My Thoughts
 

Good Evening,

I am a frequent visitor of this site. I'm not sure if I have ever posted. I consider myself a huge Bon Jovi fan. I've been to about 20 shows. I drag my wife. My young children know more lyrics to Jovi than they do to the current artists. I am 35 years young. That said, I would never consider myself an aficionado or critic like many here. Out of curiosity, I have a few questions, about your opinions on the band, and this site.

1. I am excited for every album. I have been since I discovered the band in college (2001). Yes, you all are old. I loved hearing and learning the old music. I also really appreciated the new songs (IML, TYFLM). TYFLM was the song for the first dance at my wedding. That said, I didn't like Bounce. I thought to myself, maybe this isn't the band to get behind. Then I met Have a Nice Day. LOVED IT. From there, we did the fake country album, The Circle, and What About Now. Didn't care for any of those outside a few songs. I enjoyed a few songs on Burning Bridges. I actually loved We Dont Run. The New album? Love it so far. THINFS....great single.

2. I will again reiterate, I am not a music critic. I am a smart guy. I know we have gone thru a huge era of "live my life" songs that are repetitive. That said, to me, I just want to listen to good music that makes me smile. THINFS....best commercial ROCK single since HAND...I also understand that Bon Jovi is an elder band...that said...why don't they push these singles? If not the band, why not the record company (yes, I know money is in touring...). When I play the songs for my friends- as an example, We Dont Run is now a favorite- I don't understand how it wasnt a radio hit. Seems like lack of promotion.

3. To me, it seems that Jon is trying to accumulate as much money as possible in an effort to purchase an NFL team. I believe ultimately this is what he wants his legacy to be. He can easily tie in all of his charitable endeavors with the purchase, and still make a jillion dollars. In my estimation, as soon as he can be the principal owner of a team, the band is "over". Thoughts?

4. Site question. Seems like there is always so much negativity. I get it isn't 1986 and Jon ain't flying on a shitty wire belting high notes- but why show up and comment if all there is to do is spew? I gotta be honest. At 35, I ain't as amazing as I was at 25- but I've evolved, and I'm a different kind of amazing. Some of my friends from age 25 have punted, but I've acquired some new folks along the way. To me, that is analogous with the journey of the band. ....we all only have so many moments of free time....why not spend them happy?

Welcome aboard, The first sentence made it sound like you were gonna be really old but you are same age as me! Well done on dragging your wife to shows. I've managed to get mine to 2 under duress :p

As for the negativity, I don't think it is at the moment, the board is more positive than it has ever been. I don't think a new record has gotten a better reception here for a long time, and rightly so. Bare in mind that this a talking shop and we like discussing the minutae of Bon Jovi and so there may well be criticisms or things we want better- it's only because we know how good they can be when they are on song, like supporting a football team- you can shout and moan and complain but ultimately you want the team to win.

There are lots of fans with different opinions- all with different timescales as the band has endured so long. Personally, I have liked every album. There's always more songs I like than I dislike. The main negativity is Richie's departure- again to be expected, and Jon's voice- which is rightly criticised as it is awful. From first hand experience on Monday night though, it's perfectly fine on every single one of the new songs, ok on Who Says and awful on Bad Medicine. But then, lots of the crowd loved Bad Medicine regardless, and the mix was such that you didn't notice as much at the time. I had concerns before hand how he would sound, but I think they'll get round it, thanks in no small part due to the band sounding fantastic.

Always free free to add your opinions into the mix, this is actually a good time to be a Bon Jovi fan with a cracking album on the way and a tour to follow.

Great reply.

I think it's subjective what criticism you consider OTT and also dependant on were you are personally in terms of your love of the band.

I think I have become more critical of them over the past few years. I used to think certain people were constantly negative and that some just damn well hated the band!

On reflection, I was content enough with the band. Others weren't.

Right now, I am really excited for this new album. WAN was flat for me. I don't think I've listened to it from start to finish since the middle of 2013.

Jon's vocals are a big issue. I'd have loved to have seen them play THINFS at The Palladium. But I don't know if I'll go and watch them tour this time. I've seen them on every tour since KTF but I'm not sure I want to hear Jon struggle through 2+ hours in a half empty stadium.

I'm happy to hear a new album with good songs. That's enough for me right now.