Bon Jovi goes acoustic on greatest hits album


Bon Jovi's Nov. 4 release, "This Left Feels Right," is without question the most inventive greatest hits album on the market. But beware, die-hard fans of the boys from Jersey may have to give it a few plays before they recover from the shock. Bon Jovi has taken a left turn, pulled the plug and gone acoustic.

The old adage, "If it's not broke, don't fix it," certainly doesn't apply here. These men are masters of their craft; they were the driving force behind the entire unplugged movement back in 1989, when they performed "Livin' on a Prayer," and "Wanted, Dead or Alive," at the MTV Music Awards with just a pair of guitars. "This Left Feels Right" is a perfect example of their genius. In an extremely gutsy step, rather than simply reiterating the songs that have made them pop icons, Bon Jovi chose to reduce them down to their cores. Then, with the help of veteran producer Pat Leonard (Rod Stewart, Madonna, Elton John), they proceeded to recreate them.

The opening classic cut, "Wanted, Dead or Alive," has been reworked with a decidedly Zeppelin feel. The influence of Jimmy Page can be easily felt in Sambora's proficient strings, while Tico Torres' expert percussion is reminiscent of the late, great John Bonham. Furthermore, "Wanted" feels as if it's discovered its true essence. In an excerpt from the album sleeve Jon explains, "When we were originally writing 'Wanted, Dead or Alive,' there was no acoustic guitar on the radio. We wanted to bring it back alive." Apparently this song was conceived ahead of its time, and no typical Greatest Hits clone is going to do it justice.

"Livin' on a Prayer," the band's second No. 1 single from 1986's "Slippery When Wet" is no longer an anthem on "This Left Feels Right." Gone are the electrifying power chords, and Richie's hallmark talk-box "wah-wah." But, don't worry. Tommy and Gina are still very much alive in this intimate duet featuring Bon Jovi and Leonard's singer/actress wife, Olivia d'Abo. Her ethereal vocals bring a haunting otherworldliness and vulnerability to this new "Prayer."

If the new version of "Livin' on a Prayer" is a little too tame for your musical pallete, Bon Jovi proves that they are still very much the bad boys with their new, bluesy version of "Bad Medicine." Add Sambora's unique instrumentation, including mandechello, and bizoki, to Bon Jovi's vocals vacillating between sensual whispers and throaty growls and you've got a superb "Bad Medicine," guaranteed to give you a brand new addiction.

One of the best tracks, the new "Bed of Roses" is equally as intelligent and angst-ridden as the original. Yet, David Bryan's keyboards on this fresh cut provide a stronger alchemy with Bon Jovi's brooding vocals. Sensual lyrics such as "I wake up to French kiss the morning," are all the more delectable this time around.

There are countless reasons why this disc is worth your attention. "This Left Feels Right" exemplifies creativity, innovation and originality. The album frees the listener from the dramatic tension of Bon Jovi's booming '80s sound, thus enabling the beauty of these songs to be experienced in a new millennium. According to Bon Jovi, "I think it says a lot for the songs that they are able to be that versatile, and the lyrics are able to come across in a new context."

Vicki St. James is the midday on-air personality for Mix 96, 96.1 FM.