Bon Jovi's big, bold American rock takes its cues from some of the hardest and heaviest bands of the '70s and '80s, all of whom champion the working-class hero. The Jersey boys' down-home charm points to the triumphant heartland rock of John Mellencamp and fellow Garden Stater Bruce Springsteen, while their fiercest melodies nod to Aerosmith's smooth, saucy grooves and Thin Lizzy's hefty metallic hooks.