A simply cool smiley face (a modern-day cousin of the 1970s yellow smiley face.)
sets the tone for the New Jersey rockers who venture into new territory, country music and social commentary. Bon Jovi’s songs here may be as infectious as ever, yet they’re seldom mere passing fads, often infused with alternating doses of bracing cynicism (the title track’s sarcastic riposte to the ’04 election) and reflective, often bittersweet takes on histories both personal and otherwise.

Jon Bon Jovi and guitarist/collaborator Richie Sambora’s hook-savvy song crafting is present on all 13 tracks, be it the big ballad I Am or even the well tuned nods to Dylan Last Man Standing, the hard-edged I Want to Live or a winning duet with Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland on Who Says You Can’t Go Home adding some slightly twangy Nashville influences. Bon Jovi delivers a sonically burnished triumph here by largely going back to his earlier albums lacing choruses that have been heard in the same vocal range.

The disc is probably the quartet's most political album, thanks to the acoustic idealism of Bells of Freedom and the cover illustration that reflects the title song. Sambora co-wrote seven of the 13 tunes. The lyrics speak of 'standing up for yourself' and a lot of personal freedom issues with a message. Going deeper, it's a reflection of what's happening in the world, from the devastating impact of hurricanes, to the war in Iraq. Inspirational lyrics and songwriting rare to find elsewhere.

The same vocal melody, the same 1-2 quarter note punch in the choruses and the rock edged music you heard on their previous albums are widely present here. Though you will find instances of popish stuff like Wildflower, its done mainly to strategically market the album.

Bon Jovi hooks up with Grammy winning producer John Shanks, (Ashlee Simpson Michelle Branch). Standouts would be the commendable psychadelia on Last Cigarette, is more studio savvy than musicianship. But its sad that keyboardist, David Bryan doesn't really play much piano on the album.

20 years of a career and sustained popularity is not something that you can just take for granted. The boys now ageing, work real hard and deserve every album success to come their way. So on a positive note, it can be said that they are unique and their music still rocks, so keep the faith. 

Rating: ****

Reviewed byVerus Ferreira