Never Say Goodbye

When you dive into *Never Say Goodbye*, you encounter a melody that deviates from the faster, sharper rhythm that characterizes much of *Slippery When Wet*. This piece, officially released on June 15, 1987, is distinguished by its ballad character, with extended vocal performances and a more leisurely tempo. The composition, born from the collaboration between Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora, explores the connection between two young lovers and their longing for permanence. Musically, the song moves through keys ranging from A major to C-sharp minor, G, and D major, contributing a particular harmonic richness.

The recording of *Never Say Goodbye* took place in 1986 at Little Mountain Sound Studios in Vancouver, Canada, under the production of Bruce Fairbairn. Sound engineers Tim Crich and Bob Rock were involved in the process, with the latter also responsible for the mixing. Although the album *Slippery When Wet* was released in August 1986, this song saw the light of day as a single in 1987, reaching number 21 in the UK. Despite not being released as a commercial single in the United States, making it ineligible for the main Billboard Hot 100, it did chart at number 28 on the Hot 100 Airplay chart. This track marked the beginning of a trend for the band, with each subsequent album including a similar love or power ballad, such as *I'll Be There for You* or *Bed Of Roses*.