“These Days” is the sixth studio album by American rock band Bon Jovi, released on June 27, 1995. The album marked a departure from their signature glam metal style, embracing a darker, more introspective sound that reflected the band’s evolving musical direction in the post-grunge era. The album was both a critical and commercial success, proving that Bon Jovi could continue to evolve and remain relevant in the 1990s rock scene.

Unique Trivia and Details

Shift to a More Mature Sound:

After the glam-heavy 80s and early 90s rock scene, Bon Jovi’s These Days embraced a more mature, introspective tone. While the album still had rock anthems, it also explored more somber, reflective themes. The band’s sound became richer, with influences from alternative rock, folk, and even country creeping into their work. This shift was a response to both changing musical trends and the band’s personal growth.

Band’s Transformation Amidst Personal Struggles:

These Days was recorded at a time when the band members were facing personal struggles, including band tensions, changing music industry dynamics, and the death of their longtime manager. These experiences are reflected in the album’s raw lyrics and somber mood. Jon Bon Jovi, in particular, was dealing with the pressures of being a global rock star while trying to navigate his personal life.
Critical and Commercial Success:

While These Days didn’t produce the same level of mainstream commercial success as Slippery When Wet or New Jersey, it was still a major hit. It reached No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart and went platinum in the US, where it sold over 3 million copies. The album’s success also helped Bon Jovi maintain their relevance during a time when grunge and alternative rock were dominating the airwaves.

The Key Singles – “This Ain’t a Love Song”:

The lead single, “This Ain’t a Love Song,” was a powerful, somber ballad that became one of the band’s signature tracks. Its heartfelt lyrics about the end of a relationship resonated with a wide audience. Despite its more serious tone, it became one of Bon Jovi’s biggest hits of the 90s, reaching the top 10 on charts worldwide. The song marked a shift from the romanticized love songs of earlier albums to more emotionally complex narratives.

Collaboration with Desmond Child:

Desmond Child, a frequent Bon Jovi collaborator who had worked on hits like “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “You Give Love a Bad Name,” returned to help pen some of the tracks on These Days. His influence is evident in songs like “This Ain’t a Love Song” and “Something for the Pain,” where his trademark knack for catchy yet emotionally charged lyrics helped elevate the album’s themes.

Themes of Despair and Hope:

The album’s lyrics dealt with themes of societal breakdown, personal disillusionment, and the loss of innocence, reflecting the band’s changing outlook in the mid-90s. These Days touches on global issues like the struggles of the working class and the sense of confusion many people felt in the post-Cold War era. However, there is still an underlying sense of hope, as seen in tracks like “My Guitar Lies Beside Me,” where the guitar is used as a symbol of both escape and solace.

Tensions and Uncertainty:

These Days was recorded during a time of uncertainty for Bon Jovi. The band was struggling with internal conflicts and questioning their direction. Guitarist Richie Sambora, who had previously been at the forefront of the band’s sound, was less involved in the songwriting process, leaving Jon Bon Jovi to take a larger role. Despite these tensions, the band delivered a cohesive album, with These Days still showcasing the chemistry between the band members despite the growing challenges.

Visual Aesthetic and Album Art:

The album cover for These Days was minimalist and striking. It features a close-up of a faceless figure with rain on the surface, which matched the album’s darker, more serious mood. The artwork was designed to reflect the themes of emotional isolation and the passage of time that are central to the album’s songs.

Touring During a Changing Music Landscape:

The These Days tour occurred in the midst of the rise of grunge and the alternative music explosion, which led some to question whether Bon Jovi could still succeed. However, the band’s perseverance paid off, with the album’s more mature sound allowing them to continue filling arenas and connecting with fans around the world. The band’s live performances during this time were notable for their intensity, with the band often performing stripped-back versions of their songs to better suit the darker tones of the album.

Legacy of These Days:

Over the years, These Days has gained a reputation as one of Bon Jovi’s most underappreciated albums. Many critics and fans have come to appreciate the album’s introspective and emotional depth, seeing it as a turning point in the band’s career. While it might not have had the same mainstream appeal as their earlier albums, These Days stands as a testament to Bon Jovi’s ability to evolve and stay relevant, despite the shifting musical landscape of the 1990s.

These Days is a pivotal album in Bon Jovi’s catalog, marking a significant shift in both their sound and lyrical content. Combining reflective themes with a more mature rock sound, the album showcased the band’s growth and ability to adapt. It may not have achieved the commercial heights of its predecessors, but These Days remains a powerful example of the band’s evolution and artistic integrity in an era of musical change.