I think it comes with maturity. Most people will go through a phase where they are obsessed with what's cool and what everyone else is listening to. Most outgrow it and find their own taste in music. Sadly many don't and have to forever tow the line of what is critically considered worthy.

I always wonder why people who write about Bon Jovi's music (even this article) only focus on how their singles sound- catchy etc... While the singles have helped to keep the band contemporary it is the depth of the other songs on albums and B sides that have ensured the band has such a massive loyal fan following for decades. Let's face those of us on this forum are not fans for years because of Livin on a Prayer and It's my Life. Those are the songs that may have got us into the band but then we find another level of material. Sadly nobody will write about that material, if they did no doubt it would help Jovi's credibility.