This triad of social observation songs clearly left an impression on Bon Jovi and their influences can be subtlety heard in the undertones of 2020. “‘For What It’s Worth’ is something I used as a benchmark for this record with ‘Lower The Flag’ and ‘American Reckoning.’ And then, of course, Dylan’s ‘Times They Are A-Changin’.’” And I’ll carry that memory with me forever.” And when we did that song on the steps of the monument in front of a brand new president named Barack Obama I saw in her eyes all of the history of her and those who came before her. She didn’t have the hits that the Supremes had, or Martha And The Vandellas, all the girl bands, Ronnie Spector. And the general public may not know who Bettye LaVette is. And I had the opportunity to sing it at Obama’s inauguration. ‘A Change Is Gonna Come,’ Sam Cooke, one of the great songs ever. But in the case of my being the fanboy again, I did think about this a little bit today. “My songs are not protest songs, but songs of social observation because like I said, I’m just trying to bear witness to history. His top three picks were “For What It’s Worth,” “A Change Is Gonna Come” and ‘Times They Are A-Changing.” In addition to Bon Jovi’s own creative body of work, he curated a specific playlist on People Have The Power that further exemplifies his inclination towards social justice. I really looked forward to this interview because of the songwriting aspect.” But ‘Lower The Flag’ was written last summer. ‘American Reckoning’ would’ve been the last song written for the record, which was right after the passing of George Floyd (May 25). “Now it was a moment in time and yes I was witness to history. And as I started down this road I got more and more excited that I had clarity behind the album title 2020.”

And so that kind of, ‘Let’s write a love song, let’s write a buddy song,’ really didn’t have much appeal. As though I was an unbiased journalist or I was the voyeur.’” said Bon Jovi. “As events started to unfold and I started to write more, I thought, ‘I’m gonna take the position as a witness to history, nothing more. Here’s a sneak peek of what transpired in this behind the podcast mic. Baltin had exclusive access to the brain behind the album as he questioned Bon Jovi on his many inspirations and songwriting practices. Released this past Friday, 2020 is a 13-track ode to humanity’s current state as well as a timeless body of work embodying the larger emotions of a tumultuous time.

In an incredibly timely interview, People Have The Power host Steve Baltin sat down with Jon Bon Jovi to discuss his latest album release, 2020, and how he chooses to witness history.

Bon jovi today 2020