Bon Jovi - This Left Feels Right (Compilation) (2003)

Bon Jovi – This Left Feels Right (2003)

Release Date: November 4, 2003
Label: Island / Mercury
Type: Compilation / Reimagined Hits
Genre: Rock / Acoustic Rock / Adult Contemporary
Length: 62:34

Overview

This Left Feels Right is a unique Bon Jovi compilation, featuring reimagined, acoustic, and slowed-down versions of the band’s most iconic hits. Rather than a conventional greatest hits collection, the album presents familiar anthems like “Livin’ on a Prayer,” “You Give Love a Bad Name,” and “Bed of Roses” in a more intimate, reflective style, highlighting lyrics and melodies in a fresh, stripped-down arrangement.

Produced by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and Luke Ebbin, the album showcases Bon Jovi’s versatility, bridging the classic 1980s arena rock sound with a more contemporary, mature, and radio-friendly approach that appealed to both longtime fans and new listeners.

Tracklist

Livin’ on a Prayer – 4:38
You Give Love a Bad Name – 3:42
Born to Be My Baby – 4:49
It’s My Life – 3:33
Bed of Roses – 6:32
Always – 5:50
Wanted Dead or Alive – 5:07
Keep the Faith – 5:39
Runaway – 3:51
Blaze of Glory – 5:43
In These Arms – 5:21
Say It Isn’t So – 3:34
Someday I’ll Be Saturday Night – 4:55
Something for the Pain – 5:53

Bonus Tracks (Special Editions):

I Could Make a Living Out of Loving You (Acoustic Version)
I’ll Be There for You (Acoustic Version)

Fun Facts & Trivia

Intimate Arrangements: Every song was re-recorded or rearranged to create a softer, more introspective feel.
Did You Know? The acoustic version of “Livin’ on a Prayer” slows the tempo and emphasizes the lyrics’ emotional weight.
Cross-Generational Appeal: The album introduced classic Bon Jovi hits to a younger audience in a gentler, modern format.
Chart Performance: Peaked at #14 on the Billboard 200 and reached the Top 10 in several European countries, including Germany and Switzerland.
Production Excellence: Luke Ebbin, who also co-produced Crush and Bounce, helped modernize the sound while maintaining the essence of each song.
Live Set Influence: Many acoustic arrangements were later featured in Bon Jovi concerts, influencing mid-2000s setlists.
Emotional Depth: Tracks like “Bed of Roses” and “Always” reveal lyrics and melodies that are often overshadowed in the original stadium versions.
Cover Art: The monochrome cover features Jon Bon Jovi in a contemplative pose, signaling the album’s reflective tone.
Song Selection: Includes both early 1980s hits (“Runaway”) and late 1990s/2000s tracks (“It’s My Life”) for a career-spanning retrospective.

Album Credits

Bon Jovi:

Jon Bon Jovi: Lead vocals, acoustic guitar
Richie Sambora: Guitar, backing vocals, talk box
David Bryan: Keyboards, backing vocals
Tico Torres: Drums, percussion
Hugh McDonald: Bass guitar, backing vocals

Production Team:

Producers: Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Luke Ebbin
Engineers: Obie O’Brien, Luke Ebbin
Mixing: Bob Clearmountain
Mastering: George Marino

Mini Review

This Left Feels Right transforms Bon Jovi’s classic arena anthems into acoustic, reflective interpretations that feel both fresh and intimate. Hits like “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “Bed of Roses” are slowed down to reveal lyrical depth, while “It’s My Life” gains an introspective edge. This compilation highlights the band’s versatility and enduring songwriting strength, offering fans a compelling new way to experience the timeless Bon Jovi catalog.