Is it just me or are Bon Jovi's choices in terms of single releases in need of serious questioning. Let me explain.
First, let's go back to Crush. It's my Life was released and the world rediscovered Bon Jovi. So what do Bon Jovi do, they release Say it isn't so internationally as the second single. However, in the US they release Thank you for loving me. I go to college in the US but grew up in England. The one thing I can tell you is that ballads by veteran groups do not have the same response in the US as they do overseas. Say it isn't so was recieved well internationally but did not exactly set the world on fire. Say it isn't so, however was very much in tune with what was going on in American radio at the time, every american (non Bon Jovi fan) I played it to loved the song. If released in the US after It's my Life peaked, I believe that Bon Jovi would have cleared of any effects from Grundge that I believe still has an effect on Bon Jovi's status in The US.
Moving on to Bounce. I understand that Undivided was percieved by the band as too heavy for radio. (With all due respect to my favourite band of all time)...SCREW THAT! The emotional but subtle references to 9/11 and the powerful but catchy chorus are what make this song very endearing. However, I believe that with the "right" video this song could have really taken off. Maybe even outdoing It's my Life. Could you imagine the reaction if Bon Jovi played it at the Grammys or even the Super bowl. Finally here we are the Box Set. How can any true music fan, especially any Bon jovi or rock fan, not feel something after listening to Last man standing. Lyrically, I believe that this is Jon's best work outside of Dead or Alive and These Days. Bon Jovi have always been a target for critic bashings, this song I believe would have been a nice counter punch. Like undivided, the only way this song works is with the appropriatte video.
May I remind you all that Livin on a Prayer was close to getting axed from Slippery.
I know that many of you out there will consider my critcism as downright sinful, but I really want to hear what you guys think on this matter.

P.S if any of the band read this and are in need of a new publicist: Imagine a sign reading "WILL WORK FOR BACKSTAGE PASSES"