Here it is, then, the longest/least awaited (delete to taste) solo outing in a generation. Funny thing is, 'Destination Anywhere' is so much a departure from the tried, trusted and immensely lucrative Bon Jovi formula that those waiting most feaverishly for its arrival are quite likely to be disappointed, while those with no previous regard for Jon or his band are more likely to approve of at least some of it.

Seemingly desperate to steer clear of the stadium-swelling cock rock anthems that have made him more of a househld name than Daz, Jon is moving apace here in two distict directions. The much-touted influence of Black Grape producer Steve Lironi is all over the thing, virtually every number riding on some kind of langourous, dancey undercurrent, while 'It's Just Me' sees New Jersey's favourite son taking a surprisingly convincing shot at slinky trip-hop, of all things.

The second force at work here is the desire of Bon Jovi to emulate the rootsy, down-home blue-collar Americana of his long-time heroes, Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp,. It's a drift that's been in eveidence since 'New Jersey', granted, but here he's run with the urge much further than ever before. To help him in this department he's enlisted Hooter's mainmain Eric Bazilian, who is not only the brains behind Joan Osbrne and much of Cyndi Lauper's early success, but is to superior Yank pop-rock what Ozzy Osbourne is to modern metal - the godfather, the grandpappy, the big cheese. Bazilian's influence is similarly spread all over 'Destination Anywhere': from the trademark folky Hooter guitar solo that cases the title track, to the accordian smeared 'Little City', and the irresistibly countrified Jon 'n' Eric co-write 'Ugly' which is nicely worded, delightfully underplayed, and quite the best thing Jon Bon Jovi has ever put his name to - either in or out of the band that carries him name.

For fans of the headband-wearing, leopardskin-clad poodle boy of yore, 'Destination Anywhere' holds slim pickings. The only thing here that could truthfully be described as a 'driving rocker' is the tragic August 7, 4:15', which details the death of a child and does, as previously reported,recall Neil Young's 'Rockin' In The Free World'. Opener 'Queen Of New Orleans', meanwhile, with it's sultry syncopation and smutty lyric ('I felt hard when I put my hand in the cookie jar') is the one and only reminder of the Jon Bon Jovi who once put a wet bosom on his record sleeve.

All in all, 'Destination Anywhere' is a real magpie's job. Jon has roped in anyone and anything he felt might enrich the project, and he's bravely tries out things here that he could never carry off with Richie Sambora looking over his shoulder. The result is a sophisticated and surprisingly pleasing record. Whether or not it pays off in terms of sales is another question. Christ, who are we trying to kid? It'll sell bloody millions.