Miami meets New Jersey! Rock star Jon Bon Jovi and hip-hop artist Pitbull recently joined forces to deliver “Now or Never”, a remix of the former’s classic song, “It’s My Life”, part of his band’s 2000 album, “Crush.” The song was by far Bon Jovi’s most well-known post-1980’s hit. Not only did the song introduce the hair metal band to a younger audience, but was also credited, among other tunes of course, reinvigorating rock music as a whole into the mainstream. “It’s My Life” also became Bon Jovi’s first song to surpass 1 billion views on YouTube (yes, even before “Livin’ On a Prayer”!). Nobody knew the song would become such a schlock-rock masterpiece – except the band members, of course. Jon Bon Jovi himself once remarked “Nobody had anticipated the song… Except us…We knew we had a hit.” What the “Runaway” singer did
not realize, however, was that the song, originally intended to revolve his own personal journey in life, appealed to the common everyman. “I didn’t realize that the phrase ‘It’s My Life’ would be taken as being about everyone – by teenagers, by older guys, mechanics, whatever. ‘It’s my life, and I’m taking control.’ Everyone kind of didn’t realize that the phrase ‘It’s My Life’ would be taken as being about everyone – by teenagers, by older guys, mechanics, whatever. ‘It’s my life, and I’m taking control.’ Everyone kind of feels that way from time to time”, Bon Jovi remarks. From a strictly musical standpoint, what helps make the song great is its merging of old and new. Not only does the anthem feature guitarist Richie Sambora’s use of a talk-box, but also references to Tommy and Gina, both characters from Bon Jovi’s magnum opus, the aforementioned “Livin’ On a Prayer.” Not to mention, a nod
to fellow New Jerseyan Frank Sinatra, “Like Frankie said, I did it my way.” So naturally, nearly a quarter of a century after the song was originally released, it was due for a revival, with the help of Mr. WorldwideJon Bon Jovi and Pitbull’s friendshi dates back to 2017, when the two powerhouse musicians of different genres first met at the Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. This unexpected but welcome partnership has led to big numbers for both men. This is certainly not the first mix of rock and hip-hop, as proven by collaborations between Aerosmith and Run-D.M.C. or Ozzy Osbourne and Post Malone. However, this is certainly one of the best.
Bon Jovi appears for the first time on the Dance/Electronic Digital Song Sales chart this frame. The band debuts at No. 13 with “Now or Never,” a tune that credits the entire group, even though they don’t lead the charge. Pitbull clearly fronts the redux and since he is not new to the Dance/Electronic scene, this is nearly his 30th track to reach Billboard’s list of the most popular songs of the genre. Other songs in this category that have debuted this week include Cher and Kelly Clarkson’s “DJ Play a Christmas Song” (No. 3), John Summit and Venbee’s “Palm of My Hands” (No. 5), and David Guetta and IVE’s “Supernova Love,” which opens at No. 9. While being the lowest ranking of the bunch, “Now or Never” does not give love a bad name, as fans of both artists have delivered overwhelming praise, deservedly so, as the track expertly blends Bon Jovi’s recognizable and some added lyrics from Pitbull.
