Welcome to the final post in the Bon Jovi Collection Series. I have spent the past 14 months going through everything in my Bon Jovi collection and that included full reviews of ALL 16 Studio Albums. I had done a Ranking back in 2020 after the album ‘2020’ came out but that was based off what I thought listening to the albums only. No deep dive. I will admit this one is slightly different than before as I spent a week with each album and dove deep in to the songs. It isn’t entirely different as the #1 is the same, but there is a lot of movement below.

I am not going to go in to the band’s story here because you can read that if you want by going through the reviews yourself by clicking on the links at the bottom of the post. Bon Jovi has been through changes and some challenges, but they are still going strong…not necessarily with the same crew but Jon, David & Tico are still there holding down the ship…well Jon is as it is his ship as he is the dictator…I mean captain if we are staying with the ship analogy. So, hoist the sail, raise up the anchor and let’s cruise through the 16 Studio albums and see what is the best and what is the worst…I hope you enjoy.

THE WORST – ‘2020’ (2020):

After some delays thanks to Covid, the 15th Studio album was released on October 2, 2020. They picked the name of the album, ‘2020’, for two reasons. Jon was seeing clearly on what was going on in the world. And 2020 was the year of the Pandemic, George Floyd killing and a world of other problems. I feel Jon was trying to write an album using the same old tired formulas as before and even trying to get political. Thinking too much maybe.  Bon Jovi is not a political band…in my opinion. There is nothing here to grab hold of to enjoy on this new ride.  Plus, Jon’s voice is not the same and doesn’t have the punch he used to have. He can’t be as emotive and it doesn’t sound authentic. He was speaking more than singing.  This is the worst album they have done in my opinion.  My Overall Score is a 1.0 out of 5.0 Stars.  Yes, it is that bad.  Most albums, I can start to enjoy a little something with each listen. This one made me more angry and upset with each listen. That is not a good thing at all.

#15 – ‘WHAT ABOUT NOW’ (2013):

The band’s 12th studio album came out in the U.S. on March 12, 2013. I think I summed up this album in the beginning…”And sadly, at the helm is still John Shanks who has turned the band in to a predictable, paint-by-numbers band that has lost all creativity and imagination. There is no painting outside the lines on this album. You’ve heard it all before. They have turned into a band that tries to be positive and encouraging in their lyrics in a world that is much darker. It feels forced and is presented in a way that might seem bright and fun, but it is boring and a wonderful cure for insomnia.”  Now, was I being too harsh?  A little because half of this album is actually really good…not great, but good.  There are no songs I’d consider “Classic Bon Jovi”, but “Into the Echo”, “What About Now” and “Room at the End Of the World” have a shot maybe one day.  My Overall Score is a 2.0 out of 5.0 Stars…Borderline awful, definitely not great, just so-so.

#14 – ‘THE CIRCLE’ (2009):

The band’s 11th studio album came out on November 10, 2009. On my original ranking of the albums, this was my “WORST”. But not anymore. It has grown on me…slightly. My thoughts when I heard this album when it came out and not very different. Although I have softened a little, it is still a lot of emptiness, a lot of boring and a lot of nothing.  I think the band needs to shake things up and get rid of Shanks as he isn’t pushing them to find anything new or fresh. This is a retread of past albums with less heart and soul.  There is nothing here that feels like the band is in it for the right reasons.  Jon still trying to be Bruce but he isn’t as good a writer and so it comes across as hollow.  Sorry, but it is true.  I miss a Bon Jovi that tried to shake things up and do something a little different. Stop chasing hits and just write songs that actually mean something to you.  My Overall Score is a 2.0 Stars out of 5.0 Stars.  I said this was the worst album, up to this point. As you see, two that came after are now worst then this one.

#13 – ‘LOST HIGHWAY’ (2007):

The band’s 10th studio album came out on June 8, 2007. If you notice, in my opinion, the 10th-12th studio albums are some of their worst. It was a bad streak and I can see why Richie left as there is nothing here. They started to lose me here. They became tired and boring. Yeah, there are some good moments, but they were heading down a path of chasing the hit and trying to be something they were not.  And that loses authenticity and my respect. There a lot of songs on here that are just okay, but only a few that are great and a few that totally suck.  This is the first Bon Jovi album that doesn’t keep me fixated from beginning to end.  My Overall Score is 2.5 out of 5.0 Stars.  An album that wanted to be great, but got lost on the rock & roll highway…because it went down a country road, chased a hit and failed miserably.

#12 – ‘FOREVER’ (2024):

Thankfully, we are done with the bad albums. There rest are better than average all the way to amazing. The band’s 16th Studio album came out on June 7, 2024. After major vocal cord issues and surgery, Jon is back. I will admit, this is a good album…not a great one though.  The production is a little weak as Tico’s drums are so lifeless throughout the album. Did they drug him?  He is a pounder and yet none of that here.  Big disappointment. If you are looking for any real rockers, there aren’t any.  But what there is, is worth hearing for the most part. There are some really good songs. I feel the story telling was better than it has been and I love the nostalgic feel of some of the songs.  Nostalgia is always good.  “Legendar”, “We Made It Look Easy” and “My First Guitar” are so nostalgic. Jon’s vocals will never be where they were, but they are better than where they were on ‘2020’.  I couldn’t be happier for him that he is on the mend.  My Overall Score is a 3.0 out of 5.0 Stars.  As I said, this is a good album, not a great one. A vast improvement over the last one and a step in the right direction.  I hope it isn’t the last.

#11 – ‘THIS HOUSE IS NOT FOR SALE’ (2016):

The band’s 14th studio album was released on November 4, 2016. I wonder if listening to these studio albums back to back like I have for this series has softened my view on this one.  Going years between studio albums, I might have tended to focus on what was before. Now, I can hear the differences better and this one an improvement now more so than anything from “Lost Highway” to “What About Now”.  It is still not a great album, but it is better than I remember.  The first half of the album is really strong, 2nd half, not so much.  I do love the title track, but it is “Roller Coaster” and “Knockout” that I think help make this album better as those two tracks are awesome.  Not a great leap forward, but some shining moments.  My Overall Score is a 3.0 out of 5.0 Stars. 

#10 – “7800^o FARENHEIT’ (1985):

The band’s 2nd album saw the light of day way back on March 27, 1985. I will agree with the band that the sound on this album is not great production wise. The guitars at times sound a little dull and lifeless at times and should’ve sounded bigger. There is a tone throughout that seems a little off as well, however, the songs on here are great and are a band that is starting to find themselves and is really hungry.  If it wasn’t for the sound this would be one of my favorite records by the band (minus those last two tracks).  I remember buying this album when it came out and really loving it and spending a lot of time with it.  So, there is a personal connection to it.  With 8 really solid tracks, minus the sound issues, My Overall Score is a 3.5 out of 5.0 Stars.  I think this album is way better than people give it credit for, but I will admit the production value is less than stellar.  I feel it is still a must owned album. Heck we are in the Top 10 baby so they are all good.

#9 – ‘BOUNCE’ (2002):

On October 8, 2002, we were graced with the band’s 8th studio album. It is blatantly obvious with ‘Bounce’ that Bon Jovi was trying to make a ‘Crush 2.0’.  “It’s My Life’s” song formula was used multiple times on this album and though I think these songs are as good, that will change with future albums.  They are searching for hits here and wanting to repeat that success, but they don’t do it as effectively.  Regardless of all that, I still think this is a good Bon Jovi. When the songs are good, they are really good.  “Bounce”, “Hook Me Up”, “Undivided”, “Everyday” and even “You Had Me From Hello” are really good. But the diminishing return is starting as I don’t think this was as good as the last one.  My Overall Score is a 3.5 out of 5.0 Stars.

#8 – ‘BURNING BRIDGES’ (2015):

The band’s 13th studio album was released on August 21, 2015. And for me 13 is not an unlucky number here. For a so-called throw away album, it really is awesome.  Since Jon just threw together old songs and a few new ones and he didn’t care about hits or promoting it, we finally get some decent songs that are interesting, catchy and enjoyable.  This is the first album since ‘Have a Nice Day’ that I actually like and I like it a lot.  Maybe Jon should spend less time worrying about hits and write songs because he wants to write. There is no set direction for this album and that is awesome.  There a lot of slower songs, but they are finally good and some of these songs are sensational and the best in years.  This album is HIGHLY UNDERRATED and if you haven’t spent time with it, you are missing out. My Overall Score is a 4.0 out of 5.0 Stars…yes, I like it that much!!  I am not sure what I’m hearing that everyone else isn’t, but damn, I’m glad I’m hearing it!!

#7 – ‘CRUSH’ (2000):

The band’s 7th studio album and the first of the 2000’s was dropped on June 13, 2000. The boys were back in town. There are a couple of tracks on here that are some of my favorite Bon Jovi tracks like “It’s My Life”, “Just Older” and “Say It Isn’t So”.  Bon Jovi succeeded in making the album sound more modern. Heck, it even sounds like Jon’s solo album ‘Destination Anywhere’. It leans more pop rock than 80’s hard rock and I feel they made that change feel natural. There is a new life to the band. They sound fresh and reinvigorated.  There is an excitement that hadn’t been there in a while and was it a sign of things to come or a recipe for disaster? We will have to wait and see.  For ‘Crush’, My Overall Score is a 4.0 out of 5.0 Stars.

#6 – ‘HAVE A NICE DAY’ (2005):

We now have the band’s 9th studio album which was released on September 20, 2005. 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 going on.  My Overall Score is a 4.0 out of 5.0 Stars.

#5 – ‘THESE DAYS’ (1995):

The band’s 6th studio album is special. It came out on June 27, 1995 and for an 80’s band in the 90’s, it was fantastic. The first half of the album is incredible strong, might be one of their strongest, but the back half is rather weak at times.  Now, that doesn’t take away from the fact that one of my all time favorite Bon Jovi tracks is in the back half with “Something to Believe In”.  I also love “Hey God” and “My Guitar Lies Bleeding in My Arms” as well as most of the ballads. With all that being said, My Overall Score is a 4.0 out of 5.0 Stars as I did say I really like this album.  For me, it was right place at right time with this one.

#4 – ‘KEEP THE FAITH’ (1992):

The band’s 5th album and first after the massive impact of ‘New Jersey’ came out on November 3, 1992. The first half of this album is one of the strongest the band has ever done (yes as strong as ‘These Days’ which we just mentioned), but the back half fades away quickly.  Here’s the thing, those first seven tracks are just so good that you don’t mind skipping the rest (well, except “Fear”).  The band has matured, the songwriting has improved and they are even better musicians.  The band has aged well and one of the few bands from the 80’s to survive the onslaught of grunge.  “Dry County” might be the best song they’ve ever written or performed and then with “Bed of Roses” one of my favorite ballads, this album has a lot going for it.  The production is top notch and I still find this album to be exceptional.  My Overall Score is a 4.0 out of 5.0 Stars.  If you haven’t spent time with this, you are missing out. Grab it and play it!

#3 – ‘SLIPPERY WHEN WET’ (1986):

The album that really started it all for them. Their 3rd album was released on August 18, 1986 and things would never be the same for them. The move to Vancouver and getting Bruce Fairbairn on the boards and bringing in the song-doctor Desmond Child really put the band on a new path.  They wanted to become superstars and ‘Slippery When Wet’ did that and then some for the band.  The album has three of thirr biggest songs ever with “You Give Love a Bad Name”, “Livin’ On a Prayer” and “Wanted Dead or Alive” as well as some massive deep cuts that are anthemic and made for the rock arena with “Let it Rock”, “Raise Your Hands” and “Wild in the Streets”.  Jon and Richie’s writing really matured with this album and the band seemed to really find their groove. It was the start of great things to come for them. My Overall Score is a 4.5 out of 5.0 Stars. It isn’t my favorite Bon Jovi album, but is pretty damn close!

#2 – ‘BON JOVI’ (1984):

I am sure a lot of people will think I’m nuts for having this at #2, but I listen to it more than ‘Slippery When Wet’. The debut came out on January 24, 1982. I actually wouldn’t skip anything here.  I have had a copy of this album off and on since 1984 when it was released and I have always loved it.  It always transports be back to that time and a lot of great memories around music.  The first 1/2 of this album is solid, and some of their best work.  “Runaway” is an all time classic Bon Jovi song.  The band might have better albums according to others, but not for me (well except for one).  My Overall Score is a 4.5 out of 5.0 Stars.  If the back 1/2 was a little stronger, this would’ve been a 5!  What a great way to kick off their studio albums.

#1 – ‘NEW JERSEY’ (1988):

I don’t think this is any surprise. Their 4th album would go on to be one of their biggest. ‘New Jersey’ came out on September 19, 1988. ‘Slippery When Wet’ might have sold more albums, but this one is the better of the two for me.  My all time favorite track, “Blood on Blood”, is on here for starters.  But the rest of the album sees better crafted songs all around.  I do like the western, cowboy vibes as well as it really seem to fit these guys even if they were from New Jersey.  The deep cuts were as good or better than the singles and Jon and Richie as well as the rest of the band were clicking and on fire.  5 hit singles, 7+ million sold…and a band at the top of their game.  My Overall Score is a 5.0 out of 5.0 Stars even if there was one song I didn’t like, it is still pretty much perfect to me.  I had a blast revisiting this one.

And we are now to the end of the Bon Jovi Collection Series. I will come back and add to it when I add stuff the collection or the band releases new material. There is still talk of a 40th Anniversary Box Set and it better be a physical release and not some shitty digital only thing. If they want my money, they need to do physical. I hope you enjoyed following along as much as I enjoyed doing the series. Yes, the band hit a rough patch there for a while, but to have only 3 bad albums, in my opinion, is not a terrible thing. That means we have 13 albums that we can enjoy over and over again. Thanks for hanging around!!!

NEXT UP: ????

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 – “Legendary” – 7″ Single (2024)
64. Bon Jovi – Forever (2024)
65. The Albums Ranked Worst To First
66. 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