While many have labeld Bon Jovi’s tenth studio work as a cross over into country, a close listen reveals that it has been merely inspired by and influenced by country music with a very modern Nashville sound.

The album aims to influence the band's rock sound with that of country music following the success of a country version of the band's 2006 single Who Says You Can't Go Home, a duet with Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles. So what we have here is Jon Bon Jovi and band in a pretty much same old studio rock that they have been playing for the last twenty years or so, letting Nashville come to them, rather than the other way round. Added to the score of 12 songs are the accordion, fiddle, and mandolin thrown in for good measure coupled with straightforward, narrative lyrics and acoustic-heavy arrangements.

One of the rockers on the album Summertime is powerful with a heavy beat that portrays some of the recklessness of their glam rock days, proving that the boys still have their zest. Any Other Dayis magnificent with glorious music and surely a big hitter, more for Richie’s presence in not one but 2 guitar solos. A really rocking number. The latter half of the album is made up of ballads such as the brashly sentimental Seat Next To You, to the very smooth We Ain't Strangers Anymore (a duet featuring Leann Rimes), and the slightly dull Everybody's Broken all in the pop - rock vein.

There is no doubt that the songwriting is superb. In the lyrical stories that Bon Jovi brings out, there is often something the listener can relate to, its always meaningful and intelligently written with his performance very convincing. The title track Lost Highway compares life to a highway, while the very striking (You Want To) Make a Memory is a bold ballad; with a very harmonious piano melody and string instruments that create a completely amazing mood, very catchy, not as much as their superhit Always. Songs about taking chances come in One Step Closer, wishful thinking in Seat Next To You, and lost causes Whole Lot Of Leavin’.

A few standouts would be Everybody's Brokenthat has splendid lyrics and carries a strong message. (You Want To) Make a Memory is a neat soulful ballad with backing vocals by Richie Sambora. ‘We got it going on’ with Big and Rich, is the first of the two amazing collaborations, and like many of their earlier hits features the use of Sambora’s trademark talk box. Till We Ain't Strangers Anymore a Bon Jovi duet with Leann Rimes is blended well, powerful vocals, very passionate showcasing a powerful collaboration between the two that sparks off well. The parting I Love This Town a song that says it all, a surefire winner with a good chorus line, but lacking in real quality.

The title track Lost Highway sets the relaxed mood immediately. A strong drive with a groovy rhythm, a nice melody and a sing a long chorus, all the ingredients for a perfect song. We Got It Going On  has distorted guitars and layered vocals, with hard pumping beats while ‘Any Other Day’is an awesome rocker gentle, but with some great bass work from Hugh McDonald, the unofficial member of Bon Jovi. One Step Closeris all time Bon Jovi style rock with some rich drumming. The soulful guitar playing inSeat Next To Youis pretty memorable and a fine ballad with fantastic percussion, sweet-flavored lyrics. It also has crisp female voice accompaniment.

After listening to the album, its easy to say that the band has kept abreast with the times, yet not sidetracking from their roots, which made them one of the greatest rock acts and one that has survived time - 80s, 90s and 2000s. The country edge is certainly not omnipotent on this album, so die hard fans who love the swaggering veteran foursome of Jon Bon Jove, Richie Sambora, Tico Torres and David Bryan can tune in. 

Rating: ***** 

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira