Tribute albums are a tricky business. All too often ending up as cringeworthy collections in which each track is either slavishly copied or desecrated beyond recognition, only a few hit the nail on the head and strike the balance between staying true to the original material and showcasing the new slant each individual artist can bring to it. Fortunately this homage to the mighty Bon Jovi, which features contributions both from stalwarts of the 80s/90s rock scene and lesser-known contemporary artists, falls decidedly into the latter category.  

The album starts off with Livin’ On A Prayer, delivered by Derek Lefevre. Admittedly, the Lilian Axe frontman’s rendition does not differ greatly from the original in style, but his vocals are powerful and distinctive, and he manages to retain the spirit of this classic anthem. Similarly, Blaze Of Glory, as performed by Richard Kendrick (Dark August/Straitjacket Smile/Mudbone), adheres closely Bon Jovi’s tried-and-tested formula of gritty vocals, harmonies and power chords, but contains some interesting new twists, such as military-style drums. 

Interspersed among the more familiar-sounding tracks are a few that show a total departure from the authentic versions. I’ll Be There For You, performed by Jasy Andrews, takes the form of a piano ballad, and the songstress’s soft, dulcet tones demonstrate the attractive simplicity of the tune. Andrew Walker’s acoustic Never Say Goodbye is equally stripped-down and, like the original, sounds powerful yet delicate. In total contrast, It’s My Life, brought to us by alt-punk combo The Issues, is a distorted, shambolic affair that, despite being far-removed from the highly-polished Bon Jovi number, seizes on its raw energy.  

However, most of the tracks lie somewhere in between the almost identical and the vastly different, and demonstrate the ability of the featured artists to put their own spin on things while ensuring that the material’s original ambience remains present. The haunting Wanted Dead Or Alive is very much centred around Tony Janflone Jr’s distinctive blues guitar, but his proficient stylings embellish and complement the tune rather than obscuring it. Corey Craven’s interpretation of You Give Love A Bad Name is altogether heavier than anything by Bon Jovi, but it works well, as Craven plays upon the darker, more menacing side of the song. Ex-Mötley Crüe frontman John Corabi and Love/Hate singer Jizzy Pearl both lend their recognisable vocals to renditions of  Born To Be My Baby and Bad Medicine, and Jani Lane gives Lay Your Hand On Me a heavy, brutish Warrant-style makeover. Colie Brice, whose association with Bon Jovi is such that he even helped pick the tracks for Slippery When Wet, delivers both Runaway and Always, of which the latter in particular reflects his own more eclectic, experimental musical style.  

The album as a whole does exactly what a tribute album should, paying homage to the New Jersey rockers’ trademark sound while illustrating the mileage in their material. There is more than enough variety to make for compelling listening, and each artist manages to create a memorable cover version that demonstrates why Bon Jovi’s songs will always be considered classics.

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Track Listing

Living On A Prayer
I'll Be There For You
Blaze Of Glory
Wanted Dead Or Alive
Lay Your Hands On Me
Billy Get Your Guns
You Give Love A Bad Name
Born To Me My Baby
Stick To Your Guns
Bad Medicine
Always
It's My Life
Never Say Goodbye
Runaway