Bon Jovi - Cross Road (Compilation) (1994)

Bon Jovi - Cross Road (Compilation) (1994)

Bon Jovi – Cross Road (1994)

Release Date: October 11, 1994
Label: Mercury / Vertigo
Type: Greatest Hits / Compilation
Genre: Hard Rock / Glam Metal / Rock
Length: 75:14

Tracklist (International Edition):

1. Livin’ on a Prayer – 4:09

2. You Give Love a Bad Name – 3:42

3. Bad Medicine – 5:11

4. Born to Be My Baby – 4:40

5. Blaze of Glory – 5:40

6. In These Arms – 5:21

7. Lay Your Hands on Me – 5:14

8. Keep the Faith – 5:43

9. Wanted Dead or Alive – 5:09

10. Always – 5:52

11. Bed of Roses – 6:33

12. I’ll Be There for You – 5:43

13. Dry County – 9:36

14. Something for the Pain – 5:54

15. This Ain’t a Love Song – 5:12

Notable New Tracks:

• “Always” – Written for the film Romeo Is Bleeding, became one of Bon Jovi’s biggest ballad hits.

• “Someday I’ll Be Saturday Night” – Uplifting anthem about hope and resilience.

---

Overview

Cross Road is Bon Jovi’s first official worldwide greatest hits compilation, released in 1994. It spans the band’s career from their 1984 debut up through their 1992 album Keep the Faith. The collection features all the essential hits, as well as a couple of brand-new tracks, including the ballad “Always”, which became a global phenomenon.

The album cemented Bon Jovi’s status as one of the most enduring rock acts, appealing to both longtime fans and a new 1990s audience. Cross Road is notable for including studio tracks and singles from solo projects, like Jon Bon Jovi’s Blaze of Glory, bridging the band’s evolving sound from glam-metal to mature rock.

---

Fun Facts & Trivia

• Global Success: Cross Road reached #1 in the UK, Germany, Australia, and Japan and sold over 21 million copies worldwide, making it one of Bon Jovi’s best-selling releases.

• “Always” Phenomenon: The single “Always” reached the Top 5 in multiple countries and became a staple wedding and love song for the decade.

• Did You Know? The title Cross Road symbolizes a career milestone, reflecting the band’s journey and transition into the 1990s rock era.

• Hidden Gems: The album includes Blaze of Glory, Jon Bon Jovi’s solo hit, which was originally the theme for Young Guns II (1988).

• Video Compilation: Alongside the album, a VHS/DVD collection featuring all the band’s music videos up to that point was released.

• Enduring Tracks: Classics like “Livin’ on a Prayer,” “You Give Love a Bad Name,” and “Wanted Dead or Alive” remind listeners of the band’s 1980s arena-rock dominance.

• Cover Artwork: Features Jon Bon Jovi with a raised arm against a sunset backdrop, evoking triumph and reflection.

---

Album Credits

Bon Jovi:

• Jon Bon Jovi: Lead vocals, acoustic guitar

• Richie Sambora: Guitar, backing vocals, talk box

• David Bryan: Keyboards, backing vocals

• Alec John Such: Bass guitar, backing vocals

• Tico Torres: Drums, percussion

Additional Musicians:

• Hugh McDonald – Bass on various tracks (uncredited session work prior to officially joining the band)

Producers:

• Bruce Fairbairn (Slippery When Wet, New Jersey)

• Bob Rock (Keep the Faith)

• Jon Bon Jovi & Danny Kortchmar (Blaze of Glory)

---

Mini Review

Cross Road is the definitive Bon Jovi greatest hits collection, blending iconic 80s anthems with 90s rock maturity. It captures the band’s evolution while showcasing their knack for arena-ready hooks and heartfelt ballads. Standout tracks like “Always,” “Livin’ on a Prayer,” and “Bed of Roses” demonstrate both musical versatility and lyrical depth. Essential for fans and newcomers, Cross Road is a career-spanning celebration of Bon Jovi’s enduring rock legacy.

Bon Jovi Full Discography

Download Album from Amazon