[MattyP]

How we all doin' so far? ok?,

Well, recently a young lady friend of mine has been introducing me to some new music, some I've enjoyed, some I've hated, but none, NONE, has even compared to Bon Jovi. She, (the girl) is completely oblivious to the existence of Bon Jovi, and through I guess, word of mouth, has only ever thought of them as the 80's commercial bubble gum band, that many people do. Which we know is NOT true.

Now my fellow jovians, this young lady is probably not a candidate for conversion. So far, in my years of jovism, I've converted 2 people. Unfortunately I just dont think shes the type to become a fully-fledged fan. But I do think I can change her perceptions of the band, and show them the respect they deserve. To do this a very, very strategic Bon Jovi Compilation CD is required, not just a Best Of, but one which shows their diversity.

This is where I need your help.

Suggestions, lists, anything would be greatly appreciated. I was thinking around 15 - 20 songs, but I want to cover all the areas, 80's, 90's, The Solo's and Today. (Should I include some live versions?)

This is hard, but with your help, I think I can do it...

Regards

Matty P

[steventm7]

I recently made one up for a lady friend as well, here is what I chose.

Hook Me Up
Tokyo Road
Blaze of Glory
Burnign For Love
The Distance
Always
LYHOM
Neurotica
Learning How To Fall
I believe
Wild Is The Wind
Raise Your Hands
Wanted
Naked
Blood On Blood
These Days
Livin' On A Prayer (live - melbourne 2001 - from OWN Bonus Disc)
Starting All Over Again

[Mike McRock]

Don't. Just lend her New Jersey.... If she don't like that, she won't like anything!!!!!!!!

[Simon]

Hi!

If you want to make a collection for someone who thinks of Bon Jovi as a "commercial 80's bubblegum band", then you should think of these songs:


- Runaway (maybe the live version?)

- Livin' on a Prayer
- Wanted dead or alive (ok, they're both from the one album that sounds like nothing else like 80's bubblegum rock, but these are the classics. They're genious. No way without.)

- Born to be my Baby (Not a must but an incredible melody, it has a cool drive. I wouldn't take "Bad Medicine" or "Lay your Hands on me". Not so groovy for someone new to BJ).

- Blood on Blood (great storyline, great feeling, great energy. Definitely a must!)

- Wild is the Wind (a really nice song that has its moments. If there's space a nice addition).

- I'll be there for you (could be, could not be. I would leave it, but it's a damn good song)

- I believe (a must. Great guitars, great lyrics. Proves that Bon Jovi a grown up)

- Keep the Faith (also a must. Hello to the 90s and also a great song that's timeless and a true classic. Also no bubblegum lyrics.)

- Bed of Roses (the best ballad ever, a very poetic love song, a MUST)

- Dry County (it costs 3 other songs, also brilliant but I'm not sure if it's good for a newie)

- Always (one of their best ballads. A bit bubblegum, but all in all a brilliant song)

- Someday I'll be Saturday Night (Not the kind of song you write for every album. Take it)

- Hey God (a must. The social issue, great guitar work. Bubblegum? Nope.)

- This ain't a love song (kitschy, yes, but maybe the live version from Wembley 1995 shows better that it's a cool blues song).

- These Days (take it!)

- My Guitar lies bleeding in my Arms (if the ballance between hard and slow songs is perfect on your mix this could also be a good addition)

- Something to believe in (the furthest away from Bubblegum, for me a MUST)

- It's my Life (Not a must, because it's a return to thebubblegum - but hey it's a great song - but it fits pretty good after Always)

- One wild Night (Yeah yeah yeah! Cooool)

- Undivided (heavy and dark)

- The Distance (good song, but no must)

- Hook me up (good song but no must)

- Bounce (not sure. I think i wouldn't take it. A rip off It's my life and too much bubblegum)




I for my part wouldn't use any solo song for that mission. If I had to include solo songs I would take "Stranger in this Town", "Santa Fe", "Queen of New Orleans" and "Undiscovered Soul".
But that's just my point of view. Tell me what you finally did and what the lady said about it.

If you want how I would finally do it just tell me and I write down the order I would choose.

Simon

[Mike McRock]

If I heard that tape I'd think "Bon Jovi are a little bit cheesy, and have a few good songs, but if this is the best of it, I don't want to hear anymore"....

Go with NJ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[MattyP]

Thanks, thats got me off to a good start, I'll let you know how it goes....


mjp