We are in the year 2004 and Bon Jovi has now been around for 20 Years at this point. To celebrate their 20th Anniversary, they released a really cool box set of mostly unreleased tunes and a lot of little extras titled ‘100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can’t Be Wrong’. The Box Set is a collection of 50 songs spread over 4 CDs, 38 of which had never been released. The others were songs from soundtracks, remixes and/or B-Sides. This was a band dumping everything sitting by the wayside in to one set and I applaud them for that. Us diehard fans love this kind of stuff. And if that wasn’t enough, if you have the Japanese Edition, which i do, you get another CD of B-Sides and Japanese Bonus Tracks. That is another 10 songs. 

This is a lot of music to absorb and we won’t be absorbing it all here. Nope. I’m going to go through each and every CD, track by track over 6 posts. We are now on the fifth disc which is the DVD and then the sixth disc which is the Japanese Bonus Disc, 10 tracks, but they are all previously released. So let’s get started and dive into the music as that is why we are really here any way.

DVD:

 The fifth disc, the DVD, was about an hour long and had footage of the band talking about the tracks as all four sat in the studio together. There were also some solo shot of Jon talking abou the songs as well since it his band and he has to have more air time then the rest of the band members who have all been in the band just as long as he has. There is also some additional archive candid footage of the band some of which has been released before. It is a great watch, some great insight to the songs and some pretty funny moments…however, it is not something you will pull out that ofter to rewatch and therefore, not the best disc in the bunch. My Overall Score is a 3.0 out of 5.0 Stars.

DISC 6 – JAPANESE BONUS DISC:

If you bought the Japanese Version of the box set, you received a sixth disc with 10 previously released tracks that were demos and/or B-Sides of singles. For me, this is still worth having because you have them all housed on one disc. The funny thing about this disc is that is says “For Promotional Use Only – Not For Sale”. I am guessing because the disc came separate in its won cardboard sleeve and wasn’t fixed in to the box set (although there was room). Either way, a cool piece to have with the extra songs. Japan gets the best stuff.

The album kicks off with “With A Little Help From My Friends” (Live) which is a Beatles cover that was the B-Side in 1995 to the song “This Ain’t a Love Song”. It was the B-Side on the Japanese Edition to the song. The song itself was recorded in 1994. It is a great version, not Beatles great, but Bon Jovi great. Richie and David even sing a verse of it the song. I can’t see where this one was recorded though, so hopefully someone can let us know.

Next we get one of the best B-Sides to any Bon Jovi song and that is “Love is War” from 1989 when it was the B-Side to “Living In Sin”. The song was left off ‘New Jersey’ which is a shame. The reason why is simple. It is basically “You Give Love a Bad Name” which makes complete sense since Jon and Richie Sambora sat down to write a song like that for their new album. The problem was it sounded exactly like that (well same chord progression at least). So it was left off the album which is too bad as it is brilliant and one of my favorite Bon Jovi songs ever!! The band sounds great, the song is catchy as hell and it was perfect for the time of the late 80’s. But I get why they left it off. And this is why this single is so special!!

“Borderline” is up next which was a B-Side but most notably it was a Japanese only single from 1986 which I have and we discussed. It is an unfinished studio outtake from the ‘Slippery’ recording sessions and it is a really cool song, but they were right to leave it off as it doesn’t fit the vibe of the album. It seems more dated and could’ve fit on the first two albums better. It opens with a fade in and a lot backing vocals and Jon doing some “uhh-uhh’s” before getting in to the song. The song is a slower rocker, not anthemic, a little darker in tone. But is still sounds and feels like Bon Jovi. It was co-written by David Bryan which was rare and welcomed.

Another B-Side is “Hush” which was the flip side to the song “It’s My Life” from ‘Crush’ in 2000. This recording is the demo version and was sadly left off the album. The song has some funky keyboard and bass line to it. Jon’s vocals are still a little rough, but that grit is really cool at the same time. There is a weird part where Jon does some “bong” sound that almost feels Weird Al style. A very likable song that would’ve been nice to hear a full flushed out version.

“I Wish Everyday Could Be Like Christmas” is actually an original track. It was the B-Side for the single “Keep the Faith” and it was on the “Please Come Home For Christmas” Maxi-Single (the one with Cindy Crawford on the cover). It sounds like it came from that Keep the Faith era of the band. It isn’t a bad song at all, but it doesn’t ring out as a classic Christmas song. It definitely does not cause Mariah Carey to lose any sleep over her getting knocked off as Queen of the Christmas song.

“Save a Prayer” is a Japanese Bonus Track for the ‘Keep the Faith’ album. The song opens with a church-like vibe as Jon seems to be preaching to the listeners. It then suddenly stops and the song kicks in the with the full band As a matter of fact, the song is very spiritual as it is about compassion and understanding. A since of community in a messed up world. I like to the tone and sonics of the song. It is a little darker feel to it while being catchy and it feels different and I can see why it wasn’t on the album, but still way cool nonetheless.

Another ‘Keep the Faith’ era song is “Fields of Fire” which wound up as a bonus track on the 2 Disc European Special Edition version of ‘These Days’. The opening guitar sound has that old cowboy vibe that the band had used a lot. The chorus isn’t bad, but not as catchy as you are used to hearing. The song isn’t bad, just doesn’t really go anywhere special for me. There is nice break where Jon is spouting out the lyrics and the bass is hard and heavy during that point giving it a nice groove. The song needs some work though.

“Another Reason to Believe” is a demo that was used as the B-Side “Everyday” off the ‘Bounce’ album in 2002. I think this one is really cool. I love the groove, the way Jon sings the verses with such a deliberate delivery and that chorus is bombastic and exciting. This song deserved to be on an album as it would’ve finished off nicely if just completed fully. Hell, Richie’s solo is one of the best that would’ve been on that album. A rocking track..damn it kicks ass.

We get another song from the ‘These Days” European 2 disc special edition with the song “Let’s Make it Baby”. The song is a ‘New Jersey’ era demo and man is it smooth. It is a slowed down, groove filled track that has the essence of cool written all over it. The song builds and delivers a chorus that pays off nicely with Jon singing “Let’s Make it Baby” over and over with some angelic backing singers to add some texture. This is not a Bon Jovi sounding song, but man is it have some really cool vibes to it.

The final song on here is appropriately called “The End”. This is a demo from 1995 and was the B-Side on “This Ain’t a Love Song” as well as “These Days” and “Hey God”…on the European Maxi-Singles and Japanese editions as well. It starts off with Richie being Richie and does some German-esque words…who knows what. Then things get all serious and somber and we get a slowed down song with Jon singing with minor music backing and then the band comes in during the chorus. What seems like the band playing around turns in to a pretty decent song that might’ve been a great song if flushed out more. There is a percussion element that sounds like someone is hitting a metal pipe. Later the song kicks it up a notch then turns things back down low and starts over again. I think I like this one too.

Track Listing:

1. With A Little Help From My Friends (Live) – Delete
2. Love is War – Keeper
3. Borderline – Keeper
4. Hush – Keeper
5. I Wish Everyday Could Be Like Christmas – Keeper (1/2 Point)
6. Save a Prayer – Keeper
7. Fields of Fire – Keeper (1/2 Point)
8. Another Reason to Believe – Keeper
9. Let’s Make It Baby – Keeper
10. The End – Keeper

The Track Score is 8 out 10 Tracks or 80%.  This might be my favorite disc and not because they’ve been released before, but because the songs are actually good.  I don’t like that they opened it off with a live track and not the best on either.  There is a Christmas song which isn’t a bad song, but it is still a Christmas song.  Other than that, I think the disc really is great.  The fact “Love is War” is on here is enough to take it over the top, but with “Borderline” as well…this disc is worth it trying to find the Japanese Edition.  My Overall Score is 4.5 out of 5.0 Stars.

Okay, let’s tally up the scores:

• Packaging – 4 out of 5
• Disc 1 – 3 out of 5
• Disc 2 – 3.5 out of 5
• Disc 3 – 4.5 out of 5
• Disc 4 – 3.5 out of 5
• Disc 5 (DVD) – 3 out of 5
• Disc 6 (Japanese Bonus Disc) – 4.5 out of 5
• TOTAL SCORE IS 3.75 out of 5.0 STARS

Honestly, I’d take the average and round up to a 4.0 and then tell you this whole set is worth it.  Yes, these are demos and some not so great, but it is a historical collection of Bon Jovi and a diehard fan would eat this stuff up…I know I did.  Now, we’ve spent enough time on this one, let us get back to the collection.

NEXT UP: BON JOVI – ‘HAVE A NICE DAY’ (2005)

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 – “Burning For Love” – 12″ Single – Japanese Edition (1984)
6. Bon Jovi – 7800° Fahrenheit (1985)
7. Bon Jovi – Slippery When Wet (1986)
8. Bon Jovi – “Borderline” – 12″ Single – Japanese Edition (1986)
9. Bon Jovi – New Jersey (1988)
10. Bon Jovi – New Jersey: Super Deluxe Edition – Disc 2/DVD (1988)
11. Bon Jovi – “I’ll Be There For You” – Cassette Single (1988)
12. Jon Bon Jovi – Blaze of Glory (1990)
13. Jon Bon Jovi – “Blaze of Glory” – Cassette Single (1990)
14. Richie Sambora – Stranger in this Town (1991)
15. Bon Jovi – Keep the Faith (1992)
16. Bon Jovi – “Keep the Faith” – CD Maxi Single (1992)
17. Bon Jovi – “I Believe” – 7″ Single (1992)
18. Bon Jovi – Cross Road (1994)
19. Bon Jovi – “Please Come Home for Christmas” – CD Single (1994)
20. Bon Jovi – These Days (1995)
21. Bon Jovi – Live From London – DVD (1995)
22. Jon Bon Jovi – Destination Anywhere (1997)
23. Richie Sambora – Undiscovered Soul (1998)
24. Bon Jovi – Crush (2000)
25. Bon Jovi – Live From Osaka E.P. (2000)
26. Bon Jovi – “Thank You For Loving Me” – CD Single (2000)
27. Bon Jovi – The Crush Tour – DVD (2000)
28. Bon Jovi – The Love Songs E.P. (Promo) (2001)
29. Bon Jovi – Tokyo Road: Best of Bon Jovi (2001)
30. Bon Jovi – One Wild Night Live: 1985-2001 (2001)
31. Bon Jovi – Bounce (2002)
32. Bon Jovi – Unauthorized: Rock ‘n Roll Legends – Bootleg DVD (2002)
33. Bon Jovi – Target E.P. (2003)
34. Bon Jovi – This Left Feels Right (2003)
35. Bon Jovi – Wild in the Streets: Unauthorized – Bootleg DVD (2003)
36. Bon Jovi – This Left Feels Right – DVD (2004)
37. Bon Jovi – 100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can’t Be Wrong (Part 1) – (2004)
38. Bon Jovi – 100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can’t Be Wrong (Disc 1, Part 2) – (2004)
39. Bon Jovi – 100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can’t Be Wrong (Disc 2, Part 3) – (2004)
40. Bon Jovi – 100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can’t Be Wrong (Disc 3, Part 4) – (2004)
41. Bon Jovi – 100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can’t Be Wrong (Disc 4, Part 5) – (2004)
42. Bon Jovi – 100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can’t Be Wrong (Disc 5 & 6, Part 6) – (2004)
43. Bon Jovi – Have a Nice Day (2005)
44. Bon Jovi – Live from the Have a Nice Day Tour (Walmart Exclusive) (2006)
45. Bon Jovi – Lost Highway (2007)
46. Bon Jovi – Lost Highway: The Concert (2007)
47. Bon Jovi – The Circle (2009)
48. Bon Jovi – When We Were Beautiful Documentary DVD (2009)
49. Bon Jovi – Live at Madison Square Garden – DVD (2009)
50. Bon Jovi – Greatest Hits: The Ultimate Collection (2009)
51. Bon Jovi – Greatest Hits: The Ultimate Video Collection – DVD (2010)
52. Bon Jovi – Inside Out – DVD (2012)
53. Richie Sambora – Aftermath of the Lowdown (2012)
54. Bon Jovi – What About Now (2013)
55. Bon Jovi – Live E.P. (RSD – 2013)
56. Bon Jovi – Live 2 E.P. (RSD – 2014)
57. Bon Jovi – Burning Bridges (2015)
58. Bon Jovi – This House is Not For Sale (2016)
59. Bon Jovi – This House is Not For Sale – Live From the London Palladium (2016)
60. Bon Jovi – The Albums Box Set – The Extra LP (2017)
61. RSO – Radio Free America (2018)
62. Bon Jovi – 2020 (2020)
63. 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