These Days is a little more daring in approach, but the themes themselves aren't even all that different (Living In Sin and Wild Is The Wind are pretty dark for a pop metal record), it's more in the delivery.

Musically, it's no contest for me - New Jersey is catchy as hell, whereas These Days tries to be moody, but ultimately, Bon Jovi do catchy rock much better than thoughtful adult contemporary. Production on both albums is very good, highlighting the different approaches.

New Jersey by far for me.