Bon Jovi's good-time pop-rock does the job

CONCERT REVIEW: He turned in a likable show at Xcel, but he had a tough act to follow. (He's no Springsteen, OK?)

By JON BREAM, Star Tribune

Last update: March 19, 2008 - 8:25 AM

Seeing Bon Jovi two nights after witnessing Bruce Springsteen is like seeing Justin Timberlake live after watching a Michael Jackson 1988 concert DVD, like seeing Kobe Bryant win three NBA titles after watching highlights of Michael Jordan capturing six championships or seeing a Cameron Diaz double feature after attending a Julia Roberts film festival.

In other words, no matter how great Bon Jovi was Tuesday night at St. Paul's Xcel Energy Center, it couldn't measure up to Springsteen's performance there Sunday.

To be sure, it was a very good, crowd-thrilling Bon Jovi concert. And Bon Jovi/Springsteen is apples/oranges, even though they are both huge rockers from New Jersey. The couple next to me pretty much summed it up: He liked the Boss and she didn't, but she loved Bon Jovi and he dug it, too. "Anybody could walk in and enjoy this," he said, "but I don't think anybody could just walk in and enjoy Springsteen."

While Springsteen can be jubilant, his music is more pensive and purposeful. Bon Jovi is just good-time populism. It's not about art, politics or any kind of commentary. In fact, most of the group's songs at Xcel had more in common with the pop of Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons (cranked loud) than the rock of Springsteen and the E Street Band. Bon Jovi sings simple songs of love and faith, dressed up in different sounds (hair metal, blue-eyed R&B, Boardwalk pop, faux cowboy). The 2¼-hour concert (which will be repeated tonight) was mindlessly appealing, perfect ear candy for sing-alongs and arm-waving.

Frontman Jon Bon Jovi, 46, was in good form (though the woman next to me complained about his blond-free, non-feathered hairdo). He was friendly and energetic, he worked the crowd of 18,000 and he connected with the other musicians like they were a band, not a star and sidemen. Per usual, he and the boys brought along an exciting visual show, with four Venetian-blind video screens that changed shapes, sizes and locations.

The six-man band, augmented by a fiddler, was tight and smoothly professional. The new material from last year's made-in-Nashville "Lost Highway" often sounded more like Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney or Big & Rich, but the fans lapped it up as enthusiastically as they did "Livin' on a Prayer," the "It's My Life" and "Bad Medicine," the darkest tune in Bon Jovi's shiny, happy repertoire.

Opening was Daughtry, the big-selling band fronted by 2006 "American Idol" hero Chris Daughtry. He faithfully delivered his radio-ready rock tunes, but he could have used more melody, muscle and moves. He didn't command the stage like a rock star even though many people think he is one.

For a set list and fan comments, go to www.startribune.com/poplife. Jon Bream • 612-673-1719