With Bon Jovi’s return and their ‘Crush’ album, the band was literally crushing it. The album was selling great and their worldwide tour was a smash hit selling out and reaching over 1 million people around the globe. In May of 2001, they released a live album with a collection of live songs from throughout the years to help capitalize on the new found success again. But before that, the band released a greatest hits package on March 28, 2001. The album was called ‘Tokyo Road: Best of Bon Jovi’ and it was released exclusively in Japan. As a result, I didn’t hear about it for years, but I finally did get a copy.

The album contains 16 songs only one of which is a new version which was “One Wild Night” which was remixed for this release. All the other songs appear to be album versions for the most part. Now, if you bought one of the initial pressings of the album, you were given a bonus 3″ Mini CD with 4 exclusive live tracks. My copy has that plus it still has the OBI strip and the extra booklet with the lyrics in both English and Japanese. It is all there in all it’s glory.

The opening track was the only unreleased track which was a remix of “One Wild Night 2001” which was originally off the ‘Crush’ album. “One Wild Night” originally had a cartoon tune opening, but that was removed and the song just starts with some weird sounding guitar licks that are less rocking, but then the song does rock out. The song is anthem and if you had heard this live your hands would be high in the airing, pumping along with the beat. The song is throwback to the early rock legends of the 60’s. They really changed up the sound and tone with this one all thought the heart of the song is still there.

Up next wass the first single off the ‘New Jersey’ album which was ‘Bad Medicine’. The song was released on September 3, 1988 and went all the way to #1 and was the band’s third #1 single and I don’t think it was their last. The title and chorus for “Bad Medicine” came to Richie Sambora when the band was filming a commercial in Japan and Jon Bon Jovi said to hold on to that thought and they would do something with it and after many re-writes with the help of Desmond Child, “Bad Medicine” was complete. The song is based off a really bad relationship Richie was in and if you listen to the lyrics, you can see that must’ve been true. The song opens with a heavy keyboard riff, some drum beats and guitar riff and then turns in to a pure rock & roll anthem. The corny, cheesy ass lyrics fit right in to the 80’s glam scene but today are so bad it is almost laughable. The numerous doctor, medicine references throws every cliche in the book at you and then some. However, the song still kicks ass and is musically a fun, rocking track.

Then sit back and hold on for one of the band’s biggest songs ever and it was from the ‘Slippery When Wet’ album. It opens with a wicked bass line, finger cymbals and a talk-box. But that wasn’t all that was great about it, it is the story of Tommy & Gina in “Livin’ on a Prayer” that makes this such a great song. Jon has a way of making the songs human and easy to connect with. The everyday person with problems just like you so the songs feel personal.  The song is loosely based on Desmond and his girl-friend as she worked in a Diner, but he was a taxi driver and not working at the docks.  It was that Blue Collar feel to the song that made it resonate with so many people.  It was a time when Bon Jovi actually wrote songs that told a story that connected with people and not try to write just to make a hit. The funny thing about this one is that Jon didn’t like it, but Richie was able to convince Jon that this was a hit and it should be on the album. Thankfully for the band, it was as it went to #1 as well. Hugh McDonald who is currently the bass player for Bon Jovi in 2023, was the bass player on this song back in 1986.

The first single from the ‘Slippery When Wet’ album is up next with “You Give Love a Bad Name”. The song was originally written for Bonnie Tyler and called “If You Were a Woman (and I Was a Man)”, but the song did nothing so Desmond Child re-wrote it for Bon Jovi and the rest is history. The song went to #1 and the beginning of the rise to super stardom had begun. The song checks all the boxes, big chorus, epic guitar solo, killer bass line, pounding drum fills and pure intensity. The song will have you singing along instantly as the song feels familiar and exciting. You can’t get it out of your head.

“Keep the Faith”, from the album of the same name, opens with a killer bass line then Tico’s drum beat settles in driving the groove. The song is uplifting and almost happy without being cheesy. It drives forward like a marching army and I think actually outdoes the opening track for inspiration. The guitar solo on this one outdoes the opener as well and sees Richie slay with those fingers. The funky groove, the aggressive vocals from Jon gives us a solid rocker. Jon actually speaks a portion of the vocals which adds to the impact of the song. Two of the bands most powerful songs right out of the gate.

The ‘Crush’ album opens with the first single “It’s My Life” and the song is huge. It is a pure rock anthem with hooks for days, great guitar riffs and Richie on the Talk Box. Hell, they even name check Tommy and Gina from “Livin’ On A Prayer”. The song went to #33 on the Top 40 charts and no one expected Bon Jovi to explode back on the scene. Even MTV played their video over and over again. It introduced Bon Jovi to an entirely new generation and took and 80’s band and brought them in to the 21st Century all thanks to Luke Ebbin and Max Martin who co-wrote the track with Jon and Richie. The song was exciting and really made me run out and buy this album. Whatever they were going for, it worked.

Up next is “Blood On Blood” from ‘New Jersey’ and the song thought the song was never released as a single I probably listened to it more than any other song on the album.  The song was based on the movie “Stand By Me”.  Jon was so inspired by that movie, he got with Richie Sambora and Desmond Child and they crafted this gem. The story is about three childhood friends, though not related, they were like brothers to each other.  They cut their hands and then shook to signify they were blood brothers, lifelong friends and friends you could call at any time and they would be there to help. That theme resonated with me.  It resonated so much, I started outlining a book based on that very concept.  Sadly, I never finished that book (or really ever started other than the outline – maybe some day).

The opening layers of guitars, the pounding Tico drums just exploded out of the gates. A catchy rhythm section that quickly grabbed hold, but the star was Jon with that voice and those lyrics. He crafted a story that played out like a movie that you could picture in your had as he spat out the lyrics. The high paced energy was intoxicating and helped you get lost. The keyboards added layers and textures that fit perfectly with everything else. My friends, it don’t get better than this.

“Something for the Pain” is up next from the ‘These Days’ album and it is more like classic Bon Jovi. There is an Eastern influence to the guitar sound at the opening, but Richie’s guitar turns more bluesy. Another little more serious song lyrically wrapped in a more upbeat song that makes it feel happier. A nice dichotomy. The song was the second single released on September 5, 1995 and would go to only #76 in the U.S., but reached #2 in the U.K. proving more they were bigger overseas than in the States.

“Born to be My Baby” was the second single off the album and did pretty dang great going all the way to #3 on the Billboard Top 100. It was another track written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora and of course, Desmond Child. There is no denying his impact with the band. The theme on the song is very familiar to you as Bon Jovi have used it before on “Living on a Prayer”. It is about a couple that is struggling to make ends meet, but they still know they were made to be with each other and that God has a plan. A keyboard heavy track and a bunch of na-na-na’s in the opening. It is an upbeat rocker that was really written as an acoustic track but Bruce Fairbairn talked them in to making it more of a rocker. It did go to #3, but Jon thinks it would’ve gone to #1 as an acoustic song. He might not be wrong. It does have a great Richie Sambora solo as he did so many great ones during this time. Jon sings with so much emotion and you could really feel the lyrics as a result. The song is classic sounding Bon Jovi.

“Tokyo Road” from ‘7800 Farenheit’ is up next and the song that inspired the title which is appropriate since this a Japanese only release. This is the song I latched on to first from this album as it instantly grabbed hold of me with the Japanese stylings of the music box sound and the Japanese girl singing…I was like what is going on! Then the song detonates in to a wall of sound. There are great riffs and little talk box and a whole lot of rocking good times. That riff right before the chorus was huge and when you heard it you were ready to singalong.

‘These Days’ album opens with one of the heavier songs on the album, “Hey God”, and in the same epic way they open all their albums. According to wiki, the song was inspired by Jon looking out a window at 57 St. & Broadway and seeing a guy in an expensive suit standing next to a guy sleeping on the street. Also according to wiki, Richie was inspired by the song while looking out of his limo and seeing a homeless guy sleeping in a cardboard box. Who knows which is right or they both are. The song questions if God has forgotten about the world as all the good shit is gone and there nothing but bad. It is a darker tone, darker lyrics and sees the band questioning the world. A total ballbuster of a song. The song was the final single, but not in the U.S. and was released on June 24, 1996. It was a minor hit in Canada and several European countries. It is one of my favorites on the album.

“Just Older”, from ‘Crush’, is a rousing, rocking song that is pure fun. It talks about how they might have aged but they aren’t old, just getting a little older. Tico’s drum work on this one is some of my favorite as his fills are perfect. The chorus on this one is one of the catchiest on the album and might be my favorite song on the album. The song is inspiring as well telling you to keep on dreaming and going for your dreams as it’s never too late. And Richie slays another solo as Tico pounds away behind him. Damn, this one is great. I love how it slows back down at the end with David playing piano and Jon gets all soft and thoughtful and then BAM! It explodes again. Just fantastic. This should’ve been a single!!

Then with “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead” from ‘Keep the Faith’, we get back to the old Bon Jovi sound as this album stretched the band’s sound. They have a little fun with this one with its old school rock style. It even has some honky tonk piano to lift you up. They prove the old Bon Jovi is still hidden underneath and they haven’t abandoned it. It’s catchy with a simple driving drum beat and a full on party.

The opening track to the debut album, “Runaway”, was actually recorded in 1982, but the real traction came when it was re-released as the opening single to their debut album where it hit #39 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts. The song kicks off with such a killer keyboard riff and then these explosive drum hits with a guitar scratch down the strings and then it was off to the races. The song feels huge and that chorus is nothing short of inspiration. So catchy, so infectious…simply put it is perfection. It has this rebellious energy that was so exciting and that guitar solo by Tim Pierce was lethal…it just cut right through you. An utterly classic Bon Jovi song.

The ‘Slippery When Wet’ album closes out as huge as it opened with “Wild in the Streets”. The energy level is ramped up to 11 and that simple beat and groove feels like old time rock & roll especially when Richie drops that solo. David’s keyboards accentuate Tico’s drums and Alec’s bass. Jon screams out the lyrics with a passion and vigor that only grows louder in the chorus. A good time had by all with this one. 

Bon Jovi goes a little epic in “Next 100 Years”, the fifth song from ‘Crush’ and final song here, as the band goes on for over 6 minutes. With a slow build in to some weird effects and crunchy guitars to Jon singing with some great backing vocals by Richie. When the chorus kicks in the band is off and running. A classic love story and the band even has a “Hey Jude” moment before the instrumentation kicks in with a lot of “na-na-na-na’s”. But the winner of this song is the long coda of playing and some great Richie guitar moments throughout. His guitar playing is some of his best on the album and the string arrangements are just the right touch. A great song.

3″ Bonus Disc:

The 3″ Mini CD kicks off with a live version of “Tokyo Road”. “Tokyo Road” (Live) was released as a promo single in Japan to promote the compilation album. It was only available here until it would later appear on the 2010 special edition of 7800° Fahrenheit. It started off with the same Japanese girl and music box and then the band rocks it out perfectly. The song was recorded way back in 1985 in Tokyo and I can believe that as Jon’s voice is so young sounding. Next is “Not Fade Away” Live from London 1997 from Jon’s Solo Tour which is a cover of a Bruce Springsteen song. He does a faithful rendition. It is cool they picked a solo song to throw on here and it is a good one.

Then we get a live version of “Next 100 Years” which was recorded in Canada in 2000. The song is better in the studio version, but it still sounds good. I get less of a Beatles vibe from it and it seems slower which is all okay. If I picked a least favorite of the 4 tracks this would it. Now, they picked a Jon solo song so they should and we get “Father Time” Live from Richie’s solo tour from Sand Diego 1991. Richie jokes around about being lead singer shit makes you hot and sweaty. It is full of lush keyboards and of course Richie’s dreamy guitar work. And Richie’s vocals are great even with added echo. It all comes across just amazingly and they do great job interpreting this song live. Love it!!

As far as greatest hits albums go, this one is pretty good. The only downside is there are 4 tracks from the new album, but I get it as they were promoting the new album. I would’ve taken another song from either of the first two albums or the last two before ‘Crush’, but it is still solid. I think this is a good one to pick up, but the only version is this one with the 3″ Mini Disc as a bonus as the 4 song live set is really good and to have two solo song from from Jon and Richie is even cooler. My Overall Score is 4.5 out of 5.0 Songs and would be a 4.0 without the Mini Disc. And why the ding…there is no “Wanted Dead or Alive”. You’ve got to have that song. Seriously.

NEXT UP: BON JOVI – ‘ONE WILD NIGHT LIVE: 1985-2001’ (2001) – ALBUM REVIEW

THE BON JOVI COLLECTION SERIES:

1. Bon Jovi – The Albums Box Set (2017)
2. Jon Bongiovi – The Power Station Sessions (1980-1983) (2001)
3. Bon Jovi – Bon Jovi (1984)
4. Bon Jovi – Shot Through the Heart: Live in Cleveland, OH March 17, 1984 FM Broadcast (Bootleg)
5. Bon Jovi – 7800° Fahrenheit (1985)
6. Bon Jovi – Slippery When Wet (1986)
7. Bon Jovi – New Jersey (1988)
8. Bon Jovi – New Jersey: Super Deluxe Edition – Disc 2/DVD (1988)
9. Bon Jovi – “I’ll Be There For You” – Cassette Single (1988)
10. Jon Bon Jovi – Blaze of Glory (1990)
11. Jon Bon Jovi – “Blaze of Glory” – Cassette Single (1990)
12. Richie Sambora – Stranger in this Town (1991)
13. Bon Jovi – Keep the Faith (1992)
14. Bon Jovi – “I Believe” – 7″ Single (1992)
15. Bon Jovi – Cross Road (1994)
16. Bon Jovi – “Please Come Home for Christmas” – CD Single (1994)
17. Bon Jovi – These Days (1995)
18. Bon Jovi – Live From London – DVD (1995)
19. Jon Bon Jovi – Destination Anywhere (1997)
20. Richie Sambora – Undiscovered Soul (1998)
21. Bon Jovi – Crush (2000)
22. Bon Jovi – Live From Osaka E.P. (2000)
23. Bon Jovi – “Thank You For Loving Me” – CD Single (2000)
24. Bon Jovi – The Crush Tour – DVD (2000)
25. Bon Jovi – The Love Songs E.P. (Promo) (2001)
26. Bon Jovi – Tokyo Road: Best of Bon Jovi (2001)
27. Bon Jovi – One Wild Night Live: 1985-2001 (2001)
28. Bon Jovi – Bounce (2002)
29. Bon Jovi – Unauthorized: Rock ‘n Roll Legends – Bootleg DVD (2002)
30. Bon Jovi – This Left Feels Right (2003)
31. Bon Jovi – Target E.P. (2003)
32. Bon Jovi – Wild in the Streets: Unauthorized – Bootleg DVD (2003)
33. Bon Jovi – This Left Feels Right – DVD (2004)
34. Bon Jovi – 100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can’t Be Wrong (Part 1) – (2004)
35. Bon Jovi – 100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can’t Be Wrong (Disc 1, Part 2) – (2004)
36. Bon Jovi – 100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can’t Be Wrong (Disc 2, Part 3) – (2004)
37. Bon Jovi – 100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can’t Be Wrong (Disc 3, Part 4) – (2004)
38. Bon Jovi – 100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can’t Be Wrong (Disc 4, Part 5) – (2004)
39. Bon Jovi – 100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can’t Be Wrong (Disc 5, Part 6) – (2004)
40. Bon Jovi – Have a Nice Day (2005)
41. Bon Jovi – Live from the Have a Nice Day Tour (Walmart Exclusive) (2006)
42. Bon Jovi – Lost Highway (2007)
43. Bon Jovi – Lost Highway: The Concert (2007)
44. Bon Jovi – The Circle (2009)
45. Bon Jovi – When We Were Beautiful Documentary DVD (2009)
46. Bon Jovi – Live at Madison Square Garden – DVD (2009)
47. Bon Jovi – Greatest Hits: The Ultimate Collection (2009)
48. Bon Jovi – Greatest Hits: The Ultimate Video Collection – DVD (2010)
49. Bon Jovi – Inside Out – DVD (2012)
50. Richie Sambora – Aftermath of the Lowdown (2012)
51. Bon Jovi – What About Now (2013)
52. Bon Jovi – Live E.P. (RSD – 2013)
53. Bon Jovi – Live 2 E.P. (RSD – 2014)
54. Bon Jovi – Burning Bridges (2015)
55. Bon Jovi – This House is Not For Sale (2016)
56. Bon Jovi – This House is Not For Sale – Live From the London Palladium (2016)
57. Bon Jovi – The Albums Box Set – The Extra LP (2017)
58. RSO – Radio Free America (2018)
59. Bon Jovi – 2020 (2020)
60. Bon Jovi – 40th Anniversary Box Set (TBA – I Hope it is out by the time we get here)

We’ve reviewed a bunch of pieces already over the years and won’t review again. They are as follows:

1. Bon Jovi – The Brotherhood Tour Book (1988-1990)
2. Bon Jovi – Bon Jovi Tour 2011 – Tourbook
3. Bon Jovi – The Rock History – Bootleg CD
4. Bon Jovi – “You Give Love A Bad Name” – 12″ Single
5. Bon Jovi – “You Give Love a Bad Name” – 7″ Single
6. Bon Jovi – Red Hot & 2 Parts Live E.P. – 12″ Single
7. Bon Jovi – “Wanted Dead or Alive” – 7″ Single
8. Bon Jovi – “Bad Medicine” – 7″ Single
9. Bon Jovi – “Born to Be My Baby” – 7″ Single
10. Bon Jovi – “I’ll Be There For You” – 7″ Single
11. Bon Jovi – “Lay Your Hands on Me” – 7″ Single
12. Bon Jovi – “Living in Sin” – 7″ Single