Personally and I think alot of people will agree that ' These Days ' is the best album Bon Jovi have written both through lyrical content and pure musical talent.
Hey God - A heart thumping blood pumping track that opens the album up perfectly, gets you jumping about and rocking around. Great rock vocals from Jon when his voice was as edgy and good as ever before it weakened.
(Live London 1995)
Something for the pain- Originally I didn't like this song but it’s one of those that grows on you the more you hear it. Simple let wonderful lyrics that link each verse together in a weaving pattern. Combined with some wonderful musical patterns coming from Dave on the Accordion it makes easy listening and a great second track to bring things back down to earth after Hey God.
(Acoustic live from New Jersey from the Circle tour)
This aint a live song - Alot of people dislike this song but i think its shows the soft side of Bon Jovi and although it’s not as big and Powerful as Always its soft calming and overall a beautiful love song. The lyrics are strong and roll off Jon’s tongue like melted gold. ' Should have seen it coming when the roses died, Should have seen the end of summer in your eyes' ' Only fools are know it all’s and i played the fool for you ' I think they should play it live more often as at London 95 it was played beautifully.
(London 95)
These days – This is Jon and Richie at their lyrical best, personally my favourite Bon Jovi song they have written. The lyrics and meaning behind the song are so strong and really put things into perspective these days (No pun intended ) . From the haunting piano progression at the start the song deals with a loss of innocence and the hardships people go through in life, how people try to live their dreams but many fail. I personally think Richie gets the lyrics across better in his versions and due to what he’s been through and still going through I think they have a stronger meaning which is why I’ve posted a link of him singing it below.
( Richie live Munich 2012 )
Lie to me- Carrying on with strong lyrics, backing vocals and this almost poetic content this song talks about the struggles you face during love’s ups and downs. It’s one of those that you will either love or hate but either way it’s one of those under-rated songs which gets forgot about. Wonderful backing vocals by Richie which blend with Jon’s like Gin blends with Tonic. Perfect rich tones underlining Jon’s relaxing powerful tones.
( Acoustic live Australia 1995 )
Dammed – Here were go , after four steady beautiful lyrically written songs we pick up the temp again with some catchy Richie guitar work and catchy hooks. Another song which I feel should be played more live , Something that can pick up a crowd and get them moving. Typical lyrics of the album about love/lies and dealing with some hardships of a relationship.
( Live Japan 1995)
My Guitar lies bleeding in my arms- Possibly the darkest song Jon and Richie have ever written. Right from the start ‘ Misery likes company I like the way it sounds ‘. This song is nothing more than a masterpiece both lyrically and musically. The rough edgy vocals from Jon are something we miss these days and combined with some amazing guitar work throughout ending with a powerful solo I could listen to this song over and over. Perfection in its purest form.
( Album version )
It’s hard letting you go – Again another quite dark and moving song, It may be a Ballard but its powerful and evokes feelings. One of those songs that could mean a whole world of meanings to different people. Talking about love and its troubles , Talking about a sense of loss and feeling combined with loneliness. Simple song yet very moving.
( Album version )
Something to believe in – I’m ashamed to say I’ve always overlooked this song until now, I played it the other day and I can’t get enough of it now. Strong powerful lyrics and guitar work throughout, Tico’s bashing the drums like he’s never done before, Jon’s throwing lyrics out there and Richie is performing a guitar master class all the way through. Let’s not forget David either providing strong keyboard notes throughout. I think this is a very under-rated song and one that gets forgot about or overlooked just like I did in the past but wow what a mistake that was.
( Album version )
Hearts breaking even and If that’s what it takes – I’ve reviewed these both together because I think they are very similar both lyrically and musically. They have this up-beat cheesey sound to them yet you can’t help like them. Following on with the theme of the album they fit in perfectly, It’s a shame they didn’t get played more live (or live at all ) . Great little numbers that complement the album.
( If that’s what it takes album version )
( Hearts breaking even album version )
Diamond Ring- Almost the marmite of the album, you hate it or love it. It’s simple yet in my opinion brilliant. I’ve posted the acoustic version below as it shows how well Richie and Jon’s voices blend together like nobody else’s and provide a powerful version of the song.
( Acoustic )
Bitter wine- Wow this is a song that gets forgot about, It’s a great ending to the album and it’s a shame it’s not played more. Simple and lyrically good, Properly my least favourite track on the album but none the less still a masterpiece of lyrical writing.
( Album version )