If this is on the new album, it doesn't quite scream "big loud rock". ;) Then again, it's an acoustic "JBJ & Friends" performance, and the clip is quite short so it's probably best to reserve judgment. And it does seem like a more socially conscious song (see article below) than much of what has been released this decade which is what I've been pining for. In these tough economic and indeed political times, I want music that I can feel and bleed to, not music that glosses over the harsh realities of the world. In the 90s, Bon Jovi captured a level of social and political awareness and creativity that they've never reached since.
At the end of the day, Bon Jovi will still be my favourite band and the critics will still pan them. But it would be great if this album could prove they are still be those amazing artists we heard on These Days, Keep the Faith, Stranger in this Town, Destination Anywhere, Blaze of Glory, and Undiscovered Soul. I'm just after an awesome album whether it is the rock record Jon promised or not.
Here is most of "Livin' on a Prayer" from the same performance:
And from the San Francisco Business Times:
Those who stayed found almost greater reason to cheer when Jon Bon Jovi arrived as a surprise guest.
An afternoon that had the distinct feel of a rock concert finally became one.
“I’m preaching to the converted,” he said. So he started to sing.
Bon Jovi started with a not-yet-released song from a forthcoming album that he clearly sees as the working stiff’s anthem for this recession and the unemployed.
Called “Work for the Working Man,” the refrain was a catchy, if unsubtle, “Who’s gonna work for the working man?”
The lyrics are as direct: “Empty pockets, full of worry/Had to get two jobs and hard enough just getting by,” goes one line. Near the end, the song lists the woes of the laid off: “Lost my pension/They took my I.D./These were my friends/These were my dreams/These were my hopes/These are my streets/Can you hear me?”
The new song was followed by a down tempo arrangement of “Living on a Prayer” and a decidedly upbeat “Who Says You Can’t Go Home.”
And while the message was a downer, Bon Jovi garnered cheers almost as loud as did Mrs. Obama.
This song it´s better than new single. Why bon jovi make mistakes i don´t know.
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