Bon Jovi is one of the great rock bands of modern times, but it took Jon Bon Jovi’s hair turning grey and the departure of songwriting partner Richie Sambora before critics were comfortable enough to admit it. Far from being a band that merely survived on good looks and hit singles, in my book, the band’s deep cuts show its greatest strengths.

I’ve dug deep, and these are the 10 most underrated Bon Jovi songs —the ones known only by the die-hards but worthy of everyone’s attention.

Greatest 10 Deep Cuts by Bon Jovi

10. “Shot Through the Heart” (“Bon Jovi” – 1984)

It takes years of work to create an overnight success. And that’s precisely what happened with Bon Jovi’s “Runaway.”

It was singer Jon Bon Jovi’s industriousness that got his band on the radio. But the task of finding a unifying style for the first album was difficult.

“Shot Through the Heart” wasn’t a single. Few noticed it. But the dramatic power ballad mould clearly suits the band. And Bon Jovi liked the title so much that it was recycled for the opening line of one of its biggest hits, “You Give Love a Bad Name.”

9. “Something for the Pain” (“These Days” – 1995)

It wasn’t cool to be a Bon Jovi fan by the early to mid-1990s. Grunge and alt-rock dominated radio and MTV. The celebratory pop-metal that the New Jersey band specialized in was out of vogue. I run the risk of admitting I like the band even now.

But Bon Jovi had a couple of cards up their sleeves? Top songwriting (occasionally assisted by outside personnel) and masterful playing. “Something for the Pain” was overlooked at the time of its release. But listen without prejudice, and you might just hear one of the great rock singles of the 1990s.

8. “Just Older” (“Crush” – 2000)

Bon Jovi pivoted quickly and smartly during the 1990s. Rather than risk becoming a remnant of the hair metal past, the group dug deep into the group members’ collective blue-collar roots.

The “Crush” album had its party rockers, sure. But it also contained plenty of earnest material. “Just Older” is an ode to feeling OK in your skin and kind of proud about having “seen a million faces and rocked them all.”

7. “Social Disease” (“Slippery When Wet” – 1986)

“Slippery When Wet” sold millions of copies. It’s one of the albums that defines 1980s American rock.

Everyone remembers it as a loud, fun celebration. And they’d be right to think that. “Social Disease” is Bon Jovi’s version of “Addicted to Love.” It’s an over-the-top pop-rock track, the glory of…em… physical interaction, and one of Bon Jovi’s most underrated songs.

6. “Two Story Town” (“Crush” – 2000)

“Crush” is, really, a story of two halves. One includes the songs meant to be singles and fill-out arenas. But the more interesting of the two, I think, showcases the band’s experimentation with trendy sounds and earnest songwriting.

“Two Story Town” is reminiscent of Jon Bon Jovi’s solo record “Destination: Anywhere.” The vocals work perfectly with the processed drums, and the vocal harmonies featured in the chorus are a great touch.

5. “My Guitar Lies Bleeding In My Arms” (“These Days” – 1995)

“These Days” is, in my opinion, the most impressive and underrated album in Bon Jovi’s discography. It’s the first attempt to show real critics that the band is comprised of real musicians and songwriters.

“My Guitar Lies Bleeding In My Arms” is a nice opportunity for Richie Sambora to showcase his fretboard mastery. But it’s also a song of woe and melancholy delivered Bon Jovi’s way. In fact, throughout the album, the band explores darker themes without ever aping the fashionable Seattle grunge bands. It makes me want to solo, but, of course, very few can do it as well as Richie.

4. “I Believe” (“Keep the Faith” – 1992)

“Don’t make sudden moves!” That’s what Bon Jovi’s musicians must’ve thought at the start of the 1990s. Sure, the alt-rock revolution took out many pop-metal bands. But the great ones endured.

“I Believe” sees Bon Jovi add a rougher edge to the band’s sound. But the opening track on “Keep the Faith” maintains the optimism, “us against the world” attitude of the band’s finest songs. “I Believe” is a great song featuring one of the band’s finest pre-choruses.

3. “Captain Crash & The Beauty Queen From Mars” (“Crush” – 2000)

Jon Bon Jovi stuck to his guns through the turbulent 1990s. And it paid off. His solo album was a hit. And despite not getting every single to go Top 20 anymore, the band earned a dedicated following and shed fairweather fans.

The best of Bon Jovi’s sound and songwriting is captured in a song like “Captain Crash & The Beauty Queen From Mars.” A quirky, glam-rock stomp about flamboyantly dressed concert-goers, it’s an arena rock number with soul. It’s one of the tracks I like best.

2. “Diamond Ring” (“These Days” – 1995)

It’s often claimed that Bon Jovi started the Unplugged format craze when Jon and Richie played an awards show while seated and playing acoustic guitars. It’s quite likely.

That confidence in their collective powers is brought to “Diamong Ring.” A real gem, this deep cut showcases the duo’s ability to harmonize and find memorable melodies over the simplest of backings.

Think you can outdo prime Bon Jovi in a busking duel? Think again! I wouldn’t even bother trying to best them.

1. “Living in Sin” (“New Jersey” – 1988)

Bon Jovi had the luxury of suffering from too many late 80s hit singles. Sure, the music videos got played on MTV. Yes, they helped the group sell millions. But what about all of the great album tracks?

“Living in Sin” is a song beloved by Bon Jovi’s hardcore fans. But it’s virtually unknown by everyone else. This needs to change!

The soulful, sultry track captures Jon Bon Jovi at the very height of his vocal prowess. It’s a mighty power-pop ballad and one of Bon Jovi’s finest studio songs.