Jon Bon Jovi: Music is imperfect

MANILA, Philippines - One of rock’s most-admired acts, Bon Jovi has found the path to longevity through hit songs that have on their very core that timeless appeal bound, of course, to stand the test of time. The group’s hits during the ‘90s alone are now staple videoke numbers like Always, In These Arms, I’ll Be There For You and most specially, Bed Of Roses which lorded it over then Campus Radio’s famed Top 20 at 12 for a staggering 18 weeks.     

The band just put out its latest Greatest Hits album called The Ultimate Collection, with Filipino fans quite assured of their money’s worth via the two-disc edition that comprises the group’s most familiar tunes such as Livin’ On A Prayer, You Give Love A Bad Name, It’s My Life, among others. Even frontman Jon Bon Jovi’s solo venture Blaze of Glory gets on the list, along with four new compositions, namely, The More Things Change, No Apologies, This Is Love, This Is Life and the first single What Do You Got?

In a recent chat with Asian reporters, the charismatic lead singer expressed not for once feeling the pressure in writing new pieces for a line-up that’s simply legendary. Besides, they have proven that they could come up with something worthy of inclusion in a Greatest Hits CD. Both Always and Someday I’ll Be Saturday Night were newbies when the old all-hits collection Cross Road appeared in the market. Either of the two fared well with listeners, with Always even becoming the group’s all-time bestseller.

 “If you will just open your eyes and ears, everyday there’s an opportunity to write a good song,” said the prolific songwriter already inducted in the world-recognized Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Jon’s current sidemen include guitarist Richie Sambora, keyboardist David Bryan, and drummer Tico Torres.

The 30-song collection released by giant MCA Music captures the band’s legacy covering three generation of musical periods. When asked why there’s the need to include Blaze of Glory when in fact it’s a solo effort he scored while the group was taking a break off their first taste of international fame, Jon reasoned, “That song helped shape the future of the band. It was an award-winning piece (a Golden Globe winner at that) and a real milestone.”

Elaborating on songwriting techniques, Jon revealed that he penned some of his storyteller, longer, and intimate songs on piano and the rock songs that seem to work out by themselves on guitar. “I primarily write on guitar though both instruments will you give a different feel (for your songs).”

The gifted vocalist recalled recording their groundbreaking album Slippery When Wet on 24-track analog equipment, far different from the almost limitless possibilities of today’s digital recording. He considers himself “somewhere in the middle” as far as his being meticulous in recording is concerned.

He argued, “Music is supposed to be emotions. It isn’t supposed to be perfect. If you can find that fine line separating emotions and technicality then you can start developing your own voice and that will allow you to stay longer in the field.”

It won’t be surprising if Bon Jovi comes out with another greatest hits in the next 10 or so years. With the way Jon and the gang have grasped the key to enduring success, they can just enjoy themselves on a bed of roses. Never say goodbye.