It’s officially the day after Jon Bon Jovi and his backing band (they used to be called Bon Jovi before they became a collection of session musicians) released their new album This House Is Not For Sale. So on this day, after missing lead guitarist Richie Sambora, I returned to the most Rich(ie) album in Bon Jovi’s catalog: These Days.
This review fits into the “My Favorite Albums are Everybody’s Least Favorite” category. It struggled to go platinum in America back in 1995 and found Bon Jovi playing amphitheaters instead of arenas. In fact, some would say this is the album that killed Phase 2 Jovi, only to be recreated with Crush in 2000 - the glossy pop version of the world’s favorite hair metal band.
Sambora shines on These Days. It’s been said Jon was the second best singer in the band and this album’s best cuts illustrate the point. Richie’s not just singing harmony here; he’s providing a smoky blues atmosphere with his vocal contributions. You want to hear Bon Jovi as a Jersey Shore bar band? Check out “Hearts Breaking Even” and “This Ain’t A Love Song."
Sambora’s guitar was always the backbone, but on These Days, his 6-String takes center stage with some of the most finely-tuned riffs in Bon Jovi’s career. Listen to the blues, particularly on the second half of the album, and you’ll think you’re listening to a Sambora solo album. It makes everybody better. Tico Torres drums as a compliment to the sound, not a banger blowing out your eardrums. David Bryan’s piano playing adds melody and warmth to cold, lonely material. And Jon lays down vocal tracks minus his smug, me-against-the-world attitude that has marked the 21st century recordings.
This record is fantastic. It’s the album non-Jovi fans appreciate most. It should have been the one to lead the career Renaissance that came later with Britney Spears’ songwriter. Looking back 21 years later, it’s hard not to think Jon and Richie would still be writing songs together had we all appreciated the These Days sound a bit more, regardless of how the path taken turned out.
The more I listen to the old (BJ) stuff, the greater appreciation I have. It is often said that These Days is the darkest Bon Jovi release but I'll take it any day over 'We Got It Going On' (or anything off This Left Feels Right!). Richie def. was key and I don't blame him for separating himself. He wanted Rock or Soul - not what the band sadly morphed into. Stranger In This Town is must have in anyone's music library. It's the only CD I can crank to 10 and jam or fall asleep like a baby - hard to describe but it's classic!