Thursday, 27 November 2025

A Quick Look at Bon Jovi

 


Start

Bon Jovi are one of the big selling pop-rock bands. I have heard of them, and I'll know some of their songs, though I couldn't with certainty name one that is definitely by the band, as, for me, their sound and image is so close to the other big American pop-rock acts like Aerosmith, Van Halen, Bryan Adams, etc. But they are huge. So I'm having a quick look to see what it is that people like, and to see what I'm missing (if anything). 


Development

Going through the albums and while, certainly initially, finding the music derivative and unadventurous, and not to my taste, I have found the band to be acceptable musicians, and quite professional. They have developed their sound and their approach to suit the times, which I had not expected from listening to the first album. 


Conclusion

I give a fuller summary at the end, but in short after listening to all the albums and watching the key video singles I have found the band to be simple and direct, and in tune with some young working class (or uneducated) ideals. A clear inspiration for the main lyric writer, Jon Bon Jovi, is Bruce Springsteen, and while Jovi does not have Springsteen's turn of phrase, depth of feeling, or telling image, he is able to quickly and simply article some basic clichés about the lives of uneducated working class people with few skills, but a desire for something better - epitomised in  the story of Tommy and Gina in "Livin' On A Prayer".  And I have ended up admiring that simple directness. Some writers, like Springsteen, can be too poetic and wordy for some everyday people. Bon Jovi's simple and direct words are not wrapped up in floury lines or poetic images - they just just tell the story direct: "We've gotta hold on to what we've got / It doesn't make a difference if we make it or not /  We've got each other and that's a lot for love / We'll give it a shot". I also liked that the band were professional and workmanlike. My personal preference is for more musical skill; but I can also be put off if that becomes indulgent or a means in itself, rather than as an aid to propel the song - so I understand that simple direct music has its appeal. I have also ended up appreciating how the band have developed over time. The more adult style of music they start getting into in the Nineties is more to my taste (and I note from the shift in sales over time from the early huge success in America, to less success in America but bigger success globally, that this shift is also more appreciated by the global audience, though less liked by the American audience).  

I ended up admiring Bon Jovi more than I thought I would, though the lack of originality and ideas, the lack of sheer love of the music, the lack of risk taking, the overall corporate blandness, even when they were at their "glam metal" height, and the general safe middle of the road commercial style of music they play doesn't really excite me.  


Albums


   
Bon Jovi (1984)

It starts with a very commercial and plastic Eighties sound, like some kind of naff soundtrack to a naff film, and continues that way. I get the impression that the band are unlikely to become more interesting or authentic as they develop, and that this plastic pap is what Bon Jovi are going to be from 1984 into the current century.  I struggle with this stuff, even as wallpaper muzak. 

Side one
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Runaway"
3:50
2."Roulette"
4:38
3."She Don't Know Me"Mark Avsec4:02
4."Shot Through the Heart"
4:16
5."Love Lies"
4:06
Side two
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
6."Breakout"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Bryan
5:20
7."Burning for Love"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
3:51
8."Come Back"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
3:56
9."Get Ready"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
4:07



Wikipedia
AllMusic: 7
Score: 2

   
7800° Fahrenheit (1985) 

A little more rock than the debut album, though almost as uninteresting. Cliched stuff - familiar rock riffs, and plodding drums, all done with that clean Eighties production, though a little less cringy than the debut. 

Side one
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."In and Out of Love"Jon Bon Jovi4:25
2."The Price of Love"Bon Jovi4:14
3."Only Lonely"
4:58
4."King of the Mountain"
3:54
5."Silent Night"Bon Jovi5:07
Side two
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
6."Tokyo Road"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
5:40
7."The Hardest Part Is the Night"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
  • Bryan
4:25
8."Always Run to You"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
5:00
9."To the Fire"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
  • Bryan
4:27
10."Secret Dreams"
4:56

Score: 2.5 

  
Slippery When Wet (1986)

Bon Jovi's big album.  It seems that its success rests on the singles "You Give Love a Bad Name",  "Livin' on a Prayer", and "Wanted Dead or Alive". Though the rest of the album would satisfy those who bought it because of those singles as the rest of the album has the same sound. The singles were proper global big sellers, especially "Livin' on a Prayer". 
Very commercial, the album is reasonably attractive with a good blend of melody and rock clichés. Not my thing, my attention largely turns away as it plays, but the singles have a draw, because of familiarity if nothing else. 


All tracks written by Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora, except where noted.

Side A
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Let It Rock" 5:26
2."You Give Love a Bad Name"
3:43
3."Livin' on a Prayer"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
  • Child
4:11
4."Social Disease" 4:18
5."Wanted Dead or Alive" 5:09
Side B
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Raise Your Hands" 4:17
2."Without Love"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
  • Child
3:31
3."I'd Die for You"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
  • Child
4:31
4."Never Say Goodbye" 4:49
5."Wild in the Streets"Bon Jovi3:56


Wikipedia
AllMusic: 9
Score: 3.5

    
New Jersey (1988) 

The follow up to Slippery was hugely successful - people in the Eighties really wanted muzak like this. And, to be fair, this stuff had a lot more going for it than the stilted synth music coming out of the UK. Much of the best Eighties stuff was bubbling away in the background, mostly unknown and unheard by the bland loving masses. There is more than a cursory nod to Jon Bon Jovi's local hero, Springsteen, in this album. Sadly, though, he's mostly taking ideas from post Born To Run Springsteen. Still, the influence is positive, and this feels closer to something heartfelt than any of the shit that's gone before. It's not great, but it's got something more than money and fame in its eyes. There's also a feel of U2 about this album. I heard a hint in the previous album, but it's more obvious now, especially "Blood on Blood". 

All tracks are written by Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora, except where noted.

Side one
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Lay Your Hands on Me" 5:58
2."Bad Medicine"
5:16
3."Born to Be My Baby"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
  • Child
4:40
4."Living in Sin"Bon Jovi4:39
5."Blood on Blood"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
  • Child
6:16
Side two
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Homebound Train" 5:10
2."Wild Is the Wind"
5:08
3."Ride Cowboy Ride" 1:25
4."Stick to Your Guns"
4:45
5."I'll Be There for You" 5:46
6."99 in the Shade" 4:29
7."Love for Sale" 3:58


Wikipedia
AllMusic: 9
Score: 4 


Keep the Faith (1992) 

Feels long and mostly boring. "Keep The Faith" was the hit, and is listenable, the rest of the stuff is tiresome and unoriginal. Again, U2 and Springsteen are copied unsuccessfully. This is not just tired commercial pop-rock, this is second hand tired commercial pop-rock. 

All tracks are written by Jon Bon Jovi, except where noted.

International edition
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."I Believe" 5:48
2."Keep the Faith"
5:46
3."I'll Sleep When I'm Dead"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
  • Child
4:42
4."In These Arms"
5:19
5."Bed of Roses" 6:33
6."If I Was Your Mother"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
4:27
7."Dry County" 9:51
8."Woman in Love" 3:48
9."Fear" 3:06
10."I Want You" 5:36
11."Blame It on the Love of Rock & Roll"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
4:24
12."Little Bit of Soul"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
5:44
13."Save a Prayer" (European bonus track)
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
5:57


Wikipedia
AllMusic: 6
Score: 2

   
Cross Road (1994) 

Hugely successful greatest hits compilation, along with two new tracks to help assure sales even amongst those who keep the faith (or to reward them because they are likely to buy the album anyway). This album has sold millions. And that makes sense, if you're buying Bon Jovi this is the album to get. Nothing else is really needed. It's a bit too much to take it all in one sitting, like eating a bowl of sugar, after a few mouthfuls it becomes a bit sickening. I'd like it better if it was condensed into seven of his best tracks. Well, pretty much just side one, really.  

At this point the debt to Springsteen is clear and makes sense, and kinda makes Bon Jovi more approachable and likeable. I've also at this point noted the importance of songwriter Desmond Child to this band (and other related artists). 

What is this music? Is it Arena rock, Glam metal, Pop rock, Hair metal, Pop metal, Hard rock, Soft rock, something else, or a bit of all the above? I think that Arena rock seems to describe it best, and enfolds the other music  "styles" (in inverted commas because they appear to be names more than styles).

No.TitleWriter(s)From albumLength
1."Livin' on a Prayer"
Slippery When Wet (1986)4:11
2."Keep the Faith"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
  • Child
Keep the Faith (1992)5:45
3."Someday I'll Be Saturday Night"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
  • Child
New song4:38
4."Always"Bon JoviNew song5:52
5."Wanted Dead or Alive"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
Slippery When Wet5:07
6."Lay Your Hands on Me"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
New Jersey (1988)5:58
7."You Give Love a Bad Name"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
  • Child
Slippery When Wet3:43
8."Bed of Roses"Bon JoviKeep the Faith6:34
9."Blaze of Glory" (Jon Bon Jovi solo)Bon JoviBlaze of Glory (1990)5:40
10."In These Arms"
Keep the Faith5:16
11."Bad Medicine"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
  • Child
New Jersey5:14
12."I'll Be There for You"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
New Jersey5:41
13."In and Out of Love"Bon Jovi7800° Fahrenheit (1985)4:23
14."Runaway"
  • Bon Jovi
  • George Karak
Bon Jovi (1984)3:50


Wikipedia 
AllMusic: 9
Score: 4.5


These Days (1995) 

JBJ seems very comfortable with copying Bruce at this stage. As a Bruce tribute band this is actually quite good. It's quite adult and serious, well played, and not over-produced (thankfully we are into the Nineties, and away from the slick and nasty production of the Eighties). But as an independent creative unit it flops. When Bruce was doing these sorts of songs in the Seventies it was exciting. And he wrote better songs. Added to which, the world has moved on, and the Nineties was a rich, exciting time culturally and musically - but you wouldn't know it listening to this. Too much living in the past and in other people's backyards.  

Regular bass player Such has left the band, and the band employ McDonald - which they will do until 2016 when he is made a full time member of the band. 

All tracks are written by Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora, except where noted.

International edition
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Hey God" 6:03
2."Something for the Pain"
4:46
3."This Ain't a Love Song"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
  • Child
5:06
4."These Days" 6:26
5."Lie to Me" 5:34
6."Damned" 4:35
7."My Guitar Lies Bleeding in My Arms" 5:42
8."(It's Hard) Letting You Go"Bon Jovi5:50
9."Hearts Breaking Even"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Child
5:05
10."Something to Believe In"Bon Jovi5:25
11."If That's What It Takes" 5:17
12."Diamond Ring"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
  • Child
3:46

Additional musicians

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 6
Score: 2
   
Crush (2000) 

"It's My Life" was a big hit. One of the biggest in the band's career. It's Jon Bon Jovi's version of fellow New Jersian Frank Sinatra's "My Way", as done by fellow New Jersian Bruce Springsteen. It's intensely poppy with enough hard rock clichés, such as screeching lead guitar, to appeal to a wide spectrum of people. The rest of the album is less interesting, though the other two singles also did well, although - of course - not on the mega scale of "It's My Life". . 


No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."It's My Life"
3:44
2."Say It Isn't So"
3:33
3."Thank You for Loving Me"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
5:09
4."Two Story Town"
5:10
5."Next 100 Years"
6:19
6."Just Older"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Falcon
4:29
7."Mystery Train"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Falcon
5:14
8."Save the World"Bon Jovi5:31
9."Captain Crash & The Beauty Queen from Mars"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
4:31
10."She's a Mystery"
5:18
11."I Got the Girl"Bon Jovi4:36
12."One Wild Night"
4:18

Additional musicians

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 8
Score: 2

   
One Wild Night Live (2001)

Modest album of popular tracks played live (though there's little atmosphere or character - this could have been studio recorded). Key tracks are the Neil Young cover and the Boom Town Rats cover with Geldof on vocals, though Geldof's voice is weak, and the Bon Jovi band plod though the song. On the whole I quite like this album. 


No.TitleWriter(s)RecordedLength
1."It's My Life"Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Max MartinToronto, Ontario, Canada on November 27, 20003:50
2."Livin' on a Prayer"Bon Jovi, Sambora, Desmond ChildZürich, Switzerland on August 30, 20005:13
3."You Give Love a Bad Name"Bon Jovi, Sambora, ChildZürich, Switzerland on August 30, 20003:53
4."Keep the Faith"Bon Jovi, Sambora, ChildNew York City, United States on September 20, 20006:19
5."Someday I'll Be Saturday Night"Bon Jovi, Sambora, ChildMelbourne, Australia on November 10, 19956:30
6."Rockin' in the Free World"Neil YoungJohannesburg, South Africa on December 1, 19955:45
7."Something to Believe In"Bon JoviYokohama, Japan on May 19, 19966:00
8."Wanted Dead or Alive"Bon Jovi, SamboraNew York City, New York on September 20, 20005:59
9."Runaway"Bon Jovi, George KarakTokyo, Japan on April 28, 19854:47
10."In and Out of Love"Bon JoviTokyo, Japan on April 28, 19856:12
11."I Don't Like Mondays" (featuring Bob Geldof)Bob GeldofLondon, United Kingdom on June 25, 19955:37
12."Just Older"Bon Jovi, Billy FalconToronto, Ontario, Canada on November 27, 20005:13
13."Something for the Pain"Bon Jovi, Sambora, ChildMelbourne, Australia on November 10, 19954:22
14."Bad Medicine"Bon Jovi, Sambora, ChildZürich, Switzerland on August 30, 20004:19
15."One Wild Night (2001)"Bon Jovi, Sambora, ChildJanuary 2001 studio version3:43


Additional musicians

Score: 3.5


Bounce (2002)

There is an attractive mature sound to Bon Jovi at this stage. A rustic, Americana feel. A touch of Country soul. But the songs are not that gripping. There's a feel of a washed-out Eagles. I feel this album has potential in its soul and sound, but the songs and delivery don't quite get there. It ends up a little boring. But I am impressed by how Jon Bon Jovi has developed in a positive direction. Something I really hadn't expected when I started this journey. I feel more respect for the man at this stage than I did when I first started listening. 

 
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Undivided"
3:53
2."Everyday"
3:00
3."The Distance"
4:48
4."Joey"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
4:54
5."Misunderstood"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
  • Child
  • Carlsson
3:30
6."All About Lovin' You"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
  • Child
  • Carlsson
3:46
7."Hook Me Up"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
  • Child
  • Carlsson
3:54
8."Right Side of Wrong"Bon Jovi5:50
9."Love Me Back to Life"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
4:09
10."You Had Me from Hello"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
  • Carlsson
3:49
11."Bounce"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
  • Falcon
3:11
12."Open All Night"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
4:22

Additional musicians


Wikipedia
AllMusic: 4
Score: 3.5 

A remix album, in which the band rerecorded some of their previous songs and hits. It's pleasant and relaxing, but lacks the energy of the originals. I quite like it. 


No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Wanted Dead or Alive"
3:43
2."Livin' on a Prayer" (featuring Olivia d'Abo)
3:41
3."Bad Medicine"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
  • Child
4:27
4."It's My Life"
3:42
5."Lay Your Hands on Me"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
4:27
6."You Give Love a Bad Name"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
  • Child
3:29
7."Bed of Roses"Bon Jovi5:38
8."Everyday"
3:45
9."Born to Be My Baby"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
  • Child
5:27
10."Keep the Faith"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
  • Child
4:12
11."I'll Be There for You"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
4:21
12."Always"Bon Jovi4:18


Wikipedia
AllMusic: 4
Score: 3

 
Have a Nice Day (2005)

Ho hum. Old fashioned country rock. I was kinda slightly charmed that in the previous two albums Jon Bon Jovi had developed from the Eighties arena pop-rock into something that sounded more authentic and mature. But he's not doing much with it. 
 


No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Have a Nice Day"
3:48
2."I Want to Be Loved"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
  • Shanks
3:49
3."Welcome to Wherever You Are"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
  • Shanks
3:47
4."Who Says You Can't Go Home"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
4:40
5."Last Man Standing"
4:37
6."Bells of Freedom"
4:55
7."Wildflower"Bon Jovi4:13
8."Last Cigarette"
3:38
9."I Am"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
  • Shanks
3:53
10."Complicated"
3:37
11."Novocaine"Bon Jovi4:49
12."Story of My Life"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Falcon
4:08

Additional musicians


Wikipedia
AllMusic: 5
Score: 2.5

  
Lost Highway (2007) 

A quiet album. More mainstream pop-rock than the previous few albums, though coloured with country rock. Ho hum. 


No.TitleWriter(s)ProducerLength
1."Lost Highway"
John Shanks4:13
2."Summertime"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
  • Shanks
John Shanks3:17
3."(You Want to) Make a Memory"
Dann Huff4:36
4."Whole Lot of Leavin'"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Shanks
John Shanks4:16
5."We Got It Going On" (featuring Big & Rich)
Dann Huff4:13
6."Any Other Day"
Dann Huff4:01
7."Seat Next to You"
Dann Huff4:21
8."Everybody's Broken"
John Shanks4:11
9."Till We Ain't Strangers Anymore" (featuring LeAnn Rimes)
Dann Huff4:43
10."The Last Night"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
  • Shanks
John Shanks3:32
11."One Step Closer"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
  • Shanks
John Shanks3:35
12."I Love This Town"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
  • Falcon
Dann Huff4:36


Additional personnel


Wikipedia
AllMusic: 6
Score: 2.5

  
The Circle (2009) 

Not very interesting. 


No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."We Weren't Born to Follow"
4:03
2."When We Were Beautiful"
5:18
3."Work for the Working Man"
4:04
4."Superman Tonight"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
  • Falcon
5:12
5."Bullet"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
3:50
6."Thorn in My Side"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
4:05
7."Live Before You Die"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
4:17
8."Brokenpromiseland"
4:57
9."Love's the Only Rule"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
  • Falcon
4:38
10."Fast Cars"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
  • Child
3:16
11."Happy Now"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
  • Child
4:21
12."Learn to Love"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
  • Child
4:39

Additional musicians

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 4
Score: 2.5

  
What About Now (2013)

We are quite a distance now from the pop-flash of the Eighties Bon Jovi. This is fairly mature modern country. Quite worthy, and at times softly attractive. It's not my thing, and oddly I miss the flashy pop of Bon Jovi at their peak (Slippery When Wet), but I respect and like this more than most of the material by the band. 


 
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Because We Can"
4:00
2."I'm with You"
3:44
3."What About Now"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Shanks
3:45
4."Pictures of You"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
  • Shanks
3:58
5."Amen"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Falcon
4:12
6."That's What the Water Made Me"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Falcon
4:24
7."What's Left of Me"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
  • Falcon
4:35
8."Army of One"
4:34
9."Thick as Thieves"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Sambora
  • John Shanks
4:57
10."Beautiful World"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Falcon
3:48
11."Room at the End of the World"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Shanks
5:03
12."The Fighter"Bon Jovi4:38

Additional personnel

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 4
Score: 3.5

   
Burning Bridges (2015)

Done to fulfil the contract with Mercury before the band changed record labels. It included unfinished tracks and tracks rejected from previous recording sessions. The band labelled it a "fan's album" to underline that this was not a standard release, and was of a poor standard such that only a fan would want it to complete their collection.  It seems to me to be little different to the band's other albums, and some songs are even better. Hey ho. This is the first Bon Jovi album without their lead guitarist Sambora. They hire Shanks. 



No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."A Teardrop to the Sea"
5:08
2."We Don't Run"
3:19
3."Saturday Night Gave Me Sunday Morning"
3:23
4."We All Fall Down"Bon Jovi4:04
5."Blind Love"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Shanks
4:47
6."Who Would You Die For?"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Falcon
3:54
7."Fingerprints"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Falcon
5:59
8."Life Is Beautiful"
3:22
9."I'm Your Man"Bon Jovi3:44
10."Burning Bridges"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Shanks
2:44

Additional Personnel

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 3
Score: 3

This is the first album for the band's new record company. These are the "better songs" they didn't use on their throwaway contract fulfilment last album for their previous record company.  Bass player McDonald is made a full band member, and Phil X is brought in as lead guitarist, but Shanks is still a session player. It's a dull album like The Circle. I prefer the rough edges of Burning Bridges. 


No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."This House Is Not for Sale"
3:36
2."Living with the Ghost"
  • Bon Jovi
4:44
3."Knockout"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Shanks
3:29
4."Labor of Love"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Shanks
  • Falcon
5:03
5."Born Again Tomorrow"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Shanks
  • Falcon
3:33
6."Roller Coaster"
3:40
7."New Year's Day"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Falcon
4:27
8."The Devil's in the Temple"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Falcon
3:19
9."Scars on This Guitar"
5:06
10."God Bless This Mess"
  • Bon Jovi
3:23
11."Reunion"
  • Bon Jovi
4:14
12."Come On Up to Our House"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Shanks
4:35

Additional personnel
  • John Shanks – rhythm guitars, backing vocals, keyboards

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 7
Score: 2.5 

   
2020 (2020) 

Largely written during and about the Covid experience. It's a well meant and sombre album. But it mostly passes me by. It's a respectable album, but the songs don't lift, and the whole thing is somewhat plodding.  


No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Limitless"
3:42
2."Do What You Can" 4:20
3."American Reckoning" 4:42
4."Beautiful Drug"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Falcon
  • Shanks
3:48
5."Story of Love" 5:50
6."Let It Rain" 4:39
7."Lower the Flag" 4:55
8."Blood in the Water" 5:58
9."Brothers in Arms" 4:13
10."Unbroken" 6:08

Additional musicians

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 5
Score: 2.5

  
Forever (2024) 

A mature and worthy album, but nothing really stands out. Too much like mainstream modern country for my taste. A bit dull and boring. There's no life here. No ideas. No originality. No spark. No sense of fun. It is dour. I have been impressed, though, at how Jon Bon Jovi has matured over the years. I really didn't expect I would enjoy his later work as much or more than his earlier work. He seems to have grown up with his  fanbase. Respect to him, that there is some substance in him, but it's not much. I'll take a look at the videos now, because I'm not seeing much in his main body of work to really explain his huge appeal. I get that there would be an appeal. There's nothing really offensive in his work, and it is broadly commercial. And I get that he's a good looking man. But I'm not yet getting why there was a such a big appeal. I'll need to go back to Slippery When Wet and take a look at some of the videos. 


No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Legendary"
4:05
2."We Made It Look Easy"
3:15
3."Living Proof"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Shanks
3:39
4."Waves"
3:52
5."Seeds"
5:05
6."Kiss the Bride"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Falcon
3:51
7."The People's House"Bon Jovi4:36
8."Walls of Jericho"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Shanks
  • Philip Lawrence
3:48
9."I Wrote You a Song"
  • Bon Jovi
  • Shanks
  • Falcon
3:25
10."Living in Paradise"
3:16
11."My First Guitar"Bon Jovi4:55
12."Hollow Man"Bon Jovi4:54


Wikipedia
AllMusic: 6
Score: 2.5

Discography


Bon Jovi (1984)  [2] 
7800° Fahrenheit (1985)  [2.5]
Slippery When Wet (1986)   [3.5]
New Jersey (1988)   [4]
Keep the Faith (1992)   [2]
These Days (1995)   [2]
Crush (2000)   [2] 
Bounce (2002) [3.5]
Have a Nice Day (2005)  [2.5]
Lost Highway (2007)  [2.5]
The Circle (2009)  [2.5]
What About Now (2013) [3.5]
Burning Bridges (2015) [3] 
This House Is Not for Sale (2016) [2.5]
2020 (2020) [2.5]
Forever (2024)  [2.5]



Selection of Video Singles

"Runaway" Debut single. 1984. Reached 39 in US, 23 in Germany. Eighties "glam metal" look and sound. 
"She Don't Know Me"  Second single. 1984. Reached 48 in US. Eighties arena rock sound and look. 
"Only Lonely"  Lead single from second album. 1984. Reached 54 in US. Eighties arena rock sound and look. Some touches of "glam metal". 
"You Give Love A Bad Name" Lead single from third album, Slippery When Wet. 1986. Big hit. No 1 in US, top 20 in five other countries, including UK. Arena rock, with some decorative "glam metal" touches. 
"Livin' On A Prayer". Second single off Slippery. 1986. Huge hit. No 1 in US and Canada, top 10 in five other countries, including UK. Arena rock with elements of Springsteen. 
"Wanted Dead or Alive". Third single off Slippery. 1987. No 7 in US, top 20 in three other countries, including UK. Arena rock, country, Springsteen, light decorative touches of glam.  
"Bad Medicine". Lead single off New Jersey. 1988. No 1 in US, top 10 in three other countries, top 20 in four other countries, including UK. Glam metal with arena rock. 
"I'll Be There For You". Third single off New Jersey. 1989. No 1 in US. Top 30 in five other countries. Arena rock power ballad. 
"Lay Your Hands On Me". Fourth single off New Jersey. 1989. No 7 in US, top 20 in three other countries, including UK. Glam metal and arena rock. Appearance is Eighties glam metal - Guns 'N Roses and Aerosmith. And all of it clearly influenced by the Rolling Stones. 
"Keep The Faith" Lead single off Keep The Faith. 1992. 29 in US, top 10 in eight other countries, including No 5 in UK (second highest after No 4 for "Livin' On A Prayer"). More clearly Rolling Stones than previous releases, with a funky Sixties drum beat that was very much part of the Madchester scene. 
"Bed of Roses". Second single off Keep The Faith. 1993. No 10 in US, top 20 in seven other countries. Arena rock powder ballad. 
"In These Arms". Third single off Keep The Faith. 1993. No 27 in US, top ten in five other countries, including UK.   Upbeat rocky power ballad. 
"Dry County". Sixth and final single off Keep The Faith. 1994. Not released in North America. Reached top 30 in five countries, including UK. Arena rock. 
"Always". Single written for the compilation album Cross Roads. 1994. Huge global hit. Top four in many countries, and No 1 in four countries. No 2 in UK. Power ballad. 
"This Aint A Love Song". Lead single off These Days. 1995. Top 20 in at least ten countries. Arena rock power ballad. 
"It's My Life". Lead single off Crush. 2000. No 33 in US, top ten in at least eight other countries, including three No 1s.   Soft rock. 
"Everyday". Lead single off Bounce. 2002. No 118 in US, top 10 in at least eight other countries, including UK. Soft rock. 
"Have A Nice Day". Lead single off Have A Nice Day. 2005. No 53 in US, top 10 in at least eight other countries including UK.   Soft arena rock. 
"You Want To Make A Memory". Lead single off Lost Highway. 2007. No 27 in US, top 10 in five other countries; no 33 in UK. Soft rock ballad. 
"We Weren't Born To Follow". Lead single off The Circle. 2009. No 68 in US, no 25 in UK, top 20 in three countries.  Country soft rock.  
"Because We Can". Lead single off What About Now. 2013. No 6 in the US, top 40 in seven other countries.  Soft rock with country. 

What I found interesting about making that list, is that the early "glam metal" style Bon Jovi was very popular in the US, less so the rest of the world. Then, as the band became more nature, more rock and country rock, the popularity largely dropped off in the US, but increased in the rest of the world.  
I also noted that the videos focus on the band playing live (or staged playing live), with little in the way of stories. This is either a lack of creativity and imagination, or a simple marketing awareness that the appeal of the band rests on Jon Bon Jovi, and the image of him as the lead singer of a glam metal band. 

"Best" Songs

Livin' On A Prayer (1986) 4,6,4,6,2,2,6 (36)
Wanted Dead or Alive (1986) 3, 4,6,1,6,6,3 (35)
Keep The Faith  (1992) 1,1,3,4,1,4 (19)
You Give Love A Bad Name  (1986) 1,2,4,4,2 (17) 
It's My Life  (2000) 1,1,1,2,1,1 (12) 
Runaway  (1984) 3,1,3,1 (11) 
Bed of Roses  (1992)  6, 1,1, (10)
Bad Medicine (1988) 3,1,1 (7) 
Dry County (1994) 2,1,1 (6) 
I'll Be There For You (1988) 1,1,1 (5) 

1=6
2=4
3=3
4=2
5-10 =1
Each extra mention =+1

Sources: 
*Billboard 
*UCR 


"Prayer" and "Wanted" are essentially tied for "best" song. I'm not surprised that three songs from Slippery are in the top four, but I think I hadn't  expected such a focus of votes for the top songs - I kinda thought there may be a greater range of support for songs across the years. It is clear that while the band had global hits in the Eighties and (to a lesser, but still impressive extent) Nineties,  1986's Slippery was some kind of freak moment for the band when they nailed what record buying people wanted in the Eighties, especially American people. 


Links 

* Setlists 
* DryCounty fan site 
* Lyrics 

Summary 

I knew almost nothing about this massive selling band when I started this Quick Look, and my initial impressions were not positive. But the band have grown on me. Not a lot. They are not my thing at all, but Slippery does capture the essence of why a band playing a blend of safe arena rock and glam metal fronted by a good looking kid should be so popular, and that Jon Bon Jovi's quiet imitation of Springsteen, and his exploration of rootsy country music in their later period is actually quite decent, if somewhat dull. 

Voice/Musicianship (15%)
Quite acceptable. [10]

Image/Star quality (5%)
They are quite big. [3]

Lyrics/Music (20%)
Workable rather than impressive. [5]

Impact/Influence (10%)
Not really. [0]

Popularity (5%)
Very popular. [3]

Emotional appeal (5%)
There are moments of raw excitement, and some moments of quiet reflection. [2]

Initially I felt they just copied, and had an eye on the money and fame, but I think in later years JBJ showed that he did have an interest in exploring country music, rather than simply following on with their success as glam metal or hard rock. [2] 

Art (5%)
No. [0]

Classic albums/songs (5%)
Hardly "classic". Just popular. [0]

Originality/Innovation (5%)
Nope. [0]

Legacy (10%)
They were simply popular. [0] 

Total: 100
[25/100]


AI Summary of Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi is one of the most commercially successful American rock bands of the late 20th century, known for blending arena rock, pop hooks, and blue-collar sentiment. They emerged in the early 1980s and became global icons by the mid-’80s with Slippery When Wet (1986) and New Jersey (1988). Their career is often divided into two eras: the big-hair glam-rock years and the more adult-leaning, heartland-rock direction of the 1990s and 2000s.
 
Strengths

Mastery of the Rock Anthem
Bon Jovi excel at creating big, stadium-ready songs with instantly memorable hooks. Tracks like “Livin’ on a Prayer,” “You Give Love a Bad Name,” and “Wanted Dead or Alive” remain staples of rock radio and pop culture. Their ability to fuse rock instrumentation with pop-friendly melodies is arguably their greatest strength.

Professionalism and Longevity
The band is known for tight musicianship, professional touring, and an almost unmatched ability to adapt to changing musical climates. They survived the fall of hair metal in the early ’90s by reinventing themselves with a more grounded, Springsteen-inspired sound, especially on Keep the Faith and These Days.

Broad, Cross-Generational Appeal
Unlike many hard rock bands of their era, Bon Jovi attracted a diverse audience — rock fans, pop listeners, suburban parents, and young teens alike. Their themes of resilience, working-class struggle, love, and perseverance resonate widely.
 
 Songwriting Craft
Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora formed a strong songwriting partnership, producing polished and emotionally accessible songs. Sambora’s guitar work, especially his talk-box signature, is a defining element.
Criticisms

Formulaic and Safe
Bon Jovi are often criticized for being overly polished, frequently sticking to predictable structures and lyrical themes. For detractors, their music lacks the experimentation, grit, or artistic risk-taking found in many other major rock acts.

Lyrical Simplicity
Their lyrics are built on familiar tropes — dreamers, lovers, rebels, small-town struggle — which some view as cliché. While broadly relatable, they rarely push into deeper or more challenging territory.

Commercial Calculations
Critics argue that Bon Jovi’s career choices sometimes feel too market-driven: crossover country singles, radio-friendly ballads, and stylistic shifts that appear more pragmatic than inspired. Their later albums, especially post-2010, are sometimes viewed as bland or uninspired compared to their peak output.

The Decline After Sambora’s Departure
Richie Sambora leaving in 2013 is widely viewed as a turning point. Many fans and critics feel that the chemistry, songwriting strength, and emotional depth of the band’s music diminished without him.
 
Artistic Legacy
Despite mixed critical reputation, Bon Jovi’s cultural footprint is enormous. They helped define ‘80s mainstream rock, produced enduring anthems still sung worldwide, and maintained relevance for four decades — something few bands from their era achieved.

Bon Jovi may not be considered cutting-edge or avant-garde, but they are masters of accessible, emotionally direct rock music, and their influence on pop-rock, from the ’80s to today’s melodic rock acts, is undeniable


A Harsh Critical Take on Bon Jovi

From a detractor’s point of view, Bon Jovi represents the safest, most sanitized strain of mainstream rock. Their biggest hits—despite their popularity—are often dismissed as formulaic, overproduced, and lyrically shallow, relying on stock imagery: small towns, lovers, dreamers, and defiant blue-collar sentimentality.

To critics, Bon Jovi didn’t evolve artistically so much as strategically. When hair metal fell out of fashion, they trimmed the glam aesthetics and leaned hard into a Springsteen-lite heartland sound. When that cooled, they flirted with adult-contemporary ballads. In the 2000s, they dipped into country-pop crossover. None of these moves felt driven by artistic curiosity; they felt market-calculated.

Richie Sambora’s departure highlighted the fragility of the band’s creative core. Many listeners feel the post-2013 material lacks emotional energy, melodic inventiveness, and genuine chemistry. Jon Bon Jovi’s diminishing vocal range has also become an increasingly obvious liability.

From this harsh perspective, Bon Jovi are less a band and more a brand: reliable, polished, and crowd-pleasing — but rarely bold, distinctive, or profound.

 
A Positive, Fan-Style Summary of Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi are one of the most enduring, uplifting, and iconic rock bands of the last four decades — masters of the big melodic anthem and champions of working-class optimism. Their songs have soundtracked weddings, road trips, high school dances, sporting events, and everyday moments of triumph and heartbreak.

What sets Bon Jovi apart is their ability to write hooks that last forever. “Livin’ on a Prayer” still electrifies crowds of every age. “Always,” “Bed of Roses,” and “I’ll Be There For You” remain some of the most heartfelt power ballads ever written. Jon Bon Jovi radiates charisma, leadership, and compassion. Richie Sambora’s guitar work blends soul, blues, and glam in a way that became instantly recognizable.

Few bands evolve and survive across multiple eras. Bon Jovi did — from glam to hard rock to heartland to adult contemporary — while still delivering honest messages about perseverance, love, loyalty, and hope.

Their legacy isn’t just in record sales or radio dominance — it’s in how their songs make people feel: motivated, emotional, empowered, and connected.

To fans, Bon Jovi are simply feel-good, life-affirming rock at its best.

 
Concise Album-by-Album Analysis

 
Bon Jovi (1984)
A straightforward pop-metal debut. “Runaway” stands out; the rest shows early potential but lacks identity.
 
7800° Fahrenheit (1985)
Often considered their weakest 80s album — darker tone, uneven songwriting — but important as a transitional record.
 
Slippery When Wet (1986)
Breakthrough masterpiece of ’80s rock. Hit after hit. Sharp hooks, polished production. Defined the band’s identity.
 
New Jersey (1988)
A mature follow-up with deeper songwriting. Still arena-ready but more emotional. Superb vocal/guitar chemistry.
 
Keep the Faith (1992)
Reinvention era. More serious, bluesy, soulful. Strong songwriting and more grounded production.
 
These Days (1995)
Often considered their true artistic peak. Darker, introspective, musically rich. Critically underrated.
 
Crush (2000)
Comeback for a new generation. “It’s My Life” revitalized the band. Pop-leaning but energetic.
 
Bounce (2002)
Post-9/11 emotional weight. Mixed results, some strong melodies but less cohesion.
 
Have a Nice Day (2005)
Polished, punchy, solid songwriting. “Who Says You Can’t Go Home” shows their crossover instincts.
 
Lost Highway (2007)
Country-influenced experiment. Divisive but ambitious. Strong singles, inconsistent album.
 
The Circle (2009)
Return to rock with socially conscious themes. Stronger than expected, with renewed focus.
 
What About Now (2013)
Competent but bland. Beginning of creative decline. Overproduced and too safe.
 
Burning Bridges (2015)
Contractual release with a mix of leftovers. Surprisingly some gems, but overall lightweight.
 
This House Is Not for Sale (2016)
Energetic attempt at rebirth without Sambora. Mixed reception; solid title track.
 
2020 (2020)
Political and pandemic-era reflections. Honest effort but musically flat and vocally strained.
 
Forever (2024)
Bright, nostalgic, pop-rock sheen. Better reception than 2020, though still lacks Sambora’s magic.
 
Comparison to Similar Artists

Bon Jovi vs. Def Leppard

Both are 80s melodic rock titans.

Bon Jovi is more emotional and story-driven; Def Leppard more polished, layered, and studio-crafted.

Bon Jovi has broader mainstream appeal; Def Leppard is more musically intricate.

 
Bon Jovi vs. Bruce Springsteen

Bon Jovi draws influence from Springsteen’s blue-collar themes.

Springsteen is lyrically deeper, more poetic, and more socially incisive.

Bon Jovi is more melodic, accessible, and radio-friendly.

 
Bon Jovi vs. Bryan Adams

Bryan Adams matches Bon Jovi in anthemic sincerity.

Adams is more stripped-down, rootsy; Bon Jovi more arena-rock glossy.

Both excel at universal emotional themes.

 
Bon Jovi vs. Aerosmith

Aerosmith has more blues grit and swagger.

Bon Jovi is smoother, more melodic, cleaner.

Aerosmith appeals more to rock purists; Bon Jovi to crossover listeners.

 
Bon Jovi vs. Journey

Journey focuses on soaring vocals and romantic ballads; Bon Jovi balances ballads with anthemic rock.

Journey’s musicianship is more technical; Bon Jovi’s broader theming resonates with more casual fans.


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