You Give Love a Banjo?

Lost Highway is being called Bon Jovi’s “country” album, but rest assured their new album is more Kenny Chesney than Kenny Rogers. The hirsute Garden Staters have a rabid fan base that doesn’t dig change, so the big, booming arena-pleasers are only lightly twanged with geetars, fiddles and cameos by Big & Rich and LeAnn Rimes. In other words, it’s about as country as Sylvester Stallone in Rhinestone.

Recorded partially in Nashville, the 12-track disc, released yesterday, is big on beer commercials disguised as communal anthems (We Got It Going On, I Love This Town, Summertime) and power ballads ultimately suited for prom night in Passaic (Seat Next to You, Till We Ain’t Strangers Anymore). It’s not very original, but those boys sure can reheat a hook.

Last year Bon Jovi scored a No. 1 hit with a down-south version of Who Says You Can’t Go Home, recorded with Jennifer Nettles of country faves Sugarland. And the new disc, for all its generic oomph, also has a chance of being a smash on both sides of the Mason-Dixon line. Give ’em credit: As such ’80s stars as Van Halen and Motley Crue have ceased being productive, Bon Jovi continues to walk the line.

Plus, tucked in the new mix is the most likable Bon Jovi song in years. Whole Lot of Leavin’ is a roaring breakup tune with an air-guitar special from right-hand man Richie Sambora. Raise your Bics or your cowboy hats. Everyone’s invited to this party.

BON JOVI BONUS: Inspired by the new album, Steve Spears at Stuck in the '80s has put together his Top 5 Bon Jovi songs -- and a few of the WORST. (He really doesn't like Wanted Dead of Alive.) Click here for an '80s fix.