Studio Album · No. 15
2020 Songwriting Credits by Bon Jovi
Produced by John Shanks, Jon Bon Jovi
Island Records
RockPop Rock
100%
Authorship
Holds writing credit on 10 of 10 tracks
Authorship Breakdown 10 / 10 documented
Who wrote the songs?
Scored across the 10 tracks with documented writers, by whether Bon Jovi carries a lyricist or composer credit.
10 trackswritten by Bon Jovi
0 tracksoutside writers
Bon Jovi's roles on this album
Share of the 10 tracks where a band member is credited, by role.
Lyricist100%
Composer100%
Producer100%
Performer100%
By the Numbers
10
Tracks
3
Lyricists
2
Producers
2020
Released
Data Insight
2020 is a socially conscious record that finds Jon Bon Jovi responding directly to the events of its release year, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the murder of George Floyd, and the experiences of returning veterans. Most of the album was co-written by Jon Bon Jovi with John Shanks and Billy Falcon, with Shanks and Bon Jovi handling production. "Limitless" served as the upbeat lead single, while "American Reckoning," written by Bon Jovi alone in response to George Floyd's death, channeled the album's protest spirit and donated its proceeds to the Equal Justice Initiative. The result is one of the band's most topical releases, trading arena anthems for commentary on the moment.
COVID-era album with a pronounced political and social conscience, produced by John Shanks and Jon Bon Jovi. Jon Bon Jovi writes 7 of 10 tracks solo, the highest proportion of solo writes on any single Bon Jovi album. Billy Falcon and John Shanks each appear as co-writers on two tracks.
Track Listing & Credits 10 tracks
Written by the artist
Written by outside writers
| # | Title | Lyricist(s) | Composer(s) | Producer(s) | Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Limitless
#10
|
Jon Bon JoviBilly FalconJohn Shanks | Jon Bon JoviBilly FalconJohn Shanks | John ShanksJon Bon Jovi | Jon Bon Jovi (Vocals) |
| 2 |
Do What You Can
#11
|
Jon Bon Jovi | Jon Bon Jovi | John ShanksJon Bon Jovi | Jon Bon Jovi (Vocals) |
| 3 |
American Reckoning
|
Jon Bon Jovi | Jon Bon Jovi | John ShanksJon Bon Jovi | Jon Bon Jovi (Vocals) |
| 4 |
Beautiful Drug
|
Jon Bon JoviBilly FalconJohn Shanks | Jon Bon JoviBilly FalconJohn Shanks | John ShanksJon Bon Jovi | Jon Bon Jovi (Vocals) |
| 5 |
Story of Love
|
Jon Bon Jovi | Jon Bon Jovi | John ShanksJon Bon Jovi | Jon Bon Jovi (Vocals) |
| 6 |
Let It Rain
|
Jon Bon Jovi | Jon Bon Jovi | John ShanksJon Bon Jovi | Jon Bon Jovi (Vocals) |
| 7 |
Lower the Flag
|
Jon Bon Jovi | Jon Bon Jovi | John ShanksJon Bon Jovi | Jon Bon Jovi (Vocals) |
| 8 |
Blood in the Water
|
Jon Bon Jovi | Jon Bon Jovi | John ShanksJon Bon Jovi | Jon Bon Jovi (Vocals) |
| 9 |
Brothers in Arms
|
Jon Bon Jovi | Jon Bon Jovi | John ShanksJon Bon Jovi | Jon Bon Jovi (Vocals) |
| 10 |
Unbroken
|
Jon Bon Jovi | Jon Bon Jovi | John ShanksJon Bon Jovi | Jon Bon Jovi (Vocals) |
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Frequently Asked Questions 2020
What is the album 2020 by Bon Jovi about?
2020 is a topical, socially conscious album that addresses the major events of its release year. Its songs touch on the COVID-19 pandemic, the murder of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement, gun violence, and the experiences of returning military veterans. Jon Bon Jovi described wanting to use his voice as an artist to speak to issues that move people.
Who wrote the songs on 2020?
Most of the album was co-written by Jon Bon Jovi with John Shanks and Billy Falcon, the band's frequent collaborators during this era. Shanks also produced the record alongside Bon Jovi. "American Reckoning" is an exception, written solely by Jon Bon Jovi.
What were the singles from 2020?
The main singles were "Limitless," "Do What You Can," and "American Reckoning." "Limitless" was the upbeat lead single and reached number 10 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart, while "Do What You Can" peaked at number 11 on the same chart. "Unbroken" had been released earlier in 2019 ahead of the album.
What is American Reckoning about?
"American Reckoning" was written by Jon Bon Jovi in response to the murder of George Floyd in 2020. He said he was moved to write it as a witness to history, and the song aligns with the Black Lives Matter movement. Proceeds from its July 2020 release benefited Bryan Stevenson's Equal Justice Initiative.
What is the song Do What You Can about?
"Do What You Can" began during the early COVID-19 lockdowns, when Jon Bon Jovi shared the opening lines and invited fans to write their own verses. The finished song became a tribute to the citizens and workers of New York City for their efforts during the pandemic, and Bon Jovi performed an acoustic version at the Jersey 4 Jersey benefit.
Why is the album called 2020?
The title reflects the album's focus on the events of the year 2020, a year defined by the pandemic, social unrest, and political division. The release was originally scheduled for May 2020 but was pushed to October 2, 2020, so the band could address the unfolding events more directly.
Who produced 2020?
2020 was produced by John Shanks and Jon Bon Jovi. Shanks, who also co-wrote much of the material with Bon Jovi and Billy Falcon, had become the band's primary studio collaborator by this point in their career.
How did 2020 perform on the charts?
2020 reached number 19 on the US Billboard 200 and number 5 on the UK Albums Chart. It also charted strongly across Europe, peaking at number 2 in Austria and Spain and number 3 in Germany.