New Bon Jovi Single "We Weren't Born To Follow"
Following the Pattern of Lead Singles Since 2000
Aug 20, 2009
Bon Jovi have been rock and pop stalwarts since the 80s, answering their critics with their longevity and popularity over the years. The band's country-tinged 2007 album Lost Highway was another commercial success but one that deeply divided the fanbase. From early 2009, Jon Bon Jovi and others within the Bon Jovi camp promised the next album would be a big, loud "riff rock" record.
However, responses to the release of The Circle's lead single "We Weren't Born to Follow" this week have again been mixed. Some see it as a great pop rock song and return to form, while others see it as a continuation of an uninspired trend that began at the start of the decade. While taste is subjective, some patterns can be seen when one takes a look at Bon Jovi's lead singles since 2000.
It's My Life
"It's My Life" was the lead single from Bon Jovi's 2000 album Crush; the single and album most credited with introducing the band to a new generation of fans this decade. "It's My Life" reintroduced Tommy and Gina, the working class characters from "Livin' on a Prayer" as well Richie Sambora using the talkbox as he famously did on "Prayer".
Jon Bon Jovi wrote "It's My Life" about his desire to be both a musician and actor, and includes a reference to his idol Frank Sinatra: "My heart is like an open highway / Like Frankie said, I did it My Way".
Everyday
"Everyday" was the first single from Bounce, released in 2002, a year after the September 11 terrorist attacks. It is a song of defiance, reportedly written about Americans fighting back against terrorism and moving on with their lives. The heavier guitar sound and keyboard sampling give it a more aggressive feel than "It's My Life" but lyrically at least, the songs are still easily comparable.
Have A Nice Day
"Have a Nice Day" was the title track and lead single from Bon Jovi's 2005 release. Jon Bon Jovi had campaigned for unsuccessful Democrats candidate John Kerry in the 2004 US election, and this song was supposed to convey his frustration with George W. Bush's presidency. It is arguably the hardest rock song of the decade's first three lead singles.
(You Want To) Make A Memory
The "black sheep" of Bon Jovi's post-2000 singles, "Make a Memory" was a somewhat surprising and brave choice for lead single from the Nashville-influenced Lost Highway album. It was co-written with longtime collaborator Desmond Child, and is a minimalistic, wistful love ballad. Its follow-up, "Lost Highway" was perhaps closer to being a typical Bon Jovi single, with Jon again signing about freedom and independence.
We Weren't Born To Follow
The first single from the upcoming album to be released in November 2009, "We Weren't Born to Follow" debuted on radio in August. Like the trio of "It's My Life", "Everyday", and "Have a Nice Day", it is a catchy piece of pop rock with bright melodic hooks and focuses on much the same themes. In that sense, there is perhaps a touch of irony in the song title.
Some fans are disappointed by the over-polished production and lack of a proper guitar solo, at least in the radio edit, after promises of "riff rock". However, the lyrics in "We Weren't Born to Follow" are more complex than those of its predecessors.
Similarities
"It's My Life", "Everyday", "Have a Nice Day", and "We Weren't Born to Follow" share common themes such as living without regrets and standing one's ground in the face of adversity. The first three songs are all built around the phrase "live my life", while in "We Weren't Born to Follow" the sentiment is implied.
Although the songs are alleged to be about different things, they end up sounding similar because of the extent to which the "political" songs have been watered down. Perhaps it is to avoid controversy and ensure Bon Jovi remains safely accessible to the widest audience. This has been the apparent trend since 2000. In contrast, many diehard fans consider the 90s to be Bon Jovi's most artistic period due to the release of deeper, socially conscious tracks like "Dry County" and "Hey God".
"Make a Memory" perhaps appeals to the other Bon Jovi stereotype: the romantic ballad. However, its simple, stripped down arrangement is in stark contrast to hit ballads like "Always" and "Bed of Roses", or even the more recent "Thank You For Loving Me". While many fans disliked Lost Highway and this song, releasing "Make a Memory" as a lead single was arguably the biggest risk Bon Jovi has taken this decade.
Are the Songwriters and Producers to Blame?
For "It's My Life", Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora collaborated with songwriter Max Martin, who has penned hit songs for Kelly Clarkson, the Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears.
For "Everyday", Jon and Sambora teamed up with Andreas Carlsson, who has written for the Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, Westlife, and 'N Sync.
"Have a Nice Day" was written by Jon Bon Jovi, Sambora, and John Shanks, who has collaborated with Michelle Branch, Ashlee Simpson, and Take That.
Crush and Bounce were both produced by Luke Ebbin, while Shanks produced Have a Nice Day, half of Lost Highway, and The Circle.
According to some fans, the constant collaboration with pop writers and producers since 2000 is to blame for Bon Jovi failing to deliver on a promised "big, loud rock record".
But while the selection of "We Weren't Born to Follow" as the latest lead single was very safe and formulaic, it is too early to write off this album. Singles are aimed the widest possible audience; fans often find gems in lesser known album tracks.
The Circle is scheduled for release on November 10, 2009.
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