Bon Jovi, a band that has been rocking stadiums for over four decades, remains a powerful force in music. Their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame solidified a career that boasts over 130 million albums sold globally and a fanbase that spans generations. Attempting to distill their extensive catalog down to a definitive list of songs is no easy task, but we’ve undertaken the challenge to rank Bon Jovi’s 35 best songs, celebrating the anthems that have defined rock history and continue to resonate today.
Bon Jovi’s Latest Chapter: Docuseries on Hulu
Exciting news for fans: a new docuseries, Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story, is scheduled to premiere on Hulu on April 26. This in-depth look at the band’s journey has been created with the full participation of both current and former Bon Jovi members. A teaser trailer offers a glimpse into their rollercoaster career, including the departure of guitarist Richie Sambora. Intriguingly, the trailer also shows Jon Bon Jovi in a hospital setting, holding a whiteboard with a simple message: “I’m good.” An unidentified voiceover hints at “Jon’s going through his challenges,” followed by Jon himself stating, “It almost killed us.” These “challenges” appear to be related to Jon Bon Jovi’s vocal issues, which he openly discussed at the Pollstar Live! conference in February 2024. He revealed to Ultimate Classic Rock that he underwent major reconstructive surgery on his vocal cords to address atrophy in one cord.
[Image of Bon Jovi band members performing on stage]
Image alt text: Bon Jovi band members Jon Bon Jovi, David Bryan, Tico Torres, and Phil X performing live on stage with guitars and drums.
35. “Burning Bridges” – ‘Burning Bridges’ (2015)
‘Burning Bridges’ holds a unique place in Bon Jovi’s discography. This album served as a contractual obligation release to Mercury Records, marking the end of a 32-year relationship with the label. Jon Bon Jovi himself described it to Billboard as “the end of an era.” The title track, “Burning Bridges,” is notably pointed, suggesting the label parting wasn’t entirely amicable. The lyrics, “After 30 years of loyalty, they let you dig a grave,” and “You’re why I wrote this song,” clearly articulate the band’s sentiment regarding this transition.
[Image of Bon Jovi Burning Bridges album cover]
Image alt text: Bon Jovi Burning Bridges album cover featuring a cartoon drawing of a bridge in flames against a sunset sky.
34. “Do What You Can” – ‘2020’ (2020)
“Do What You Can” emerged from the unprecedented times of the coronavirus pandemic. This song is a powerful reflection of the struggles faced by everyday people during those early days. Bon Jovi incorporated fan-submitted lyrics into the song, amplifying its relatability and impact. Lines like, “Honest men and honest women workin’ for an honest wage/I got a hundred point one fever, and we still got bills to pay,” vividly capture the anxieties and resilience of communities worldwide.
33. “She Don’t Know Me” – ‘Bon Jovi’ (1984)
As the follow-up single to their breakthrough hit “Runaway,” “She Don’t Know Me” offers an interesting glimpse into Bon Jovi’s early sound. While undeniably catchy and showcasing their pop-rock sensibilities, it reveals a band still in development. The song’s music video, with its quintessential 80s cheese, further highlights this period of growth and burgeoning potential.
32. “Someday I’ll Be Saturday Night” – ‘Cross Road’ (1994)
Often overshadowed by the massive success of “Always,” which also appeared on the ‘Cross Road’ greatest hits album, “Someday I’ll Be Saturday Night” is a song that deserves its own spotlight. It demonstrates Bon Jovi’s ability to tackle more serious and introspective themes while maintaining a sense of defiance and hope in the face of adversity. This track proved their range extended beyond purely celebratory anthems.
31. “The Radio Saved My Life Tonight” – ‘100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can’t Be Wrong’ (2004)
“The Radio Saved My Life Tonight” was the standout single from ‘100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can’t Be Wrong,’ a box set commemorating the band’s 20th anniversary with unreleased tracks. Recorded in 1992, presumably during the ‘Keep The Faith’ sessions, its omission from that album remains a mystery. This energetic track is a testament to the quality of their unreleased material and a gift to long-time fans.
30. “Dry County” – ‘Keep The Faith’ (1992)
Perhaps “The Radio Saved My Life Tonight” was left off ‘Keep The Faith’ to make room for the epic “Dry County,” jokingly referencing its nearly ten-minute length. One of Bon Jovi’s most expansive songs, “Dry County” narrates the story of American towns reliant on the oil industry facing economic hardship after its decline. Lyrics like, “Now the oil’s gone/And the money’s gone/All the jobs are gone/Still we’re hanging on,” resonate beyond the oil industry, touching upon the universal struggles of communities facing economic shifts.
29. “This Ain’t A Love Song” – ‘These Days’ (1995)
Richie Sambora’s guitar prowess is undeniable, but his backing vocals were equally crucial to Bon Jovi’s signature sound, creating rich harmonies with Jon Bon Jovi. “This Ain’t A Love Song” perfectly showcases this vocal blend alongside Sambora’s guitar work. It’s also the first of eight songs on this list co-written by Desmond Child, a significant collaborator who played a pivotal role in shaping Bon Jovi’s success.
28. “Misunderstood” – ‘Bounce’ (2002)
“Misunderstood” delves into the relatable experience of relationship misunderstandings. It captures the essence of navigating miscommunications and the importance of dialogue to overcome them. Through its pop-rock melody, the song emphasizes the simple yet crucial act of talking things out to strengthen bonds.
27. “Say It Isn’t So” – ‘Crush’ (2000)
In contrast to “Misunderstood,” “Say It Isn’t So” addresses the painful reality of infidelity and relationships falling apart. While dealing with heartbreak, Bon Jovi manages to transform this emotional turmoil into an incredibly catchy and memorable track, demonstrating their knack for crafting engaging songs from difficult emotions.
26. “Captain Crash & The Beauty Queen From Mars” – ‘Crush’ (2000)
Speaking of catchy tunes, ‘Crush’ marked Bon Jovi’s triumphant “comeback” album, packed with gems like “Captain Crash & The Beauty Queen From Mars.” This exceptionally catchy love song boasts one of the most imaginative and intriguing song titles in their entire catalog. Its infectious energy and unique title make it a standout track that deserves repeated listens.
25. “American Reckoning” – ‘2020’ (2020)
Bon Jovi ventured into overtly political territory with “American Reckoning,” a song directly inspired by the murder of George Floyd and the subsequent protests against police brutality in 2020. While Jon Bon Jovi has been politically active, the band’s music had generally remained apolitical until this point. “American Reckoning” is unflinching in its lyrics, directly addressing the events with lines like, “God damn those 8 long minutes/Lying face down in cuffs on the ground/Bystanders pleaded for mercy.”
24. “Undivided” – ‘Bounce’ (2002)
Inspired by the tragedy of 9/11, “Undivided” is a powerful arena rock anthem reflecting the unity that emerged in the aftermath. In today’s context, it evokes a sense of nostalgia for a time when national tragedy fostered collective solidarity, prompting reflection on the possibility of rediscovering that unity.
23. “We Don’t Run” – ‘Burning Bridges’ (2015)
While ‘Burning Bridges’ was largely composed of previously unreleased material, “We Don’t Run” was specifically written for this album. Co-written by Jon Bon Jovi and producer John Shanks, who took over lead guitar duties after Richie Sambora’s departure, the song’s release may have been overshadowed by the album’s circumstances. Nevertheless, “We Don’t Run” is a strong anthem with a driving rhythm section propelled by Tico Torres and Hugh McDonald.
22. “Who Says You Can’t Go Home (ft. Jennifer Nettles)” – ‘Have A Nice Day’ (2005)
Bon Jovi successfully blended rock with country in “Who Says You Can’t Go Home,” featuring Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland. This collaboration was a resounding success, reaching number one on Billboard’s U.S. Hot Country Songs chart. It also earned Bon Jovi their only Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals, highlighting their genre-bending appeal.
21. “In and Out of Love” – ‘7800° Fahrenheit’ (1985)
Bon Jovi faced challenges following their debut album, with Jon Bon Jovi himself often overlooking ‘7800° Fahrenheit.’ Despite this, “In and Out of Love” remains a solid rock track, showcasing Tico Torres’ drumming skills. It stands as a testament to their enduring rock sound even during transitional periods.
20. “Bed Of Roses” – ‘Keep The Faith’ (1992)
Bon Jovi is renowned for their power ballads, unafraid to embrace grand gestures and emotions. “Bed Of Roses” is a prime example, with Jon Bon Jovi delivering lyrics like, “With an ironclad fist, I wake up and French kiss the morning.” While some might deem it sentimental, its powerful chorus is undeniably captivating, especially for a singalong in the car.
19. “Bounce” – ‘Bounce’ (2002)
Similar to power ballads, arena anthems are a Bon Jovi specialty, and the title track from ‘Bounce’ is an often-underappreciated example. With its resilient lyrics, “I been knocked down so many times/Counted out 6, 7, 8, 9/Written off like some bad deal,” it embodies a fighting spirit that resonates with listeners facing challenges.
18. “Just Older” – ‘Crush’ (2000)
“Just Older” acts as a counterpart to songs like “Glory Days,” acknowledging the past while focusing on the future. Lines like, “After all these years and miles of memories/I’m still chasing dreams/But I ain’t looking over my shoulder,” speak to continuous aspiration. The second verse, seemingly referencing Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora’s relationship, carries a bittersweet note in light of Sambora’s departure, but overall, the song is an anthem for embracing middle age and looking ahead.
17. “Never Say Goodbye” – ‘Slippery When Wet’ (1986)
Bon Jovi’s mastery of power ballads is further exemplified in “Never Say Goodbye,” a song about high school romance delivered with characteristic intensity. Its themes of enduring young love might even be linked to Jon Bon Jovi’s relationship with his high school sweetheart Dorothea Hurley, whom he married in 1989, showcasing the longevity of some romances.
16. “Everyday” – ‘Bounce’ (2002)
Following the success of ‘Crush,’ Bon Jovi quickly released ‘Bounce,’ led by the uplifting single “Everyday.” This track offered a slightly harder rock edge than expected but retained their signature pop-rock sensibilities. “Everyday” has aged remarkably well, remaining a powerful and positive anthem.
15. “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead” – ‘Keep The Faith’ (1992)
Even amidst the grunge era, Bon Jovi continued to create compelling pop-rock. “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead” may have had modest success on the Billboard charts in the US, but it resonated strongly overseas. The music video, documenting their European tour and referencing The Beatles’ ‘A Hard Day’s Night,’ reflects this international appeal.
14. “Wild In The Streets” – ‘Slippery When Wet’ (1986)
Closing out ‘Slippery When Wet,’ “Wild In The Streets” ends the album on a high note. Considered by many as Bon Jovi’s quintessential party song, it’s certainly a strong contender, though the band would later release another track that some might argue surpasses it in party anthem status (see #10).
13. “Born To Be My Baby” – ‘New Jersey’ (1988)
Who can resist a catchy “Na-na-na-na-na” hook? Certainly not Bon Jovi fans, who propelled “Born To Be My Baby” into becoming the band’s fifth top-ten hit within two years. Its infectious chorus and upbeat energy made it an instant crowd-pleaser.
12. “Lay Your Hands On Me” – ‘New Jersey’ (1988)
“Lay Your Hands On Me” kicks off ‘New Jersey’ with a bold and suggestive energy. Interestingly, Dolly Parton later transformed the song into a gospel tune on her 2014 album ‘Blue Smoke,’ highlighting the double entendre of the title phrase and its varied interpretations.
11. “Raise Your Hands” – ‘Slippery When Wet’ (1986)
From New York to Tokyo, “Raise Your Hands” is an irresistible call to action. Its powerful pre-chorus and even bigger chorus make it nearly impossible not to… well… raise your hands. With over 668 live performances, it remains a staple in Bon Jovi’s concerts.
10. “One Wild Night (2001)” – ‘One Wild Night Live 1985-2001’ (2001)
While the original “One Wild Night” appeared on ‘Crush,’ the remixed “One Wild Night (2001)” from their live album is arguably superior. It’s an instant party starter and, despite its lower ranking here, remains an underappreciated gem in their catalog.
9. “Always” – ‘Cross Road’ (1994)
If power ballads are an art form, Bon Jovi are masters. “Always,” one of the new tracks on ‘Cross Road,’ became a global smash hit. Its intensely romantic lyrics, such as, “I’ll wish I was him ’cause those words are mine/To say to you ’till the end of time/Yeah, I will love you, baby, always,” are undeniably dreamy and captivating, even if the music video’s plotline is somewhat perplexing.
8. “Runaway” – ‘Bon Jovi’ (1984)
The song that launched it all. The story of “Runaway” is well-known: Jon Bon Jovi’s visit to WAPP radio station and DJ Chip Hobart’s belief in the song’s potential led to its airplay, gaining local traction, and ultimately prompting Jon to form the band Bon Jovi. The rest, as they say, is history.
7. “I’ll Be There For You” – ‘New Jersey’ (1988)
Bon Jovi boasts many strong power ballads, but “I’ll Be There For You” stands apart. Jon Bon Jovi’s vocal performance and Richie Sambora’s harmonies create a powerful and sincere track. Despite potentially saccharine lyrics, Bon Jovi’s delivery makes it feel genuine, a quality that may have contributed to their 80s success and continued appeal.
6. “Keep The Faith” – ‘Keep The Faith’ (1992)
In 1992, amidst the rise of grunge, Bon Jovi defied trends with “Keep The Faith.” Co-written by Desmond Child, it marked their return after a hiatus and showcased their evolution while retaining their core sound. It remains a live favorite and concert highlight even decades later.
5. “It’s My Life” – ‘Crush’ (2000)
Similar to “Keep The Faith,” “It’s My Life” marked a comeback during a changing musical landscape – the nu-metal era. Bon Jovi again defied expectations, delivering a song that felt both familiar and fresh. Co-written with pop songwriter Max Martin, “It’s My Life” introduced Bon Jovi to a new generation while reassuring long-time fans that Tommy and Gina were still doing alright.
4. “You Give Love A Bad Name” – ‘Slippery When Wet’ (1986)
‘Slippery When Wet’ was a pivotal album for Bon Jovi, and “You Give Love A Bad Name” was the breakthrough single they needed. Co-written with Desmond Child, it became their first number one hit, catapulting them to rock superstardom and defining the sound of an era.
3. “Bad Medicine” – ‘New Jersey’ (1988)
Following the immense success of ‘Slippery When Wet,’ Bon Jovi faced the challenge of a follow-up. “Bad Medicine,” the lead single from ‘New Jersey,’ not only met but exceeded expectations, topping the Billboard Hot 100. This high-energy track demonstrated their ability to maintain momentum and deliver consistent hits under pressure.
2. “Livin’ On A Prayer” – ‘Slippery When Wet’ (1986)
At some point, we all identify with Tommy and Gina from “Livin’ On A Prayer.” This anthemic singalong, another Bon Jovi/Sambora/Child collaboration, became their second number one hit. Tied with “You Give Love A Bad Name” as their most performed live song, it’s a testament to its enduring popularity and universal themes of struggle and hope. The effective use of the talk box is just icing on the cake.
[Image of Bon Jovi Livin’ on a Prayer music video]
Image alt text: Bon Jovi Livin’ on a Prayer music video still featuring Jon Bon Jovi singing with a talk box microphone.
1. “Wanted Dead or Alive” – ‘Slippery When Wet’ (1986)
Evoking Wild West imagery to describe the demanding life on the road, “Wanted Dead or Alive” is a unique power ballad in Bon Jovi’s repertoire, deviating from typical love song themes. Often seen as the 80s equivalent to Bob Seger’s “Turn The Page,” it’s both rugged and reflective. While Bon Jovi attracted a large female fanbase, “Wanted Dead or Alive” resonated strongly with male listeners as well. While many songs in their top ten could be argued as their best, “Wanted Dead or Alive” feels quintessentially Bon Jovi, embodying their image and musical identity perfectly. It’s a song that has rocked countless faces throughout their career, solidifying its place as their ultimate anthem.
[Image of Bon Jovi Wanted Dead or Alive music video]
Image alt text: Bon Jovi Wanted Dead or Alive music video still featuring Jon Bon Jovi with long hair and a cowboy hat singing with an acoustic guitar in black and white.
