Bon Jovi Studio Albums Ranked from Worst to Best

Ranking Bon Jovi's studio albums from worst to best

By Derek James

Bon Jovi is a legendary American rock band from New Jersey, and they rose to fame in the 1980s with their third album, "Slippery When Wet" (1986), which features well-known hits like "Livin' on a Prayer" and "Wanted Dead or Alive." 

Over the years, Bon Jovi has sold over 130 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling music artists of all time. They have also received multiple awards, including Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, and MTV Video Music Awards.  Despite line-up changes and evolving musical trends, Bon Jovi continues to tour and release new music, maintaining their status as one of rock music's most enduring acts.

Here. Bon Jovi super-fan Derek, ranks the band's studio albums from worst to best... 

15. 2020 (2020)

Bon Jovi released the album "2020," but it's informally referred to as "2020 Pandemic Album" or "2020: A Pandemic Story." The album's songs reflect the turbulent events of the year, particularly focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on society. Some of the tracks from the album include "Do What You Can," "American Reckoning," and "Limitless," among others. And, despite the strong meaning behind the album's tracks, the actual songs do feel a tad uninspiring and boring. 

14. What About Now (2013)

While "What About Now" received mixed reviews from critics, it still debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, marking Bon Jovi's third consecutive album to achieve this feat. Notable tracks from the album include the lead single "Because We Can," which became a staple in the band's live performances, as well as "What About Now," "What's Left of Me," and "Amen."  Thematically, this album explores topics such as resilience, hope, and the power of collective action in the face of adversity.

13. Burning Bridges (2015)

Burning Bridges" is the fourteenth studio album by Bon Jovi, released in 2015. It serves as a bridge between the band's time with Mercury Records and their new deal with Island/Universal Music Group. The album consists mainly of previously unreleased material and outtakes from previous recording sessions, along with a few new songs.  While not a traditional studio album, "Burning Bridges" still received positive attention from fans and critics. Some notable numbers include the title track, "We Don't Run" and "Saturday Night Gave Me Sunday Morning."  Overall, a solid outing, but still way off their best. 

12. Lost Highway (2007)

"Lost Highway" is the tenth studio album by Bon Jovi, released in 2007. This album marked a departure from Bon Jovi's usual rock sound, incorporating elements of country music into their music. The album was inspired by the band's experiences touring across America and their fascination with the country music genre. The record received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the band's willingness to experiment with new styles while others felt that the departure from their classic sound was not entirely successful.

11. This House is Not for Sale (2016)

"This House Is Not for Sale" is the thirteenth studio album by Bon Jovi, released in 2016. It marked the band's first studio album without guitarist Richie Sambora, who had left the band in 2013. The album received mixed reviews from critics but debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States. This album demonstrated that Bon Jovi still had plenty of energy and creativity to offer, even in the absence of a key member like Sambora. It showcased their ability to evolve while staying true to their rock roots. Overall, a very good outing by the band, with a title track that's as good as anything they did in the 21st century. 

10. The Circle (2009)

While not as well-received as some of their earlier work, "The Circle" still had its moments with songs like "We Weren't Born to Follow" and "When We Were Beautiful."  Thematically, this album addresses topics such as economic struggles, the pursuit of happiness, and the complexities of modern life. The album showcases Bon Jovi's continued ability to craft catchy rock anthems while also delving into deeper, more introspective themes. Overall, "The Circle" is a solid addition to Bon Jovi's discography, showcasing their enduring relevance and ability to connect with audiences through their music.

9. Have A Nice Day (2005)

"Have a Nice Day" received mixed reviews from critics but was commercially successful, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries. The album features a mix of rock anthems and ballads, with the title track "Have a Nice Day" becoming one of Bon Jovi's signature songs. Other notable tracks include "Who Says You Can't Go Home," which features Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland and won a Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals, and "Welcome to Wherever You Are."  While opinions on the album vary among fans, it's generally considered a solid addition to Bon Jovi's discography, and one that easily makes their top 10.

8. Bounce (2002)

"Bounce" features a mix of hard rock anthems and heartfelt ballads. Some notable tracks from "Bounce" include the lead single "Everyday," which became a hit for its uplifting message of perseverance, as well as "Misunderstood," "Bounce," and "All About Lovin' You." Thematically, the album addresses themes of resilience, unity, and the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity. It reflects Bon Jovi's commitment to crafting songs that resonate with their audience on both personal and universal levels.  Overall, "Bounce" is considered a solid addition to Bon Jovi's discography, showcasing their ability to evolve their sound while staying true to their rock roots.

7. 7800° Fahrenheit (1985)

"7800° Fahrenheit" is the second studio album by Bon Jovi, released in 1985. While not as commercially successful as their later albums, it still showcased the band's energetic rock sound and laid the groundwork for their future success. The album gained a cult following among Bon Jovi fans with notable tracks including "In and Out of Love," "The Hardest Part Is the Night," "Silent Night," and "Tokyo Road."  "7800° Fahrenheit" is probably the band's most underrated album. 

6. Bon Jovi (1984)

Bon Jovi's self-titled debut album, simply titled "Bon Jovi," was released in 1984. It marked the beginning of their illustrious career in rock music. The album introduced the world to Bon Jovi's energetic and anthemic rock sound, setting the stage for their future success. A little rough around the edges, yes, but you could already hear the huge potential of the band from their first release.  This debut album featured several tracks that would become fan favourites and staples of the band's live performances. Some notable songs from the album include "Runaway," which became their first hit single, as well as tracks like "She Don't Know Me," "Shot Through the Heart," and "Burning for Love."

5. Crush (2000)

"Crush" marked the band's comeback after a brief hiatus and became a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. The album received generally positive reviews from critics and is known for its blend of rock anthems and heartfelt ballads. Some notable tracks from this album include the lead single "It's My Life," which became one of Bon Jovi's most iconic songs, as well as "Say It Isn't So," "Thank You for Loving Me," and "One Wild Night."  The album showcases Bon Jovi's ability to craft catchy, anthemic songs that resonate with audiences worldwide.  "Crush" is regarded as a successful and influential album in Bon Jovi's discography, solidifying their status as one of the leading rock bands of the time.

4. Keep the Faith (1992)

"Keep the Faith" marked a significant transition for the band, both musically and thematically. It showcased a more mature sound and explored deeper, more introspective themes compared to their earlier work. Some notable tracks from the album include the title track "Keep the Faith," "Bed of Roses," "In These Arms," and "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead." Thematically, the album addresses themes of resilience, hope, and perseverance in the face of adversity. It reflects Bon Jovi's growth as songwriters and their willingness to explore new musical territories while staying true to their rock roots. Overall, "Keep the Faith" is considered a significant album in Bon Jovi's discography, marking a transition to a more mature sound and showcasing their ability to evolve as a band while maintaining their signature style.

3. New Jersey (1988)

"New Jersey" is the fourth studio album by Bon Jovi, released in 1988. Following the massive success of their third album "Slippery When Wet," "New Jersey" continued Bon Jovi's commercial momentum and solidified their status as one of the biggest rock bands of the late 1980s. The album received positive reviews from critics and was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. It features a mix of rock anthems and heartfelt ballads, showcasing Bon Jovi's versatility as a band.  Some notable tracks from "New Jersey" include "Bad Medicine," "I'll Be There for You," "Lay Your Hands on Me," "Born to Be My Baby," and "Living in Sin."  "New Jersey" is regarded as one of Bon Jovi's strongest albums, featuring memorable songs and showcasing the band's ability to craft catchy, anthemic rock tunes, and on any other given day, it could quite easily come top of the pile. 

2. Slippery When Wet (1986)

"Slippery When Wet" is widely regarded as the album that catapulted the band to global stardom and solidified their status as one of the biggest rock acts of the 1980s.  The album received widespread critical acclaim and was a massive commercial success, topping the charts in several countries, including the United States. It features some of Bon Jovi's most iconic and enduring hits, including "Livin' on a Prayer," "You Give Love a Bad Name," and "Wanted Dead or Alive."  In addition to its chart-topping singles, this colossal album is packed with other standout tracks like "Let It Rock," "Raise Your Hands," and "Never Say Goodbye."  Overall, "Slippery When Wet" remains one of Bon Jovi's most beloved and successful albums, showcasing their talent and cementing their place in rock history.

1. These Days (1995)

"These Days" is the sixth studio album by Bon Jovi, released in 1995. It's often considered one of the band's most introspective and mature albums, exploring themes of disillusionment, introspection, and social issues.  The album received positive reviews from critics and was commercially successful, although it didn't achieve the same level of mainstream success as some of Bon Jovi's earlier albums. It showcases a departure from the band's typical arena rock sound, incorporating elements of grunge and alternative rock.  Some notable tracks from "These Days" include the title track "These Days," "This Ain't a Love Song," "Hey God," and "Something for the Pain."  This is a record that reflects a more sombre and introspective tone compared to Bon Jovi's earlier work, resonating with listeners who appreciated the band's willingness to explore new musical territories and tackle deeper subject matter.  "These Days" is regarded as a standout album in Bon Jovi's discography, showcasing their versatility as musicians and their ability to evolve with the times while staying true to their core sound. 

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