I signed up to this forum just now to say I agree with this post 100%. I have been thinking this for years. And then I saw the above interview recently.

He writes powerful stuff when he allows himself some darker themes. eg- Always (about a stalker), bed of roses, wanted dead or alive or something to believe in just to name a few. My favourite Bon Jovi song is 'My guitar lies bleeding in my arms'.

But now he has put himself into a box and forcing himself to write happy songs about living your life.