I've KEPT the fu@#$ng faith with this band for about as long as humanly possible. Really. When the recycled key-of-E formula ballads Always, then This Ain't a Love song, and on and on, came out, I had no idea that I would remain loyal for even ANOTHER decade, well into 2005. Treading the fine line of art and entertainment as they do, their music is at times frustrating to a musician who wants to call them inspirational.

Ok, so nobody's dangled a check for 8 mil. in front of me just yet, so I can't really fairly criticize a band whose shoes I truly haven't worn. But for all the Jovi-haters out there (and there's alot of you!), time and time again the one redeeming component has been Richie and David. Last year at the Borgata, when Tico had a problem with his kick-pedal, there was an impromptu keys&guitar jam that woke up bones in my body I didn't know I had. This band can PLAY. And that I stand behind. The problem is, I want them to PLAY, on their SONGS.

After the embarrassing pop overtones of Crush [though I still respect It's My Life when the mood hits] and I was frustrated once again, the band did something I never thought they'd do... they started playing MUSIC again, on their 2002 album BOUNCE. There's HEAVY stuff on there, epic playing, inspired lyrics, all the things I hadn't heard in about 10 years at that point, came rushing back. Then came the experimental arrangements of hits on "This Left Feels Right", THEN came the mamma of them all. Late last year, a 5 disc boxset of all their "we-know-our-singles-are-compromised-so-here's-our-real-songs" rarities were put into an official, epic package. Amazing! This band is on the way to a major rebound!

Then I heard about HAVE A NICE DAY. I heard that John Shanks was producing it. I heard that it was all recorded very quickly. And I heard the title track.

Just as the 90's showed them the way to cash in on the ballad formula, the new millenium has given me [and all other MUSIC-Jovi fans] a new pattern to complain about - the ain't-broke-so-don't-fix-it (AGAIN) repeat of "IT's My Life". First came "Everyday", which was O.K., then came "BOUNCE", which was forgiven since the song kicked so much a$$ on its own, but now comes the 3rd album remake, "Have A Nice Day." The same vocal melody, the same 1-2 quarter-note punch in the chorus, the same...song. Well ok, Bon Jovi's singles always had to be poppish, in order to strategically market TRUE music, the REST of the album, the REAL DEAL, the...

..ummm....

Then on September 19, 2005, the worst fears, what began with a comment on "Behind the Music" but then dismissed as bad editing, all hit home:

Richie stopped playing.

He just doesn't care anymore. Whatever criticisms everyone has of Bon Jovi, I only ask they separate unwarranted mockery from legitimate concern. The longest solo (but who needs it to be a solo? Give us anything!) is 8 bars, the longest he leaves the barre position is to scratch his nose, and the most creative he gets is the commendable psychadelia on "Last Cigarette", more studio savvy than musicianship.

It only gets worse. David Bryan, piano God, ... doesn't really play any piano on the album.

Then there's the songs. Even if an album doesn't focus on virtuosity, there's still the songwriting... right?

Well, songs like "Wildflower" and the "alrights" on "Who Says You Can't Go Home" are not only the most mediocre pop (not ROCK) ever heard from the band, they're downright annoying.

Since I always consider myself one of the biggest supporters, I need to end this review with as positive a light as possible. As always, 20 years of a career and sustained popularity is not something to sneeze at. They are working hard and deserve every album sale. They are good people with a desire to help others through inspirational lyrics, and even if Richie puts down his guitar and starts snoring for his rhythm tracks, the spirit of the songwriting is something always rare to find elsewhere. Even at their most bland, they are unique.

There are 3 awesome songs on the album. I wish I could say 10, 11, 12, but nope, only 3. Other fans will slightly dispute my over-critical spin on this, but other fans care more about the band's looks or lyrics than the actual music.

"Last man Standing", "Welcome to Wherever You Are", and "Bells of Freedom". Honorable mention to "I Am."

"Last Man Standing" is not only the best track, it's one of the band's best. If this were the only song I would have heard so far, I'd be in a much different mood. I'd think that this band is in the midst of making some of the greatest music ever, and this album should be hailed one of the greatest. It is a serious, no B.S. , down to business, driving rock song. The lyrics are very appropriate to what's going on in the music biz, and Richie is ALIVE. This song needs to be a single so the band gets interpreted in a different angle. But the band never releases their better songs as singles. If you're reading this and you're an online music downloader, you MUST get this song, at the very least.

Tell you what, I'm just going to end it there. Stop while it's on an upswing. I'm not giving up on the band just yet, as I almost did during "These Days", and I'm glad I stuck around. But this is only an average album that thinks it's something much more. There are occasional peaks. Make sure you have the dualdisc version, which is loaded with irony: the DVD mini-concert, of multiple live performances of rare songs from the vault, blow away the album "Have A Nice Day." In fact, it makes you go have one.

Love them or hate them, throughout Bon Jovi's career this band has been very consistent in keeping their core sound while slightly embellishing it with different colors and styles to keep the band 'relevant' as the music scene changed over time. The way I look at it, you can evenly divide these guys catalog into 5 different eras:

"Bon Jovi" and "7800 Farenheit" -
The beginning of their career. At times struggling to find their own sound but showing signs of potential through what was mostly weak songwriting...these albums did have some high points but they were few and far between.

"Slippery when Wet" and "New Jersey" -
Their rise to superstardom. Yeah they were lumped in with the hair band scene (and why not? Big hair, Power Ballads) but never really sounded like any of the bands from that era. Both of these albums are landmarks of the 80's and the songwriting was so strong you couldn't deny their talent.

"Keep the Faith" and "These Days" -
Their break into the 90's music scene. Same core sound used for Slippery and NJ...but changed ever so slightly to appeal to a broader audience. "Faith" showed the band could still write irrisistable hooks and excel at many different styles of music while "These Days" showed a darker more somber side of the band, yet the songs remained memorable.

"Crush" and "Bounce" -
Their attempt to stay on top in the new millenium. "Crush" showed the band at their most mature and introspective...again, same core sound...yet modernized with new age production and more variation in the instrumentation of the song arrangements...and, once again, strong and memorable songs. "Bounce" was a natural progression of "Crush" yet contained a number of lackluster songs that sounded 'thrown together'...but overall a solid release.

"Cross Roads", "One Wild Night Live", "This Left Feels Right", and "100'000'000 Bon Jovi Fans Can't Be Wrong" -
The odds and ends they've released over the years...a greatest hits album with 3 new cuts, a live record, a collection of reworked/rearranged classics, and a 5 disc box set of B sides and rarities. (the first two being very good releases while the latter two mainly just for the die-hards).

Now as far as me personally, I feel "New Jersey" is the bands best work yet ironically "These Days" is actually my favorite album (go figure). After 100 million albums sold, countless #1 hits, sold out tours around the world...you have to ask...what else is there to prove? The answer....nothing. There is nothing this band can do that they haven't already acheived so when a new Bon Jovi release arrives I find it hard to believe its just a quick cash grab or an attempt at commercial success.

So now...after the previous 5 eras of the bands career comes "Have a Nice Day"...the new chapter so to speak. As soon as the title track "Have A Nice Day" opens the album...I'm thinking...this a killer old school rock n roll Bon Jovi song. I don't think any Bon Jovi fan can listen to this song and not be reminded why they fell in love with this band in the first place and sing a long to the chorus...classic Bon Jovi song...but...it is also the only track that has that 'familiar' sound on the entire album...getting worried? Well, let me finish.

It becomes readily apparent that this album follows the same trend the band has used in the past...the core sound is still present...yet there are new elements added. The song arrangements favor the ones from "Crush", the tones and guitar work favor "Keep the Faith"...yet the melodies, vocal harmonies, and overall feel of the album is very diferent from anything the band has done in the past. Jon Bon Jovi's vocals are surprising strong throughout the record, often using the full range of his voice most thought was long gone. Richie Sambora's trademark vocal harmonies are much more prominent than they were on the last couple of studio efforts and his guitar work is as tasteful as ever (with over half of the tracks contaning solos). The production is very 'rock' sounding with a nice low end and exceptional clarity. And of course...the most important thing...the songs are very memorable and well written with really no filler at all. Heres a track by track review:

"Have a Nice Day" -
As I stated above, this is just a straight up rock anthem. Very guitar driven with an irresistable hook in the chorus. Just a great song with a driving groove and uplifting lyrics that are slightly tongue in cheek. Great way to start an album.

"I Want to be Loved" -
Another guitar driven song with the verse containing Sambora's trademark "Talk Box" work. This is a departure from the usual Bon Jovi formula and is actually refreshing to hear the band try something with a modern rock vibe.

"Welcome to Wherever you Are" -
A ballad of sorts, with great vocal harmonies and again uplifting lyrics. This song is very catchy and the chorus will stick in your head for days. I'm pretty sure this is scheduled to be the next single and rightfully so. Great song.

"Who Says You Can't Go Home" -
You think the last song was catchy? This song upon first listen has a very modern country feel to it (which of course was intentional). Most of todays country artists should take notes because this song is just one huge hook. Again, a departure from the normal formula but it works so damn well.

"Last Man Standing" -
This was a song written for the "This Left Feels Right" album but was pulled at the last minute and later resurfaced on the box set. If you are familiar with the box set version you will be surprised...its been given a full on rock makeover, driving drums, tons of guitars, and a different arrangement on the backing vocals with Sambora singing much more than on the original version. Great song with a great message.

"Bells of Freedom" -
Another near-ballad. Great vocal hooks, gentle acoustic guitar/piano arrangement and a great chorus. Even though there are some slower ballad type songs...the overall 'rock' feel is apparent in every song.

"Wildflower" -
This song reminds me of "Mystery Train" from "Crush". Smooth arrangement and great lyrics. Again, the words memorable, catchy, hooky come to mind when listening...good song.

"Last Cigarette" -
The biggest departure on the album. It took a couple of listens to wrap it around my head and after that I realized its so damn catchy it really stands out. I cant really explain the sound of the song but I've never heard a Bon Jovi song sound exactly like this...it almost sounds like a pop song from the early 70s...but unmistakably Bon Jovi.

"I Am" -
Another of the standout tracks. Incredible melodies and just overall a great well written anthem. Jon's vocals in the chorus are especially strong. One of the best on the disc.

"Complicated" -
Similar to "I Want to be Loved" but a little more catchy in the chorus. Very guitar driven with a good beat and of course great hooks.

"Novocaine" -
One of my personal favs on the album. The chorus has a great 3 part vocal arrangement and a great rockin beat and once again the lyrics really shine. Nice short and sweet slide solo by Richie too.

"Story of my Life" -
Another straight up memorable rock tune. Strong lyrics, strong melodies, strong song. Another nice solo by Sambora on this one (like all the leads on the disc they are short and tasteful...sure I love to hear Richie rip, but his lead work on this album is very good...lyrical, soulful, trademark Richie).

"Who Says You Can't Go Home" -
An additional version of this song closes the album as a duet between Jon and Jennifer Nettles of country act Sugarland. It just adds to the overall country feel of the song and Nettles vocals work very well with Jons.

To be completely honest, alot of the songs on here took at least 2 or 3 listens to really stick in my head. Alot of Bon Jovi's albums had alot of really great songs but also had some filler tracks (mainly Bounce and the latter half of Keep the Faith)..."Have a Nice Day" differs in the sense that every song is memorable. Instead of having 5 or 6 or whatever number of great songs then having tracks that basically just fill up space on the album...everything is evenly spaced into 12 well written memorable songs...so after 2 or 3 listens to the album in its entirity...the individual songs begin to standout more and thats where this record truly shines.

The Dual Disc version of the record contains the video for "Have A Nice Day", An EPK containing interviews with the band about the album, and a live footage performance from Nov 2004 in Atlantic City containing 5 songs, "Everyday" "Miss Fourth of July" "I Get A Rush" "These Arms are..." and "The Radio Saved my Life Tonight".

"Have a Nice Day" is a great memorable album written by some guys from Jersey who have conquered the music industry and have stood the test of time. Theres no need to compare this album to any of the previous releases...this is the next era in Bon Jovi's career. You can wish all you want for another "New Jersey" or what not...but it aint gonna happen...they've been there, done that, and have moved forward. The core sound is still here and the songwriting is still here...what more could you ask for. Love it or hate it..."Have a Nice Day" proves that no matter what happens in the music scene...Bon Jovi will always be here and if they keep releasing quality albums like this...they will at least help one fan have a nice day.

I have to start by saying that Bon Jovi is my favorite band because of there first six studio albums (Bon Jovi to these days)because how many bands actually have six awesome studio albums. But the downside is there past 3 (crush Bounce and Have A Nice Day) are the same old thing over and over. All we here about now is how he is going to live his life. I got to admit that the first time i heard its my life i loved it, but now they have taken these style of songs and wore them out. The thing I used to love about buying a new bon jovi album was that you knew the music was going to be different on every new record but the music still fit there style. Now I feel this new style is wore oout and they should have stopped after crush but instead now we have three of these albums. And where are all of the shredding guitr solos richie used to do. I understamd Jons voice has weakened and he cant scream anymore but Richie has no excuse. In a nutshell Bon Jovi dont make crap music its just that all we needed was one crush not three. If your into three and a half minute pop rock songs then go for it, but once again Bon Jovi has let there hardcore fans down.

Other than greatest hits this is the first Bon Jovi CD I have ever purchased. I love their sound and their songs but have never thought they were strong enough to produce an good CD. I was wrong. Since I don't carry any baggage for this band perhaps my view was different than some others. I don't care who wrote the songs or played guitor or piano. It was just good, fun music. My 14 and 12 year old sons liked it as well. The lyrics are that of a thoughtful man who has been around the world and is still having fun although there is some reflection. The music is just good straight forward rock. It isn't alternative, heavy metal or new age - just what you have come to expect from Bon Jovi. Rock on!

Has anyone noticed that most of the negative reviews on here fail to complete a sentence? Listen, Bon Jovi fans will like this album. If you're not a Bon Jovi fan . . . why do you care? If you're strictly buying an album based on the reviews here, you're stupid. With all the modern internet advances, they've actually made it possible for you to listen to music before purchase. Try it sometime. Then maybe I won't have to hear you complain about "wasting your money".

This album is one of my favorites. If you want a rock sound without the ballads, this will work for you. I enjoyed Bounce, but a couple of the songs reminded me of something Britney Spears would sing.

If you liked Wild Is The Wind . . . you'll like Bells of Freedom.

If you liked Sleep When I'm Dead . . . you'll like Who Says You Can't Go Home.

If you're looking for a cross between New Jersey and These Days, this is it . . . at least for me.

This is an album for Bon Jovi fans. The lyrics will never win any awards, lots of albums have a better "sound", but there's something about this group we all love. I, for one, am not ashamed of that.