Disco de Bon Jovi: “Lost Highway”

One day in 1984, I bought Bon Jovi's self titled debut on cassette (yes, cassette, CD's were not out yet). Since that day, I've purchased every CD they have released. I feel every release had something to offer (of course, some more than others).

Fast forward just a few years, Bon Jovi releases what is labeled a country album. I just listened to the whole thing and I would say the country tag is not appropriate. This album is as country as "Slippery When Wet" was a heavy metal album if you know what I mean. Bon Jovi is a straight up rock and roll band. They always have been. Think about it. There are reasons why Bon Jovi lasted through changing musical styles of the past 23 years. The songs are great, Jon's voice is strong, and the band can play. In short, they have talent. And talent is what it's about - not following the next musical trend.

The Good

Riding high on the success of one country crossover hit "Who Says You Can't Go Home," Bon Jovi take a stab at a full album of country inspired songs. With that being said, you really can't call this a country album at all, more like Bon Jovi unplugged or Bon Jovi-light. As usual, the songwriting is great. Bon Jovi has always had a knack for that, and as they've matured, so has their lyrics. If Bon Jovi can't touch you with a ballad (like "Make a Memory" and "Seat Next to You"), then you must be dead. Unless you're a die-hard Bon Jovi fan, I doubt you will find anything that tickles your fancy. Even if you are a Bon Jovi fan, you'll still have your reservations.

The Bad

The albums biggest problem is its lack of energy. It's as if Jon has accepted he's gotten older and decided to slow everything down. "Summertime" and "Whole Lot of Leavin'" have some energy, but they are far from anthems. I don't know how they could even promote this as a country album either. Because they use more acoustics, slide guitar, and a banjo? The closest thing to country is "We Got It Going On" featuring Big and Rich, and that's more like modern country.

The Verdict

Instead of calling it "Bon Jovi's country album," perhaps they should have called it "Bon Jovi's adult contemporary album." All you're really getting is all of the energy sucked out of the Bon Jovi you knew and loved in the 80s. Yeah, you get a few good songs, but overall you get let down. Some roads are better left un-traveled. This Lost Highway is one of them.

If you're expecting the same type of music you've always heard from Bon Jovi, then listen to some sample tracks first. I found this a delight, mainly because of the continuing changes and unexpected deviations from formulaic tunes. Also, Make A Memory is absolutely one of my favorite songs of the year. I look forward to the next CD already, even though I'm still thrilled by this one.

Bon Jovi a band that has brought us great (and sometimes just average) music for over 20 years. I had wondered if "Lost Highway" would hit the mark or just miss it. Well, I have listened and I can only say........... W O W ! ! ! ! This CD shows how Bon Jovi has ALWAYS had just a touch of country in their music. Yes, it may have been cranked up to 11 on some of their guitar amps before, but Richie has always had just a touch of the country note bends in his finest solos. The music has always had great musical lines (chord progressions for you musical students) and now that magical touch is just a touch better. Jon's vocals have always had a great earthy edge in them that is completely at home in the country genre.

But I have to tell you: THIS IS NOT YOUR FATHER'S COUNTRY MUSIC. This is country music like Keith Urban, or Kenny Chesney. In other words it is still rock music that Bon Jovi is playing. It's just that now it has the slightest additional touch of country. A better acoustic guitar sound here, a distant steel guitar there, and a couple of great country duets.

But I DARE YOU to tell me that "We Got It Going On" wouldn't work great at a rock concert. Big & Rich brought their ROCK flair to this great party song, Another great party song is the closing number, "I Love This Town"

I can't tell you enough: 1) This is the BEST Bon Jovi CD released in the last 15 years and 2) Forget the label "country" and just put it in your player, baby. This rocks with style and passion.

I can't wait to hear this in concert.

I am a Bon Jovi fan, from the begining. This cd is one of their best.

Make a Memory is my favorite song, it is from the heart. I think you can't

live in the past, music is forever changing and Bon Jovi has done it again. If you are a Bon Jovi fan, you MUST have this cd.