What makes These Days by Bon Jovi notable?

These Days received critical acclaim and showcased Bon Jovi's evolution as songwriters, leading to significant chart success, including peaking at number 9 on the Billboard 200. The album was also notable for its introspective lyrics and a shift towards more serious themes, which influenced a wave of post-grunge bands in the late '90s. Released in 1996, These Days marked Bon Jovi's sixth studio album and came at a pivotal moment following the band's commercial peak in the late '80s. With their previous album, Keep the Faith, already solidifying their return to prominence, this record further explored mature themes while pushing against the glam metal image that had defined their early career.

How many songs are on These Days?

These Days has 4 tracks, running approximately 20 minutes.

Released 30 years ago

These Days

Bon Jovi · 1996

20 min · 4 tracks · hard rock

A reflective blend of hard rock and emotional balladry, weaving personal struggles into anthemic choruses.

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Top tracks — play these first

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These Days (edit) — The title track encapsulates the album's theme of resilience and reflection, featuring poignant lyrics that resonate with listeners facing life's challenges.
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634-5789 — This cover blends raw rock energy with a soulful edge, showcasing the band's versatility while paying homage to classic influences.
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Rocking in the Free World (live) — The live version captures Bon Jovi's electrifying presence on stage, highlighting their ability to energize audiences with powerful performances.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

These Days showcases mature songwriting and production but remains within familiar rock territory.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of layered guitar harmonies, with many tracks employing dual guitar solos that enhance the anthemic quality.
Several songs incorporate a slower tempo and reflective lyrics, contrasting with the more upbeat choruses typical of earlier Bon Jovi work.
The arrangement often includes orchestral elements, such as strings and piano, which add depth to the rock instrumentation.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Showcased Bon Jovi's evolution and received critical acclaim during a pivotal career moment.
Themes: post-glam reflection· arena rock resilience
Career context: Released in 1996, These Days marked Bon Jovi's sixth studio album and came at a pivotal moment following the band's commercial peak in the late '80s. With their previous album, Keep the Faith, already solidifying their return to prominence, this record further explored mature themes while pushing against the glam metal image that had defined their early career.
Stylistic neighbors: Def Leppard· Aerosmith· Poison