Alex Mann

When Bon Jovi released their latest studio album 'Have A Nice Day' in 2005, it was the heaviest album since 'Keep The Faith' in 1992, with no love songs, only 2 ballads, and lots of rock and attitude. The third single off that album, however, is perhaps the most surprising song off the record. 'Who Says You Can't Go Home' is a rock song, with a very heavy country influence 

Surprising would be an exaggeration however. This is still most definitely a post-2000 Bon Jovi song. The chorus is very catchy, with a repeated "it's alright! It's alright! It's alright!"; Sambora's guitar riff may have a country twang but it sticks in the mind long after the song ends, and the lyrics are beyond cheesy. "I was running away from the only thing I've ever known, like a blind dog without a bone, I was a gypsy lost in the twilight zone". The message is also very positive; "been there done that, but I'm not looking back!" For Bon Jovi to say that is, of course, very ironic. They are nearing the end of their World Tour, and it would be a complete lie to say they are not looking back: four fifths of their set list consists of older material.

As a song, it is nothing outstanding or ground breaking. It will not get them new fans, it will not break sales records, and it will never make the crowd at a gig go crazy with the opening notes. The guitar solo does not stretch Sambora, and Bon Jovi's vocal range is not tested in the slightest. It is good, catchy, radio rock, and nothing more. It will stick in your mind, but historically, it will not feature in Bon Jovi's top 10.

If you are a fan, forget the B-Sides. Bon Jovi said that with the album, they wrote with a 'less is more' motto, and included everything they wrote, so B-Sides consist purely of live versions of album songs. For the completist only.

Rating:

6/10

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