Bon Jovi - Cross Road: The Best Of [Japan Edition] (2007)

This album is the perfect start for any new Bon Jovi fan. Hard-rocking hits like "You Give Love a Bad Name", "Lay Your Hands On Me", "Bad Medicine" and the ever-powerful "Living On a Prayer" introduce the new fan to BZ's successful classic days; the glorious 80's. Ah, those were the days - when BIG hair was practically a norm, pop metal ruled the music scene and the controversial idea of "love, sex and the American dream" plagued society and gave the bands new ideas for new material.

"Keep the Faith" is definitely not a song you'll forget in a hurry..and not just because it's STILL on American airwaves - it really is a smashing tune with a MESSAGE. Jon's strong vocals and Richie's legendary guitar riffs deliver it well. "Blaze of Glory", a product of Jon's shot at solo material, is emotionally victorious and wistful at the same time - a powerful, soaring track that should be played at a HIGH volume!
Ahh, and who can forget the ballads? "Always" is STILL one of my all-time favorite songs. "Bed of Roses" has got to be one of the most romantic songs of the 90's: 'I've got nothing to prove, for it's you that I'd die to defend!' Who could ask for more? "I'll Be There For You" is a favorite among a lot of dedicated BJ fans, and for good reason, too.
As for the rest I can take it or leave it. "Someday I'll Be Saturday Night" is catchy but rather simplistic for my taste. "Runaway" is cute though. But that's about all I can say about it. "In and Out of Love" had absolutely no business being on this album (they chould've replaced it with a much better choice, such as "Wild Is the Wind" or "Raise Your Hands" - both late 80's tracks that would give the new fan a MUCH better impression of what Bon Jovi are all about). "Cross Road" was the first BJ album I ever bought, and it opened a whole new world for me: The world of REAL music. Like many new fans at the time, "Always" hit a major nerve and since you couldn't get singles in Israel at the time (still can't actually), I rushed out and bought this album. I'm so glad I did! In an era of boy bands, egotistical and foul-mouthed rap artists, not to mention BRITNEY, do yourself a favor: Buy this album and savor the little amount of REAL music we have left.