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Never Say Goodbye

Bon Jovi's "Never Say Goodbye" is a slow, emotional power ballad. Released in 1986, it stands...
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YEAR | 198%

"Never Say Goodbye"

Last updated 📅 2024-02-06

Bon Jovi's "Never Say Goodbye" is a slow, emotional power ballad. Released in 1986, it stands out from their usual hard rock sound. The lyrics plead for a lover's return, refusing to accept a final goodbye. Though not a major hit, it remains a fan favorite and is still played live, showcasing Jon Bon Jovi's soaring vocals and Richie Sambora's poignant guitar solo.

  • CATEGORY: All Time Favorite Music
  • BAND: Bon Jovi
  • GENRE: Glam Metal, Love Songs
  • YEAR: 1986

"Never Say Goodbye" by Bon Jovi, released in 1986, isn't a typical "Livin' on a Prayer" rocker. Instead, it's a heartfelt power ballad that stands out on the band's "Slippery When Wet" album.

Written by Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora, the song showcases a softer side of the band. The music is slow and deliberate, with soaring vocals and emotional guitar work by Sambora. Lyrically, it paints a picture of a passionate but troubled relationship on the brink of collapse.

The protagonist pleads with their lover to stay, promising to work through their issues and "build our dreams again." Lines like "Hold on, baby, there's nothin' left to lose" and "Don't say goodbye, baby, give love a chance" convey the desperation and hope clinging to the relationship.

Despite the pleading tone, the song acknowledges the possibility of separation. The lyrics "Some bridges burn forever, some hearts just can't mend" hint at the fragile nature of their connection. This bittersweet mix of hope and acceptance gives the song depth and resonates with listeners facing similar situations.

Although not a huge commercial success, "Never Say Goodbye" remains a fan favorite. Its raw emotion and relatable theme continue to touch audiences, solidifying its place as a hidden gem in Bon Jovi's discography.

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"Some of the Best Love Songs of the '80s"

Last updated 📅 2024-02-06

Big hair, synths galore, and love soaring high like shoulder pads. 80s ballads promised forever in neon, whispered secrets over sax solos, and danced 'til dawn with a touch of heartbreak. From Whitney's power anthems to Michael's smooth whispers, every beat pulsed with passion, chasing dreams on roller skates and holding love closer than a Rubik's Cube solution.

Image courtesy of "ECHOESOFEMOTIONSPAST.COM"

The love songs of the 80s, where big hair met big emotions! These sonic valentines throbbed with synthesizers, soaring power ballads, and a touch of neon-tinged optimism.

First love, innocent and electric, pulsed through songs like Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" and Michael Jackson's "The Girl Is Mine." Synthy anthems like Duran Duran's "Hungry Like the Wolf" and Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer" promised forever young devotion, while the power ballad kings like Foreigner ("I Want to Know What Love Is") and REO Speedwagon ("Can't Fight This Feeling") belted out their hearts in epic choruses.

For a touch of melancholy, there were break-up bangers like Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time" and Tears for Fears' "Shout," where wounded hearts raged against betrayal. But even heartbreak shimmered with hope, exemplified by Phil Collins' "Against All Odds" and Tina Turner's "Simply the Best," anthems of resilience and finding love again.

Beyond the mainstream, alternative love bloomed in The Cure's introspective "Lovesong" and The Smiths' Morrissey crooning about rainy day romance. And who could forget Prince's purple reign of sensuality, from the simmering "Kiss" to the playful "Raspberry Beret?"

Love in the 80s was big, bold, and sometimes cheesy, but always passionate. These songs were the soundtrack to first kisses, prom nights, and mixtapes passed between lockers. They captured the era's vibrant spirit, reminding us that even shoulder pads and leg warmers couldn't contain the power of a good love song.

  • CATEGORY: Love Songs
  • GENRE: Love Songs
  • YEAR: 198*
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