No, I'm not a 35 year old who's been into Bon Jovi since the Runaway and Farenheit days (though I was quick to catch up), but I can't do anything about that. At the age of 10, I saw the Blaze of Glory Video on TV, and that is the reason for everything I have chosen to do to this day.

Yes, I guess I am slightly biased, being a hardcore Jovi fan for a good 12 years and counting now, but... I'll do my best here to try to put myself on the level of all the "Ew that is cheesy hair metal" people that I have had the misfortune of being surrounded by all my life, if just to try to reach them somehow. (Is that possible?)

Please forgive me if this review doesn't seem to the point, but I view it as necessary. The bottom line is, although Jon Bon Jovi is not Beethoven (though I foolishly tried to draw some parallels to that earlier this evening), he has "it." What is "it?" It's not a selloutcheezyleaterpantslonghairspandexpretensious element that most people my age seem to see in him (or the band for that matter). But it is an element that has evolved and perfected itself in the form of Jon Bon Jovi. He is not fake. He writes, sings, and plays from the heart, I swear to God. I don't care how much of a Jazz, Beatles, Techno, Nirvana, Bach, or Rap (or Def Leppard, for that matter) lover you are. When you put this album on and you are engulfed by the surreal power of "Sante Fe", "Miracle", the title track, and "Justice in the Barrel", you learn (or are vividly reminded) why music exists in the first place. And what else do you need? "It" is had by few, but if you let it in, who knows, it may just save your life at some point, or atleast get you through some tough times. I am very serious about this. With the possible exception of the leadoff "Billy Get Your Guns" and the awesome Little Richard Romp "You Really Got Me Now" (which are great songs, btw), every other song on this album was given to us from God himself. No, I am not saying Jon Bon Jovi is God. But I am saying that music connects with the human soul in such a profound way, that some other force, or SOMETHING, let Jon into the "stream of light", or whatever you will call it, so he could tap some of that great energy and call it his own, on this album. No, he isn't the greatest musician in the world. On the band albums, Richie and Dave are what make that so remarkable. But although some classical buffs (and I'm sure many others) cringe at me saying this, the emotion evoked on the "So I save a prayer..." bridge of "Sante Fe" is NOT out of league with that found in the Beethoven 9th or the Rachmaninoff 2nd.

So from one little video from 1990, where Jon Bon Jovi lip-synchs on the top of a beautiful cliff in the middle of nowhere, comes atleast one "impressionable" life, that being myself. With a degree in classical piano, I myself will now be trying to be the "next biggest thing" or whatever euphemism one must call such a blessing/curse. Hopefully, it will be something that makes some sort of a bridge between openminded classical people and rock enthusiasts. I don't like Jon only for his appearance, as is the case with most crazy people who stand in line for 1st row seats that don't know half the lyrics. I like him for his MUSIC. What a novel concept! The terms Bon Jovi and HIGH LEVEL OF MUSICIANSHIP used in the same breath! Well, the critics never cared to state anything like that, so let me be the first. I really appreciate you reading this, and though you might not be the gullable 10 year old that I was (of course I'll admit there was and is commercialism in it, you can't play the game without it), I don't care who you are. If you are a legitimately decent human being, you will buy this album, listen to it with great focus, and find Jon Bon Jovi bleeding his heart out in every NONCLICHE (that's right) lyric he puts forth. I think I'm a bigger fan of the album than he is, but ... so what?

Thank You All For Your Time and Rock and Roll will never die,
Doug...


Who is Bon Jovi? Blaze of Glory will tell you!   November 20, 2001
Lonny Potecho (Jerusalem Israel)
13 out of 14 found this review helpful

This album truly shows the great Talent that Jon Bon Jovi uses in the other albums where he plays with the band. In some songs in Blaze of Glory you almost don't have any music, only the image of a great songwriter and singer that doesn't use any special effects to cover his voice, but has a very country/rock style that influences thousands to pick up guitars and start writing and playing. Great songs, catchy... fun to sing and fun to play... Buy this CD... but be careful, if you'll buy you'll end up buying the rest of his albums :) Enjoy.


Lost gem after lost gem   November 18, 2000
John Popa (Canton, OH United States)
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

You haven't heard the truly great songs on this record. The two hits, "Blaze of Glory," and "Miracle" are strong tracks, no doubt about it. But the greatness remaining on this album is an eye-opening study of the songwriter named Jon Bon Jovi.

This album feels like a western. No doubt. Jon Bon Jovi may be from Jersey but he knows what the old west is about -- dirt, spit, blood. Big emotions and big voices. That's what this album provides. When this album was written Jon probably didn't know how to write a bad song.

But there is one song that is truly unforgettable. It is called "Santa Fe" and it is probably the pinnacle of songwriting for Jon. He delivers a vocal performance that he could probably never duplicate in a song that lies itself bleeding on a dirty rock and roll highway. Listening to this song is exhausting, I can't imagine performing it.

The rest of this record may not reach that pinnacle but it gets close. And how many records can say that?


A great soundtrack   October 10, 2000
retrowens (Alabama, USA)
8 out of 9 found this review helpful

Jon Bon Jovi performed some great songs for this soundtrack to "Young Guns II." It has some big hits along with some other great songs that will make you feel like you're watching the movie. Most people will recognize the huge hits such as "Blaze of Glory" and "Miracle." I liked just about all of the songs, but my favorites are the two I just mentioned, "Santa Fe," and "Justice of the Barrel."

With the "Young Guns II" soundtrack, Jon Bon Jovi proved that he can also be a good artist working solo. If you like Bon Jovi or good soundtracks, I recommend getting this album.


One of my all time favorites.   January 24, 2001
Bill Allison (Southwest Missouri, United States)
7 out of 8 found this review helpful

Since this one has been out for over ten years now, I guess I should review it since itis my all time favorite soundtrack to any movie (even edging out The Crow). This soundtrack is by far one of the best you can find. It might also help, that thanks to the 2000 release of Crush (and the fact that Bon jovi is "cool" again People will buy this album. I ,myself, have worn out two tapes and am on my second cd version of this one. It's just incredible. After eleven years, I still get goosebumps after "Santa Fe". I'm also very pleased with how jon and the boys have handled themselves after all these years and how they survived the grunge, industrial, rap-metal trends that murdered nearly everyone else from their era. However, they did survive for a reason, not luck. Their music was actually good. not just a flavor of the month. If you're a long time Bon jovi fan you probably already own it, but if you're a newcomer, check this out. I think you will be pleased to see the magic that made you buy Crush, was here then, just like it always was. I'm kinda sad to say that the rest of the band wasn't there for this one (although there is CERTAINLY nothing wrong with Jeff Beck's playing). In a lot of ways, this film is just like the movie, wild and rocking. check it out and for give this somewhat sporadic and incohesive review. Enjoy.