After listening to the album, I’m glad that they took this route. They’ve kept abreast with the times, yet not sidetracking from their roots, which made them one of the greatest rock acts, and one that has survived time - 80s, 90s and 2000s. How many rock bands have successfully acclimatized themselves? I can count with one hand.

Bon Jovi - Whole Lot of Leaving

Lost Highway
Not a particularly potent tune like “Bounce” & “Have a Nice Day”, it’s a decent effort, however, I would’ve preferred if Bon Jovi sang one or two chords higher, it’s either done deliberately, or all those vocal-range-prowess concerts has taken its toll on Jon. A good driving song nevertheless. 5/10

Summertime
A unique track, a nice hook, but the chorus and the vocals are powerless - reminded me of “Say It Isn’t So” and “Something For the Pain”. It has remnants from their previous album, HAVE A NICE DAY. Not a favorite of mine - solo’s weak too. 4/10

(You Want to) Make a Memory
I love this track, and the chorus has a ceaseless heartbeat rhythm and with Jon’s awe-inspiring vocals and Richie’s harmonizations, it’s a perfect illustration how potent a ballad can be without being lofty. Bon Jovi has never released a ballad as their first single (except This Ain’t a Love Song), so this was kind of startling. Of course, it can never outmatch ALWAYS. 7/10

Bon Jovi - Lost Highway REVIEW

Whole Lot of Leaving
A solid song, with a first-rate solo. Well-written, with a great deal of emotions injected, a wonderful mix of country and rock. You can feel Jon’s soul and Richie’s broken heart in this track. A melancholic tune glossed over a positive melody. 9/10

We Got it Going On (ft Big & Rich)
A topnotch sounding hook, but with really destitute lyrics. But I’m guessing it’s crummy for a purpose - country music. The progress towards the solo (priestlike lecture by Big & Rich) is dazzling - and Richie strikes a home run with the guitar riff. It has so much vigor and I can see it illuminating live audiences. 7/10

Any Other Day
PERFECT. FIRST CLASS. MASTERPIECE. Freakin’ magnificent lyrics and glorious music. It’s their best song in years. Richie’s presence is telling - not one but 2 guitar solos! This song reminds me of Someday I’ll Be Saturday Night in terms of its lyrical substance. MUST be released as the next single at all cost. A hair-raiser, rocking number! 10/10

Bon Jovi Lost Highway Review

Seat Next to You
Fantastic percussion, sweet-flavored lyrics. Nice touch with the female voice accompaniment, and easily a gem for couples - “my precious”! It has DESTINATION ANYWHERE feel to it, Jon’s 1997 solo album. A commendable ballad. 6/10

Everybody’s Broken
Different. Nice different. Pick-me-up lyrics, one that’ll grow on you, though I think the break between the words in the verses could’ve been bettered. Another great car song, would make a perfect curtain closer for a movie, one where you drive into the sunset. Heartwarming. 8/10

Til We Ain’t Strangers Anymore ft Le Ann Rimes
I’ve never been a fan of Le Ann Rimes at all. But, I must say that the musical harmony between Jon and LeAnn is wonderful to the ear. AND, Richie once again, provides 2 solos! Jon must’ve heard how much Bon Jovi fans missed listening to Richie’s solo riffs. 8/10

The Last Night
A flawed artistic production. Natural and omnipotent vocals. So much potency, unfortunately the chorus is echoed a tad too much. Apart from that, it’s one of my favorites on the album. Full of passion. 9/10

Bon Jovi - Lost Highway REVIEW

One Step Closer
Another favorite of mine, love the chorus! It’s one of those song that’ll warm up to you after a few times. Richie’s back with yet another solo! Woohoo! It kinda reminds me of Ronan Keating’s schmaltzy song a couple of years ago, but of course, Bon Jovi does it better! Gratifying lyrics, and a marvelous bridge. 9/10

I Love This Town
A distinctive country song. A “Who Says You Can’t Go Home” knockoff, but, I prefer this one. Tico did justice to the drums, and with 2 great solos, Richie Sambora’s presence is felt YET again. OLE! A song that’ll in all likelihood broaden Bon Jovi’s audience age gap - it makes a dandy country-dancing song. 5/10

Put the Boy Back in Cowboy
With a cheesy country name like that, I was skeptical at first. This is as country as Bon Jovi can get - and you get the feeling that it’s a sideswipe at rednecks. LOL. They should’ve gone with SHE PUT THE BOY BACK IN COWBOY instead of that name, cause it gives a brokeback vibe, though it’s a song about a having the hots for a country beauty. 6/10

Lonely
A poignant tune, about someone being there for someone who’s lonely - it’ll strike the base of your heart. I prefer this song to Seat Next to You. “There’ s a whole lot of lonely waiting out there, so be safe my lover let me offer my prayer”. 7/10

Walk Like a Man
I’ve always been a fan for storytelling songs, and this Bon Jovi track does just that - between a dad and his son. It’s a very touching tune, and I’ve embraced it. It reminded me about my late dad and brought me to tears. 8/10

Lost Highway

A step in the right direction for the band. And the solos on this album transcends all of their previous albums, the vocal and musical harmonies - WOW. The songs have contemplative ambiances to it. Catchy guitar riffs seasoned with country imprints, lyrics of emotional flutter and ordinary people endeavoring for something better, and you get LOST HIGHWAY.

A classic Bon Jovi signature. 7.5/10 on the Gallivanter Scale.

Today in History

  • 2007: Guess the Nude Scene (PG) —

    Something slaphappy to end a Friday. Guess which movie these scenes were drawn from. LOL.

    [...]

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