The Definitive Track-By-Track Guide To Bon Jovi's Defiant Album: *This House Is Not For Sale* (17 Essential Songs)

Eight years after its initial release, Bon Jovi's 2016 album, This House Is Not For Sale, remains a powerful declaration of identity and resilience. In December 2025, as the band continues to celebrate its enduring legacy and looks ahead to new projects like the *Forever* album, this fourteenth studio record stands out as a pivotal moment. It was the first album to officially feature the new lineup and served as a defiant response to internal and external challenges, proving that the Bon Jovi "house"—the band itself—was still standing strong and not for sale to anyone.

Released on Island Records, the album is a thematic masterpiece, focusing on integrity, perseverance, and the unbreakable bond of the group. From the anthemic title track to the deeply personal ballads, the songs chronicle a journey of struggle and ultimate triumph. This deep-dive explores the full tracklist of the Deluxe Edition, revealing the inspiration, context, and enduring message behind every essential song that cemented Bon Jovi’s commitment to their craft.

Bon Jovi: *This House Is Not For Sale* Era Band Profile & Context

The creation of *This House Is Not For Sale* marked a significant turning point for the band, solidifying a new chapter and an official lineup. The album was a deliberate statement of unity following a period of turmoil, most notably the departure of long-time lead guitarist Richie Sambora.

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The core members, Jon Bon Jovi (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Tico Torres (drums), and David Bryan (keyboards, piano), were joined by two musicians who had long been part of the touring family but were officially recognized as full band members for the first time on this record:

• Phil X (Lead Guitar): Having capably replaced Sambora on the road since 2013, Phil X brought a fresh, high-energy guitar style that helped redefine the band's sound for a new era. His official inclusion was a nod to his commitment and talent.
• Hugh McDonald (Bass Guitar): McDonald had been the unofficial bassist for the band since Alec John Such's departure in 1994, playing on every album and tour. His elevation to official member status on *This House Is Not For Sale* symbolized the closing of old wounds and the formal recognition of his two decades of dedication.

The album was produced by longtime collaborator John Shanks, who also contributed additional guitar and backing vocals. This team created a sound that critics noted was a return to the band's rock roots while maintaining the modern, anthemic songwriting style of their post-2000 work.

The 17 Essential Songs on Bon Jovi's *This House Is Not For Sale* Deluxe Edition

The Deluxe Edition of *This House Is Not For Sale* features 17 tracks, each contributing to the album's overarching narrative of defiance and renewal. Here is a breakdown of the key songs and their profound meanings, which showcase the band's topical authority on themes of perseverance and integrity.

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1. "This House Is Not For Sale" (The Anthem of Integrity)

The title track and lead single is the definitive statement of the album. The song was inspired by a black-and-white photograph by Jerry Uelsmann, which depicted a proud, old house with deep, exposed roots, yet no foundation. Jon Bon Jovi saw this image as a perfect metaphor for the band: despite the cracks and challenges (the exposed roots), the house (the band's identity and legacy) was not for sale to any record company, critic, or former member. The lyrics, "These four walls have got a story to tell," immediately set the tone for a record about the band's history and its future.

2. "Living With The Ghost" (Confronting the Past)

This track delves into the theme of moving forward while acknowledging past failures and departures. It is a catchy, mid-tempo rock song that addresses the idea of carrying the memory of a past relationship or challenge—the "ghost"—but choosing not to be defined by it. The song is an emotional bridge from the band's previous struggles to their new, unified path.

3. "Knockout" (The Fighter's Spirit)

A powerful, uptempo rocker, "Knockout" channels the band's fighting spirit. Jon Bon Jovi has described it as a song about being ready for anything life throws at you. The track features a high-energy chorus and driving guitar riffs from Phil X, making it a staple of the *This House Is Not For Sale Tour* and a clear message that Bon Jovi was not going down without a fight.

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4. "Labor Of Love" (The Darker Ballad)

In contrast to the stadium-sized anthems, "Labor Of Love" is a moody, darker ballad. Some critics noted its atmosphere was reminiscent of the mysterious, sensual sound of Chris Isaak's classic "Wicked Game". It explores the themes of a difficult, yet necessary, relationship—a love that requires constant, strenuous effort, or "labor." It adds a layer of complex emotion to the album's otherwise defiant tone.

5. "Born Again Tomorrow" (A Fresh Start)

This uptempo pop-rock track perfectly encapsulates the album's theme of renewal. The message is simple and uplifting: every day offers a chance to start over, to be "born again tomorrow". It’s a classic Bon Jovi motivational anthem, encouraging listeners to leave yesterday's mistakes behind and embrace a new beginning. The song is often highlighted for its strong, radio-friendly arrangement.

6. "Roller Coaster" (The Thrill of Life)

Frequently cited as one of the "coolest" songs on the record, "Roller Coaster" uses the metaphor of a thrilling, unpredictable ride to describe life. It features a distinctive, swaggering verse that builds tension before exploding into a massive, rocking chorus. The song is a celebration of embracing the highs and lows, a perfect example of the band's ability to blend rock swagger with pop sensibility.

7. "New Year's Day" (Hope and Community)

Far from being a simple holiday track, "New Year's Day" carries a powerful message of civic and communal hope. Jon Bon Jovi revealed that the song was specifically inspired by the idea of the "phoenix rising out of Camden"—referencing the revitalization of the New Jersey city and the hope for its citizens. It’s a testament to the band’s deep roots in the state and their commitment to social optimism.

The Full Deluxe Edition Tracklist: A Complete Picture

The full 17-track Deluxe Edition provides the most complete artistic statement of the *This House Is Not For Sale* era, including several tracks that reinforce the central themes of struggle, loyalty, and self-belief:

• 8. "The Devil's In The Temple": A critique of the music industry and the various "devils" that threaten an artist's integrity.
• 9. "Scars On This Guitar": A deeply personal track about the sacrifices and history embedded in an artist's career, with the "scars" representing experiences, not regrets.
• 10. "God Bless This Mess": A celebration of imperfection and the chaotic beauty of life, echoing the overall theme of perseverance.
• 11. "Reunion": A song about the strength of the band's internal bond, celebrating the core members and their history together.
• 12. "Come On Up To Our House": An inviting track that welcomes the listener into the band’s world, reinforcing the "house" metaphor.
• 13. "Real Love" (Bonus Track): A syrupy piano ballad that provides a moment of tenderness amidst the rock anthems, focusing on genuine connection.
• 14. "All Hail The King" (Bonus Track): An energetic, celebratory track, often interpreted as a nod to the band's own enduring status in the rock world.
• 15. "We Don't Run" (Bonus Track): A powerful re-inclusion from their previous release, *Burning Bridges*, which perfectly fits the theme of defiance and refusing to back down.
• 16. "Goodnight New York" (Bonus Track): A tribute to the city and a classic Bon Jovi storytelling track.
• 17. "Touch Of Grey" (Bonus Track): A song about aging, experience, and finding wisdom, a reflective note to close the album.

The Legacy of Resilience and The Road to *Forever*

The impact of *This House Is Not For Sale* extends far beyond its 2016 release. It served as a critical, commercial, and emotional success, becoming Bon Jovi's sixth number-one album in the US. More importantly, it redefined the band's internal narrative, proving to fans and critics alike that the group could thrive with its new, official lineup of Jon Bon Jovi, Tico Torres, David Bryan, Phil X, and Hugh McDonald.

The album's central message of integrity—that the band’s legacy and name are "not for sale"—continues to resonate today. It laid the groundwork for their subsequent work, including the reflective *2020* album and the highly anticipated 2024/2025 release, *Forever*. The themes of perseverance, loyalty, and the fighting spirit established in tracks like "Knockout" and the title song are now viewed as foundational to the band's modern identity.

In an era where many classic rock acts consider cashing in on their catalogs, Jon Bon Jovi’s unwavering stance—that the "house" will remain in their hands—is a powerful testament to the artistic conviction that fueled this landmark album. *This House Is Not For Sale* is not just a collection of songs; it is a declaration of independence that ensured the Bon Jovi story would continue on their own terms.