slide guitar (track 8), dobro (track 3)