What About Now | ||||
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Studio album by Bon Jovi | ||||
Released | March 8, 2013 | |||
Recorded | January–August 2012 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 51:36 | |||
Label | Island | |||
Producer | ||||
Bon Jovi chronology | ||||
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Singles from What About Now | ||||
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Professional ratings | |
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Aggregate scores | |
Source | Rating |
Metacritic | 50/100 |
Review scores | |
Source | Rating |
Allmusic | |
Daily Express | |
The Observer | |
Time Out | |
Virgin Media | |
Rolling Stone | |
Daily Star Sunday | Positive |
NU.nl |
What About Now is the twelfth studio album by American rock band Bon Jovi. Produced by John Shanks, the album was released on March 8, 2013 in Australia and March 12, 2013 in the United States. The album was promoted throughout the band's 2013 Because We Can: The Tour. It is the last album to feature lead guitarist Richie Sambora before he left the band later that same year and the last album where bass guitarist Hugh McDonald is an unofficial member before becoming an official member in 2016.
The album debuted at No. 1 in the U.S., where it sold 101,000 copies in its first week, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. What About Now became their third album in a row to hit No. 1 in US after The Circle and Lost Highway and their fifth No. 1 album during their career. The album has sold 220,000 copies in the U.S. as of August 2015, and over 1.5 million copies worldwide, going gold in Germany selling 100,000 copies.
In an interview given to Classic Rock magazine, guitarist Richie Sambora stated that the album was recorded before his solo album Aftermath of the Lowdown was completed. He and Jon started to write and before they knew it, they were in the studio with the band. "The record is now finished and sounding great, and we start our 2013 tour in February, so we'll be at a stadium near you very soon."
Richie Sambora also characterized the new material as a compilation of “different elements”; yet reassured old fans that they will be just as pleased with the new work as they have been with the old for over 30 years.
Music videos were produced for the first two singles "Because We Can" and the album titled track "What About Now". A music video was also made for the Jon Bon Jovi solo single "Not Running Anymore" which is included on the album as a bonus track along with the track "Old Habits Die Hard". Both songs feature on the soundtrack to the movie Stand Up Guys. On December 13, 2012 it was announced that "Not Running Anymore" would be nominated for a Golden Globe Award