Before the release of ‘100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can’t Be Wrong’, Bon Jovi had already finished recording their next album, ‘Have a Nice Day’. The record company wanted to put it out in early 2005, but Jon and the band had other ideas. They actually went back in to the studio and recorded more songs and tweaked some of the existing. As a result, the album didn’t see the light of day until September 20, 2005. The album 13 tracks and 3 bonus tracks scattered over Europe, Australia and Japan. The album would hit #2 in the U.S. and would hit platinum status as well as see #1 in numerous countries around the world so they were still a big worldwide band.

The album saw a new face in the producer chair. A gentleman by the name of John Shanks. John had worked with Ashlee Simpson, Hillary Duff, Kelly Clarkson and so many more. Us rock fans, were not real excited about that pedigree. Would this be a watered down, poppy Bon Jovi. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case as the album picked up where ‘Bounce’ left off giving us some heavy Bon Jovi and actually it saw a more thought-provoking Bon Jovi as Jon Bon Jovi really dug deep for the lyrics.

But, this would also be the first of many Shanks produced albums that many fans is the reason the band has lost its way and isn’t the same as it used to be. Yes, a band should grow and play with new sounds, and they did that, but the diehard fans have not been happy with the results, this fan included. This was the last Bon Jovi album that was good in my book. We will see if that thought still holds true as I re-explore the later albums. For now, I’m just going to enjoy this one like I always have.

The album would kick off with the first single and the title track, “Have a Nice Day”. The song is a carbon copy of “It’s My Life” as it is anthemic as well as delivering a positive message that says live your life the way you want to do it and when people try to bring you down, just tell them to “Have a Nice Day” and move on with your life. It is an exciting opening track, with an ear worm candy of a chorus that will keep you singing for days after you hear it.

“I Want To Be Loved” is up next and opens with a cool Sambora riff and he pulls out the old talk box again as it isn’t a Bon Jovi album without at least one talk box song. A mid-tempo track that sees Bon Jovi go all mature sounding while still showing off Richie’s playing as this a showcase to say they can still rock out.

The first ballad and second single around the world, but the U.S. is “Welcome to Wherever You Are”. A song inspired by the 2004 presidential campaign and named after an episode of “West Wing” in which Jon appeared. The song is an affirmation of being comfortable in your skin. The verses are decent, but it is that bombastic chorus that draws you to it and saves the song from being too cheesy. It is a killer chorus with some great string orchestration. So far, off to a good start.

Then we get to a song that is on here twice. First is a full band version of “Who Says You Can’t Go Home”. This was the third single overall and second in the U.S. It is a song about Jon’s hometown in New Jersey and he feels no matter he big he gets, he can always go home. It is a uptempo rocker, with a slight country vibe to it. Now, the second version and final song on here is a duet with Jennifer Nettles and it takes that country vibe and turns it up a notch. I think I like the version with her better as I really love her voice. She is one of the few country singers I like.

“Last Man Standing” comes blasting out of the gates and one of my favorite songs on the album. Richie’s riffs are blistering hot and the tempo is turned up a notch. A song that bashes the hell out of the music industry. He calls them out for searching that one single and digital download rather then developing an artist. The song is rocker and probably my favorite on the album. Plus, Richie does another killer solo on this one. We need more of these songs by them. More rock, less country!! We heard an alternate version of this song on the Box set we just reviewed, but this version is better!!

With “Bells of Freedom”, we get our next ballad. The only song with a co-write from the executive producer of the album Desmond Child. The song starts out with bells…duh. And a breathy Jon vocal. The chorus is big and a little catchy, but overall the song is cheesy, trying to be something it really isn’t. A tired song, with nothing to pull you in…at least not for me.

Next we get a song called “Wildflower” and it isn’t a ballad, but not a rocker. Another boring song that is basically filler. Nothing memorable about this one and so not memorable, I don’t even remember this one from when the album came out back in the day. That says enough right there.

Finally, the good songs are back with “Last Cigarette”. A song that compares a girl to a cigarette. That should make the chick feel good. Basically, how you know you should stop seeing her, but you want that last hit before you give it up. A really cool song, upbeat and a total blast. A nice energy that will get you on your feet and rocking out. One of my favorites on the album. Plus, that chorus is huge and will suck you in like that last drag you take. The song has a co-write from keyboardist David Bryan…he needed more of them.

“I Am” is another mid-tempo rocker that has a great chorus and seems to have a positive message that when you feel like you are lost and there is no one there for you, well I am. More people need someone in their life like that. You get a nice, subtle solo from Richie, some slamming Tico drums and an overall solid tune.

And as I mentioned earlier, we need more rockers and “Complicated” was listening. A simple, straightforward rocker with a great chorus and some great Richie backing vocals to accompany Jon’s soaring vocals. Another good upbeat song that keeps the album moving with a good flow despite the two hiccups earlier.

“Novocaine” is another rocker, a little slower tempo but still has a punch to it. The song was written about a divorce between David Bryan and his wife at the time. I think it tells a great story about just that and if you’ve been through one you get it. Another solid track from the boys and to be this deep and I’m still liking it says alot.

Then we get another “It’s My Life” vibe song with “Story of My Life”…heck it even has “life” in the name. An uptempo track that starts off slow with some keyboards and then explodes with that noticeable formula. But if it is done well, I still kind of dig it. I thought I’d be sick of it, but I’m guess I’m not. I still like a big, catchy chorus and this delivers. Is it the best song, no not in the least, but I like what I like…at least my ears do.

Track Listing:

1. Have a Nice Day – Keeper
2. I Want To Be Loved – Keeper
3. Welcome to Wherever You Are – Keeper
4. Who Says You Can’t Go Home – Keeper
5. Last Man Standing – Keeper
6. Bells of Freedom – Delete
7. Wildflower – Delete
8. Last Cigarette – Keeper
9. I Am – Keeper
10. Complicated – Keeper
11. Novocaine – Keeper
12. Story of My Life – Keeper
13. Who Says You Can’t Go Home (with Jennifer Nettles) – Keeper

The Track Score is 11 out of 13 Tracks or 85%.  Is this the best Bon Jovi album ever? Not by a long shot, but I think it is the best since their return with ‘Crush’.  Very little filler, Richie’s guitar is back and slamming, the songs are better, and overall I was really drawn to it.  So far, the Shanks connection is a good thing. Too bad that changed quickly with later albums.  I think Jon still sounds great here and the band seems to be clicking.  I don’t even mind the one countrified song with Jennifer Nettles.  A whole album of that would suck, but one song is just fine.  Songs like “Last Man Standing”, “Last Cigarette” and Novocaine” are great and the ballad “Welcome to Wherever You Are” shows the boys still got it.  My Overall Score is a 4.0 out of 5.0 Stars.

 

NEXT UP: BON JOVI – ‘LIVE FROM THE HAVE A NICE DAY TOUR’ (2006 – WALMART EXCLUSIVE)

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