Bon Jovi - Have a Nice Day

I’m 27, so Bon Jovi is the music I grew up with. I remember listening to the "Keep The Faith” album on road trips with the family and cranking their greatest hits collection in college when I wanted a nostalgic moment of rock. So when I had a chance to review their latest effort I couldn’t wait to hear what the boys had been up to. Thankfully, the New Jersey darlings stick to what they do best: Pop rock anthems that remind me of the good old eighties and that are impossible not to sing along with. The title track and first single “Have A Nice Day” is vintage Bon Jovi that rings true with any old fan and has gained a decent amount of airplay. “I Want To Be Loved” immediately takes you back to “Livin On A Prayer” with its instrument effects. One listen to that track and you will know what I mean. What follows is a series of formulaic rock that is at once unoriginal but addicting. “Who Says You Can’t Go Home” is one of the highlights of the disc. In fact, it is so good they put it on there twice. The band explores a bit of new ground with the second version by featuring Jennifer Nettles of the country band Sugarland. Surprisingly, the track has become a minor hit with country radio, giving the boys a whole new audience never before tapped. Look, this disc isn’t reinventing rock, and it isn’t trying to propel Bon Jovi to multiple Grammys. It’s Bon Jovi doing what they do best these days, adult centered pop rock with great melodies and the unmistakable Jon Bon Jovi voice. If you go into the album knowing what to expect, you will love it, and if you are expecting art rock or something monumental, you will dismiss it. For me, this is a very solid pop rock album from an experienced group that knows what they do best and how to do it. Kudos boys! [www.bonjovi.com]