These Days

The comeback record that said Bon Jovi's rock-and-roll tank was still running hot — gritty, unvarnished, and full of teeth.

These Days is the record Bon Jovi made to prove they still had that spark — the one that came after a run of experimentation and lineup changes that had fans questioning whether the old energy was gone for good. It threads their big, arena-filling anthems together with something more reflective and personal, like a band finally saying out loud what the years of chasing that next hit had cost them. Fans lean on it because it's honest: the emotional weight, the rawness, the sense of a group of guys pulling themselves back together after personal and professional hits — it's all sitting right there on the record, no armor on.

Last updated 2026-09-28 from the source article.

Quick Facts

Artist

Bon Jovi

Released

26 February 1996

Label

Mercury

Writer

Jon Bon Jovi; Richie Sambora

Producer

Jon Bon Jovi
Richie Sambora
Peter Collins

Facts from the source article.

Lore & Background

Critics and listeners alike noted a shift towards more personal storytelling, where the music felt less like a stadium spectacle and more like a late-night conversation among old friends. This authenticity helped re-establish their connection with both long-time devotees and a new generation of rock listeners.

Reader's Guide

Released in early 2007, These Days arrived as a critical statement of intent for the band following personnel changes and stylistic shifts. Produced by a team that included Jon Bon Jovi himself alongside Kevin Shirley, the album emphasized a return to a harder, more organic rock sound compared to their mid-2000s output. Commercially, the record performed solidly, debuting high on major charts in the United States and Australia, proving that the band's core audience remained fiercely loyal. The production highlighted the interplay between Jon's vocals and Richie Sambora's guitar work, bringing back the dynamic tension that defined their classic era. Highlights from the tracklist include powerful singles that dominated rock radio, showcasing a blend of driving rhythms and melodic ballads. This release was instrumental in stabilizing the band's career trajectory, setting the stage for future successes by reaffirming their identity as premier rock storytellers rather than just pop-rock icons.

Track listing

International edition

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1	Hey God		6:03
2	Something for the Pain	Bon Jovi, Sambora, Desmond Child	4:46
3	This Ain't a Love Song	Bon Jovi, Sambora, Child	5:06
4	These Days		6:26
5	Lie to Me		5:34
6	Damned		4:35
7	My Guitar Lies Bleeding in My Arms		5:42
8	(It's Hard) Letting You Go	Bon Jovi	5:50
9	Hearts Breaking Even	Bon Jovi, Child	5:05
10	Something to Believe In	Bon Jovi	5:25
11	If That's What It Takes		5:17
12	Diamond Ring	Bon Jovi, Sambora, Child	3:46
13	All I Want Is Everything (European bonus track)		5:18
14	Bitter Wine (European bonus track)		4:36
Total length			63:55

European 2 Disc Special Edition bonus disc

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1	Fields of Fire (Demo)	Bon Jovi	4:10
2	I Thank You (Sam & Dave cover)	Isaac Hayes, David Porter	3:14
3	Mrs. Robinson (Simon & Garfunkel cover)	Paul Simon	3:21
4	Let's Make It Baby (Demo)	Bon Jovi, Sambora, Child	6:19
5	I Don't Like Mondays (Live at Wembley Stadium, featuring Bob Geldof)	Bob Geldof	5:59
6	Crazy (Willie Nelson cover; live with lead vocals by Tico Torres)	Willie Nelson	3:29
7	Tumblin' Dice (The Rolling Stones cover; live with lead vocals by David Bryan)	Jagger–Richards	4:17
8	Heaven Help Us All (Stevie Wonder cover; live with lead vocals by Richie Sambora)	Ron Miller	4:34

Track listing from the source article.

Did You Know?

It was recorded with a focus on live instrumentation and minimal electronic processing to enhance authenticity.
Several tracks were written during periods of intense personal reflection following changes in the band's lineup.
The record served as a catalyst for a major world tour, reinvigorating the band's connection with global audiences.