7800º Fahrenheit

The title of Bon Jovi's second album, released in 1985, refers to the melting point of rock, the temperature of volcanic lava. The message was simple: Bon Jovi were the hottest new thing in rock'n'roll, although their elevation to the platinum-selling big league would come in 1986 with the third album 'Slippery When Wet'. ' 7800º Fahrenheit' sold steadily and consolidated the band's fanbase around the world, but the shadow cast by the incredible success of 'Slippery' has left 'Fahrenheit' overlooked and underrated by all but the most devoted fans. 'Fahrenheit' is Bon Jovi's lost treasure, an album for fans who really know their stuff. 'In And Out Of Love' is familiar to anyone who bought the 'Cross Road' hits collection, but brash party rock was just one aspect of the varied set. 'To The Fire' and 'Silent Night' saw Bon Jovi trying out new sounds and styles. 'Tokyo Road', meanwhile, kept melodic, but Bon Jovi also had the muscle and the guts to follow Metallica on to the stage at the UK's premier hard rock festival, Donington's Monsters Of Rock. Within two years, Bon Jovi would top the bill at Donington in front of 60,000 fans. - Paul Elliott (Kerrang!)