http://the-screen-door.blogspot.com/...eflection.html
Hits the nail on the head for me:
"The characters of “These Days” are searching for something…anything…to hold on to. There is a extreme anxiety in the verses (“No one wants to be themselves these days”) but ultimately, the band turns the tables to show that even at that moment of loss, there is something to hold onto (“Still there’s nothing to hold onto but these days”). It shifts between the sweet and sour in elegant fashion reminding the listener of the highs and lows of life. Bon Jovi does not camouflage the confusion and heartache but they also push you to seek out rays of light emitting from the heavens above. This is one of the band’s darkest, dreamiest and ultimately their most beautifully redeeming songs."
"If there was any great life lesson I took from the record it was that life is definitely not a bed of roses, but more times than not, its how we deal with the obstacles in our life. Positive actions speak louder and drown out our concerns, questions and doubts. It’s not easy to connect your thoughts to people, places and most importantly…emotions. These Days is a record that compels one to ponder, reflect and hopefully reconcile their demons and broken hearts head on. The album proves to be a true exorcism of sorts where one witnesses the harsh realities of life. It’s also a testament to one’s willpower and determination which allows the listener to emerge whole again at the end."
I genuinely can't exaggerate my affection for this album. It's the one album I can stop listening to for a while but when I feel low or just want to revisit it, I can stick TD on and the songs are as intense and beautiful as the first listening, it never gets old. Each time they draw genuine emotion, many albums can lose emotional connection after repeated listening but TD seems it get stronger every time I hear it.
I know it's old news to big up TD but I thought I'd heap my praise on this masterpiece like everyone else. It emotes so many feelings and is incredibly introspective, I associate it with many dark times in my life but yet it contains music that can give strength that no other BJ record can for me.
I think it's the shameless manner in which the issues in the album are confronted, it tells you that sometimes things don't always work out and using poetic lyrics, Jons raw vocal power and fantastic instrumetal work (soaring pianos, moody guitars and echoing drums) it confronts listeners with the harsh truth but it gives comfort that it isn't just you who faces lifes problems. I guess everyone has their associations with TD and you make of it what you will, but that's my 2 cents.