You're totaly right Deleveled,
i don't think anyone was REALLY surprised by "these days" the album,
Just some songs, as i said, 'diamond ring', it's a super song, BUT it surprised me, but i love it.
You said it, this album, lyrics, vocals harmony, etc ...was representing them at this moment, "it fit with their progression", the maturity in this cd is evident, there was a change somewhere, but still Bon Jovi, it's nice, very nice.