It must have been a hard job enlisting someone to write to music for Young Guns II . There simply aren't many great songwriters capable of overblown rock ballads which keep a straight face long enough to move you. Jon Bon Jovi, though, is not without a certain pedigree in this department: "Livin' On A Prayer", "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead" and "Wanted Dead Or Alive" are masterpieces of the genre that deserve far more respect than received wisdom would have you believe. And the good news is that--on Young Guns II --there is plenty more where that came from. You may be familiar with the hit single "Blaze Of Glory"; it sounds positively restrained next to "Blood Money" and "Never Say Die". There is something tremendously likeable about Jon Bon Jovi at the best of times. Like his New Jersey(tm) role model Bruce Springsteen, the blue collar sensibility has weathered the ascension to superstardom. Unlike Bruce though, Jon Bon Jovi is more than happy to dash off unabashed epics for post-brat pack celluloid homages to John Ford, boasting titles such as "Justice In The Barrel" and "Dyin' Ain't Much Of A Livin'". In a profession already bursting with people who take themselves too seriously, this is undoubtedly a good thing. -- Peter Paphides
Track Listing
Billy Get Your Guns Miracle Blaze Of Glory Blood Money Santa Fe Justice In The Barrel Never Say Die You Really Got Me Now Bang A Drum Dyin' Ain't Much Of A Livin' Guano City - Alan Silvestri
