Destination Anywhere by Jon Bon Jovi
Destination Anywhere was released in June of 1997. It was the second solo studio album released by Jon Bon Jovi. This is an album I’ve looked forward to since I found out about it at the beginning of my Bon Jovi discography journey. I love the production; it’s a sonically moody pop-rock album. It was the late 90s and the time calls for that energy. I love a good mid-late 90s release!
This album is completely different than Jon’s first solo effort Blaze of Glory (1990), a Golden Globe awarded-soundtrack album that accompanied film, Young Guns II. Blaze of Glory was an album representative of the characters in the film, while Destination Anywhere reflects Jon Bon Jovi the artist and the man. The two are brilliant, but completely incomparable.
Destination Anywhere showcases Jon’s stylistic range as a soloist, it makes me more curious about his influences. I love hearing him like this; there’s a presence of vulnerability and rawness in his lyricism that I really appreciate. His vocal delivery throughout this album is a stark contrast to anything I’ve ever heard from him as the lead singer of Bon Jovi.
It’s fascinating experiencing Jon as a soloist vs as a band leader; you’d think there’d be a lot of similarity in the music, but it couldn’t be more different. As the voice of Bon Jovi, he represents the whole rather than himself as the individual, he represents himself and only himself. This endeavor gave him much more artistic freedom. Let me tell you, the energy of that freedom is palpable. With each listen, it becomes increasingly obvious that Jon hungered for something different, to take stylistic risks and allow himself to go in a brand new direction.
The title, Destination Anywhere is representative of a new and refreshing period in JBJ’s life. After studying acting for some years, he began to explore that world and flex his acting muscle. He landed his first role in Moonlight and Valentino (1995) and continued working as an actor through the ‘90s into the 2000s. Through his exploration of and involvement in another art form, he was able to access a brand new source of inspiration. In 1996, he moved to London to film his first lead role in the film The Leading Man, released that same year.
The newness of this experience of living in a different country and pursuing a new art form at a heightened level influenced the genesis of the Destination Anywhere writing process. The long hours of solitude on set in his trailer created the perfect opportunity for Jon to write. As I study this time in his life and take in the lyrics, I find myself feeling inspired by his courage, fervor and determination to explore an art form outside of music and take it as seriously as he did. He emphasizes his dedication to never allowing fear to be a driving force in his life during this time (specifically in his interview with Charlie Rose - linked at the end of this post).
One of the unique things about Destination Anywhere is the accompanying film. The intention behind this film was to represent the music in a similar way that a music video would, but in a longer, more in-depth format. Jon isn’t the biggest fan of making videos, so creating a film to accompany this album was a refreshing approach. This direction would allow him to promote his latest album while showcasing his acting skills.
I had really high expectations for this album that were met and exceeded, I anticipated my first listen for a long time; when I finally sat down to listen to it after waiting patiently to “get to it” in my Bon Jovi journey, I immediately fell in love. I now have a more thorough understanding of Jon’s artistic style and tendencies. As I noted earlier, it’s interesting experiencing Jon as a soloist vs as the band leader and focal point of Bon Jovi. Although it’s his band and, ultimately, a representation of a version of him, Destination Anywhere showcases another side of him. I appreciate the opportunity that it provides, as I’m someone who really enjoys learning as much as I can about the artists I love. After listening to it as much as I have, I’ve come to love him even more. There is a level of sensitivity in this album that beautifully aligns with what I’ve come to learn about him.
favorite tracks
midnight in chelsea (track 3)
I love the imagery in this song. it’s a direct reflection of Jon’s environment as he lived in London while filming The Leading Man. one of the aspects of this song that I appreciate most is his vocal delivery; it’s a beautifully mellow pop rock vibe that was a new sound for him. listen below!
ugly (track 4)
the guitar riff of this song is contagious. during my first listen, that’s what initially drew me to this song. before I listened to this album, I would peek at the lyrics on Apple Music. this is one of the songs that I was most excited to hear because of the lyrics. this track was written by Jon in collaboration with Eric Bazilian of The Hooters. lyrically, this song has a beautifully simplistic and comforting message. listen below!
staring at your window with a suitcase in my hand (track 5)
it’s the sound of this song that I love most about it. there’s something about it that’s so ethereal, atmospheric and dream-like. this is one of those songs that if I close my eyes, the imagery gives me an opportunity to paint a mental picture. this is a really beautiful track. there’s a gentleness in Jon’s vocal delivery that is so soothing. listen below!
it’s just me (track 7)
this song was an immediate favorite of mine. there is a tension and desperation in Jon’s voice in the verses that is intoxicatingly alluring. the release of tension in the chorus provides an open, airy, sonic beauty. I enjoy this song so much, and out of the twelve tracks, it’s my absolute favorite. listen below!
learning how to fall (track 9)
this is one of the tracks where Jon really showcases his vulnerability, which is a quality I appreciate. the lyric is relatable. having an understanding of where he was in his life, a new reality of trying new things and broadening his horizons, adds a depth of context to this song. it had been a little over 10 years after Bon Jovi’s explosive third album Slippery When Wet and so much had transpired in that window of time. essentially, this song is reflects the experience of pushing through the fear of failure and embracing the unknown. I really love him for this one. listen below!
naked (track 10)
the instrumental and vocal element of this track made my ears perk up right away. the electric guitar is dirty and grungy. this is a proper pop rock jam with funky verses. I love a good verse and chorus contrast and this song epitomizes that extremely well. I’m really a fan of this one. listen below!
I’m really grateful for this solo venture from Jon Bon Jovi. I highly encourage you all to give it a listen. Also, review the links below for further context and info! Thank you for reading.
love,
cheyenne
