Blaze of Glory by Original Soundtrack/Jon Bon Jovi

Twelve years ago, an urban cowboy from New Jersey headed into the world of Billy the Kid and, in the process, produced an hit soundtrack that is still worth listening to today. Blaze of Glory is the soundtrack to the move Young Guns 2 and also the 1st solo album of Bon Jovi front man, and namesake, Jon Bon Jovi. This was a Billboard #1 album, won a Golden Globe and American Music Award and was nominated for both a Grammy and an Oscar!! Good stuff!!

Best cuts

Miracle - Fantastic lyrics, about not giving up, even when you?re only chance is a miracle. Musically, very upbeat, with light and airy guitars at the intro, which contrasts with the serious words And you said it ain't fair that a man walks when a bird can fly, we have to kick the ground, the stars kiss the sky, they say that spirits live, a man has to die, they promised us truth, now they're giving us lies.

Blaze of Glory - Cool and fun rock song, awesome when done live. Told from the perspective of a guilty outlaw who wants, when the moment comes, to die "like a man", in a "blaze of glory".

Santa Fe - Absolutely beautiful, sonically, and one of my favorite Bon Jovi songs ever. Lovely string arrangement, sad lyrics expressing sorrow for wrong-doings, but done well so it?s not depressing, so I save a prayer for when I need it most, to the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and sign it from a sinner with no name.

Bang a Drum - Another favorites, again with upbeat music that is ironic considering the lyrics, speaks of searching for a better life, lost innocence, struggles with success, I'm gonna die believin?, each step that I take ain't worth the ground that I walk on, if we don't walk it our own way

And the rest

None of the other songs are bad by any means, nor do I skip over any upon listening. They just aren?t my personal favorites and so forth. Blood Money has a cool, laid-back feel. I can picture some guys sitting around a campfire with a guitar, lightly strumming away and singing into the night. Dyin? Ain?t Much of a Livin? seems to be a personal confession with backing vocals and piano by guest Elton John! Additionally, You Really Got Me Now features Little Richard on piano and backing vocals! Justice in the Barrel contains some cool Indian calls in the intro. And Guano City is a nice instrumental track which finishes off the album.

Conclusion

In closing, this review comes with my recommendation. If you?re a fan of Bon Jovi, this is a must-have (as an extra incentive (for the ladies?), the liner notes double as a nice poster). Other fans of newer rock and roll would enjoy this as well. The lyrics are very well written, and the songs aren?t too fluffy-happy or too sad, but rather a fun, above-average mix of rock.