• AOL
  • MAIL
    • You might also like: 
    • Music | 
    • Movies | 
    • TV | 
    • Celebrity
    •  and More
    • Main
    • News
    • Features
      • The Hit List
      • Spinner Interview
      • Potent Quotables
      • Guest Blogger
    • Songs
      • MP3 of the Day
      • Listening Party
      • What's That Song?
    • Videos
      • The Interface
      • Sessions
      • Video of the Day
    • Our Widgets
      • iPhone App
      • Radio Toolbar
    • Send Feedback

    Spinner Exclusives

    • The Interface - Live Performances
    • Listening Parties - New CDS for Free
    • Spinner Radio
    • Listening Parties - New CDS for Free

    Features

    • Bad Song, Good Band
    • Bands With Brothers
    • Banned Bands
    • Outrageous Tribute Bands
    • Sad Songs
    • Worst Lyrics Ever

    All Categories

    • Spinner Says(7)
    • All About Jazz(26)
    • Clash of the Cover Art(1)
    • Lyrics(4)
    • Music A-Z(24)
    • New Releases(53)
    • Quizzes & Trivia(2)
    • Album(110)
    • Around the World(147)
    • Book Club(57)
    • Canada(318)
    • Celebrity Doppelganger(13)
    • Clash of the Cover Songs(45)
    • Coming Out Stories(20)
    • Concerts and Tours(1666)
    • Count Five(63)
    • Country(45)
    • Electronic(274)
    • Exclusive(2432)
    • Free MP3 Download of the Day(898)
    • Grammy Awards(87)
    • Guest Blogger(61)
    • Holy Hell(644)
    • I Fought the Law(31)
    • I Freakin' Love This Song(238)
    • Jazz(16)
    • Laugh, Rage, Cry(6)
    • Movies(163)
    • Music Appreciation(50)
    • New Music(304)
    • News(4713)
    • Politics as Usual(19)
    • Pop Culture(40)
    • Potent Quotables(613)
    • R.I.P.(184)
    • Road Report(17)
    • Rock Almanac(366)
    • Rock Hall(29)
    • RPM(25)
    • Schwag Hag(37)
    • Songs(201)
    • Spinner Interview(110)
    • Television(94)
    • The Chum Bucket(606)
    • The Crap Stack(17)
    • The Hit List(1128)
    • Total Dick Move(2)
    • Twisted Tales(125)
    • UK(512)
    • Video(923)
    • Video of the Day(707)
    • Wacked News(190)
    • What's That Song?(79)

    Bon Jovi Tackle America's Problems on New Album

    • Posted on Nov 10th 2009 3:00PM by Steve Baltin
    • Comments (64)
    Print |  Email More
    Jon Bon JoviBruce Springsteen isn't the only New Jersey rocker with a social conscience. Jon Bon Jovi, who like Springsteen raised money for President Barack Obama and has said in interviews he is friends with the Commander in Chief, tells Spinner the band's new album, 'The Circle,' was shaped by politics.

    "Lyrically, I think it touches on who and what we are as a country right now," Bon Jovi says. "So when you listen closely to the lyrics of 'We Were Born to Follow' or 'When We Were Beautiful' or 'Work for the Working Man,' you think about those people from DHL who lost their jobs in Ohio. You go, 'I remember that, I know when that happened. That was November of '08.' So it marks moments of time for us."

    Creating music to accompany rites of passage is nothing new for the Jersey boys. They've been told tales for more than two decades of how their music has been the soundtrack for other people's lives. "'Slippery When Wet' marked those milestones for a lot of kids and we've heard those stories now for 23 years," Bon Jovi says. "I'll meet people now that are working in government or running corporations or big grown adults and they go, 'Oh, man, 'Slippery' was my record. That was my teenage years, my make-out record.'"

    What are some of the most memorable moments they've heard from people? "The guys in the Iraq war would come back and come see our shows and say they would do raids to 'Wanted Dead or Alive,'" he says. "Or people getting married to 'Never Say Goodbye.'"

    "You have to write songs that are not only relevant to yourself, but also resonate throughout the world and throughout other people," guitarist Richie Sambora adds. "Luckily we've learned how to do that and it comes natural to us."

    But if there's one song that really stands out for that, the track that has become Bon Jovi's anthem, well, it should come as no surprise. "Obviously 'Livin' on a Prayer' everybody related to," Bon Jovi says. "Tommy and Gina were characters that we created that became everyone -- everyone all over the world related to who those people were as well as we did."

    'The Circle' is available now from Island.

    Watch Bon Jovi's 'We Weren't Born to Follow' Video


    Buy Bon Jovi's 'The Circle' on Amazon
    • Filed under: News, New Music, Exclusive
    • Share & Bookmark :
      Print |  Email More

    Reader Comments(1 of 4)

    vote downvote upReportHighest Ranked

    chrisat 11-10-2009

    Just because Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi donated tons of money to get Obama elected doesn't mean they have a "social conscience." The writer of this article should have caught that before he wrote it, but he's probably some far left liberal too. The truth of the matter is that musicians and actors should be just that. We don't care about your political views. Stick to what you do best.

    Reply
    vote downvote upReportLowest Ranked

    danat 11-10-2009

    Sorry Chris, but MANY people appreciate and are interested in the opinions and persectives of their favorite entertainers. That's America. And you really miss the point here... social consciousness is not political commentary. It's commentary about LIFE, society and the human condition. That's what good art is and does. Take of the blinders and put on the headphones buddy.

    vote downvote upReportHighest Ranked

    Julieat 11-10-2009

    Jon, Richie, and the rest of the band have the right to say whatever they want with their art. Whether you (or anyone else) likes it is not the issue. Art is self expression. "Shut up and sing" is great for pop stars who don't write their own songs. But it would be impossible for a songwriter's personal beliefs not to come through in their music. And if Jon wants to use the status and money he's worked hard to earn to support a presidential candidate he believes in, it's his right to do that.

    vote downvote upReportHighest Ranked

    Disapointedfanat 11-15-2009

    Chris-You're right about the article confusing social conscience with political support, it's not the same thing. Dan is right too-some people are interested in the opinions of their favorite entertainers. I was a life-long Bruce fan up until he started fund-raising for
    John Kerry. I choose NOT to buy tkts & cd's that support politics. I still love their music. This song has the same great BonJovi sound, but lyrics don't make alot of sense. I don't know their faith beliefs, but as a christian I'll stay on my knees, follow Christ, hold onto what I believe, and still be as American as AP!

    vote downvote upReportHighest Ranked

    hope penaat 11-15-2009

    I love Bon Jovi....but I will not be buying this album! Thanks for letting us know it has a political theme before I went out and spent my hard earned money!

    vote downvote upReportNeutral

    LucySueat 11-16-2009

    AMEN! :-)

    vote downvote upReportHigh Ranked

    dossthaneat 11-15-2009

    Giving a damn one way or the other about politics or social issues is social conscience. When you try to monopolize it by saying only those who believe as you do have social conscience, you demonstrate a rather limited comprehension of something--maybe the term itself, maybe "conscience" specifically, maybe language in general, maybe people as a whole.

    vote downvote upReportNeutral

    MICHAELat 11-15-2009

    I AGREE WITH CHRIS.
    AND VICE VERSA WITH DUMB ACTORS GETTING INTO POLITICS.
    IT JUST MESSES UP THE UNIVERSAL EXCHANGE OF WHAT IS SUPPOSE TO JUST BE.
    IMAGINE HOW SCREWED UP THE ECONOMY WOULD REALLY BE WITHOUT ROCK BANDS WANTING TO GET INTO POLITIC FUNDING,OR MAYBE THATS WHATS SCREWING IT UP?
    ROCK & ROLL WAS NOT FOR THE MASSES WHO DICTATE RULES OR CONDITIONS IN OUR LIVES.
    IT WAS CREATED BY THE SOULS OF WHOM WERE DICTATED AND RULED MANY MANY YEARS FROM THIS COUNTRY (WHICH DOES HAPPEN TO BE U.S.A)

    vote downvote upReportNeutral

    bearbudat 11-16-2009

    Well said Chris!!!

    vote downvote upReportHighest Ranked

    Joat 11-15-2009

    I think the best examples of Jon's social conscience is not the fact that he raised funds for Obama's campain, but rather all the charity works he does with Habitat for Humanity, Project H.O.M.E., his own Soul Foundation, all of which work to build or rebuild low-cost housing, as well as giving homeless a second chance in life. I think this is the part that should be known about. ;)

    Reply
    vote downvote upReportHighest Ranked

    Lesia Gagliottiat 11-14-2009

    I totally agree with you. This is definitely where it is at. It is not about who Jon knows; but how he contributes to those of real need. Here is a man with values.

    vote downvote upReportHighest Ranked

    Buddyat 11-15-2009

    Jo, You are exactly correct. All of the charitable giving should be through one's own personal belief in helping others through hard times and different church's helping their parishioners when help is needed. Just like when you see a beggar on homeless person on the street corner asking for donations you have the right to contribute or to refuse. This is the way it should be. Neither the current Obama administration or any other should dictact who and when and how you will contribute non-voluntary through raising taxes on the middle class and rich to give to anyone else. Why work hard to improve yourself if the government is going to take it away from you and give to those people who refuse to work because they know they can live off of the government without doing anything.

    vote downvote upReportHigh Ranked

    Bayaderraat 11-15-2009

    I agree with Jo,
    Jon's soul charity has done lots for the local communities. But lets not forget the other 3 men in the group! Richie's work on behalf of Sloan-Kettering Hospital has provided 3 outreach mobile cancer care units for the poorest communities of NYC! His "You Can Go Home!" fundraising effort is helping his hometown cancer stricken teen and encouraging local high schoolers to get involved! David has been honored for his work with the VH1"Save The Music" charity and has been involved in helping keep music education in budget limited schools! Tico has an Art Foundation and a Golf based charity that helps children in need!
    So these guys deserve the highest praise in my book! And I did buy the "Circle" CD and I will go to their concerts! They make me proud to call myself a "Jersey Girl"!!!!

    vote downvote upReportNeutral

    MELODYat 11-15-2009

    'We Weren't Born to Follow' WRONG. We are suppose to follow God. We had better get down on our knees and ask him for forgivness and to save our country. This life is not about self. I thought Bon Jovi had some morale convictions, I quess not.

    Reply
    vote downvote upReportHighest Ranked

    Billy Bleachbloodat 11-15-2009

    Now he's tackling America's problems?!? By campaigning for obama he created America's biggest problem. And on the subject of people losing jobs, osambo has been destroying about 1/2 million jobs a month since in office!!!

    Reply
    vote downvote upReportNeutral

    timat 12-09-2009

    we can always blame Marilyn Manson. everyone else does!

    vote downvote upReportLow Ranked

    christineat 11-15-2009

    Bon Jovi is my most favorite band of all time!!! They came out when I was a teenager, so I grew up with them. I like them more and more as I get older. Every album is better than the last. I really love the way they get involved with world issues. They got my total support when they donated a million dollars on the Oprah show. Talk about putting your money where your mouth is. I hope they come to concert in Ohio soon!!! My eighteen year old son told me he would take me to see them if they do!!! Please!!!!!!

    Reply
    vote downvote upReportHighest Ranked

    dee liptakat 11-15-2009

    if we were not born to follow - why then are we being forced to? Love the music - hate the politics.

    Reply
    vote downvote upReportHighest Ranked

    TBone303at 11-15-2009

    Who cares what these clowns think (Bon Jovi / Springsteen). I guess I can hold them responable for the clown that we have in office right now.

    Reply
    vote downvote upReportHighest Ranked

    howardroark43at 11-15-2009

    well, if jon bonjovi thinks obama is ok then maybe i should reconsider my opposing view... hmmmm

    Reply
    1234 Next >

    Add your comments

    • New Users
    • Returning Users
    • AOL/AIM Screenname

    If you are posting a comment for the first time, please enter your name and email address in the fields above. Your name will be displayed with your comment. Your email address will never be displayed.

    Please keep your comments relevant to this blog entry. Off-topic, promotional or otherwise inappropriateinappropriate comments will be removed.

    When you enter your name and email address for the first time, you'll be sent a link to confirm your comment, as well as a password. To leave another comment, just use that password.

    Follow US

    Facebook
    Twitter
    RSS
    • Contact Us
    • Send News Tips
    • Advertise with Us

    Shop Now

    Listen to Full CDs

    • Hot Chip, 'One Life Stand'
    • Sade, 'Soldier of Love'Massive Attack, 'Heligoland'
    • Return of the Wu & Friends
    • Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds
    • All Spinner Full CDs

    Relevant Posts

    • Bon Jovi Letting Fans Choose Song for Grammy Performance (29 days ago - 1 Comment)
    • Bon Jovi Planning to Perform Rarities on 'Circle' Tour (49 days ago - 13 Comments)
    • Jon Bon Jovi's Son Hospitalized in New Jersey (52 days ago - 46 Comments)
    • Potent Quotables: Jon Bon Jovi's Bald Move (13 days ago - 50 Comments)
    • Rolling Stones Most Successful Live Act of the Decade (54 days ago - 0 Comments)

    Billboard

    • 1: Break, Three Days Grace
    • 2: Uprising, Muse
    • 3: Your Decision, Alice In Chains
    • 4: If You Only Knew, Shinedown
    • 5: (If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To, Weezer
    • See All Top 100 Rock Albums at

    Hottest Artists on Tour: Lady GaGa, Taylor Swift, Pink, Black Eyed Peas, Kid Cudi,

    Also on AOL

    Quick Links

    • Celebrity Tattoos
    • Celebrities Without Makeup
    • Slipknot Masks
    • Christmas Music
    • 50s Music
    • 60s Music
    • 90s Music
    • 70s Music
    • 80s Music
    • Best Songs Of 2008
    • Horrorcore
    • Michael Jackson Songs

    Also on AOL Music

    • Concert Tickets
    • Country Music
    • Grammys
    • Hip Hop Music
    • Lyrics
    • Metal Music
    • Music News
    • Music Videos
    • New Music Releases
    • Online Radio
    • PopEater

    Blogs on AOL

    • Autoblog
    • Be Red
    • BloggingStocks
    • Cinematical
    • DownloadSquad
    • Engadget
    • Fanhouse
    • Joystiq
    • StyleList
    • TMZ

    More on AOL

    • African-American Culture
    • AOL Video
    • Breaking News
    • CityGuide
    • Food
    • Love
    • Media Player
    • Musica Latina
    • Pixcetera
    • Singles
    • Wallet Pop

    More on AOL

    • Television
    • Movies
    • Money
    • Mapquest
    • Horoscopes
    • Health
    • AOL Latino
    • Games
    • SHOUTcast

    Help Links

    • Advertise With Us
    • Mail
    • Notify AOL
    • Privacy Policy
    • Search
    • Terms of Service
    • Trademarks
    • Follow Spinner on Twitter
    • The Interface
    • Free Mp3
    • Full CDs
    • RSS
    • Terms of Use

    Spinner.com © 2009 AOL Inc. All Rights Reserved.