[Keeper]

What should the band do?

Keep making music they know people will like for sure, and make sure they'll sell zillions of records and keep their fanbase happy and loyal?

Or make music they feel comfortable with? try new ways? Try to mature?

I think if they went for the first they'd keep their fans happy, but they'd be bored to death and wouldn't really be the same band.

Instead, I do think if they went for the second option, they'd feel better with themselves, doing what they like to do, trying, experimenting, etc, which is really what a musician enjoys doing.

I'd go for the second, even if I stopped liking what they do and had to say goodbye to them.

What does everyone else think?

[davefan]

if they wanna try artistical things they should try it with guitars drumms keys and basse, not with computers. as long as it`s at least as rock as TD than its great. if it`'s full of computer crap like TLFR than it`s bad. but well if some like it bad for me got to stop beeing a fan good for those who like it, good for BJ if they don't like rock music anymore

[Kieets]

I think there has to got be some common ground for both options. I think that they need to find out what they want to do, what they want to sound like and what they want to stand for, for themselves, but keeping in mind that they have 1 million fans to satisfy.

Now I know that's not saying much, but I look at it this way: Every band has this sort of florishing period. Some last longer, some shorter. For BJ it lasted from slippery to crossroads (and after that they had a bit hit with It's My Life). Now, no matter how you look at it, they wrote their best songs in that period. After that, every band is kind of branching off in a new direction, often making weaker music, sounding older, lamer and everything. I look at it this way: Once they find their strenghts and power again In THEIR OWN MUSIC, they can be at their best again.

And I don't think that BJ will ever turn their back on their past style as a whole, I mean, you start out with one style of music, and then develop your sound as you go, but the core always remains the same.
Looking at my own taste in music, I've always liked fast rocking songs, although I also like slower powerfull songs. Then there's some other songs that I like because they've got something that I like, but it's nothing like my real taste. Now, you normally you wouldn't want to make these songs yourself (as a band), but BJ seem to have had the opportunity with TLFR to actually make these songs they like besides their normal taste in music.
But they will return to their rocking style, because that's just what they like best. Although you have to find something new in it, because otherwise you're just repeating yourself. And that will probably be rock with a more creative side of it. At least I hope.

So that's the way I look at it.

[Captain Walrus]

I write songs. I write em for me. If anyone else don't like em, then I've only got 2 words to say to them, the second one is "you", and the first one will be censored. People should write music for themselves

Keep On Rockin'

[Keba]

I want Bon Jovi to be themselves. If they do something that I may not like, fine. I've got enough Bon Jovi albums that I DO like to listen to.
Honestly, I think Bon Jovi are trying to be themselves. They have enough of a loyal following so that they can experiment with their identities a bit. Thus, they release stuff like This Left Feels Right. They probably won't be too bothered if every fan doesn't accept the album. This isn't the critical sink-or-swim period like it was in the early 80s.

[Keeper]

Originally Posted by Keba

I want Bon Jovi to be themselves. If they do something that I may not like, fine. I've got enough Bon Jovi albums that I DO like to listen to.
Honestly, I think Bon Jovi are trying to be themselves. They have enough of a loyal following so that they can experiment with their identities a bit. Thus, they release stuff like This Left Feels Right. They probably won't be too bothered if every fan doesn't accept the album. This isn't the critical sink-or-swim period like it was in the early 80s.

I agree!

[Billy Kid]

They should be themselves! Play good straight ahead rock and roll.

40 year old men trying to be a boyband just does not fly.

[Keeper]

How do you know it's not prescisely the opposite? Maybe they wouldn't be themselves trying to make another SWW or NJ.

Many boybands would be flattered to hear someone says BJ sounds like them! I don't think they do, either.

What's wrong with trying new things?

[StoneDeaf]

If This s**t feels like a hit is best they can come up with, it's time to quit....


stoney

[Jovi2003]

Originally Posted by StoneDeaf

If This s**t feels like a hit is best they can come up with, it's time to quit....


stoney

Who died and made you judge and jury? Your opinion is duly noted in every thread. The band does what they feel is right at the time. If it's not right to you, then too bad. Why else do you think this CD got no promotion? They did it for themselves.