Introduction • Album Overview • History • Original Banned Cover Art

Introduction

Slippery When Wet isn’t just Bon Jovi’s biggest album — it’s one of the most important records of the entire 1980s. Released in 1986, it transformed Bon Jovi from rising New Jersey rockers into worldwide superstars. This is the album that defined arena rock: big choruses, glossy production, working-class romance, and hooks built for stadiums.

With timeless hits like “You Give Love a Bad Name,” “Livin’ on a Prayer,” and “Wanted Dead or Alive,” the album reshaped radio rock, drove the glam-metal movement into the mainstream, and became a cultural landmark. It’s the sound of the MTV era at its absolute peak — melodic, emotional, polished, and explosive.

What Is “Slippery When Wet”? (Album Overview)

Musically, the album blends:

– pop-metal
– hard rock
– glam-metal
– 80s radio rock
– arena-sized choruses
– New Jersey blue-collar storytelling

It’s not heavy like Mötley Crüe nor dark like Guns N’ Roses — instead, it’s optimistic, youthful, dramatic, and built for mass appeal. Everything is catchy, clean, emotional, and massively hook-driven.

Themes include:

– love and heartbreak
– working-class struggle
– youthful rebellion
– dreams vs. reality
– loyalty and friendship
– romantic drama
– ambition and survival

Release Date:

August 18, 1986

Producer:

Bruce Fairbairn (one of the greatest rock producers ever)

Why the album matters:

Because it became the blueprint for 80s arena rock and launched a thousand imitators. It turned Bon Jovi into global icons, produced songs that basically became cultural furniture, and cemented the “hair metal meets heartland rock” sound that dominated radio for the next five years.

Slippery When Wet wasn’t just successful — it was a phenomenon.

History of Creation

New Jersey to Vancouver — Reinvention

After moderate success with their first two albums, the band realized they needed to evolve. Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora wanted:

– bigger hooks
– better lyrics
– massive stadium power
– a more emotional, cinematic feel

To achieve that, they went to Vancouver, where producer Bruce Fairbairn and engineer Bob Rock helped sharpen their sound into something huge and polished.

Almost overnight, the band became tighter, more focused, and more ambitious.

The Arrival of Desmond Child (Game-Changer)

One of the most pivotal decisions was bringing in legendary songwriter Desmond Child, whose ability to sculpt anthems changed the entire direction of the album.

Together, Jon, Richie, and Desmond wrote:

– “You Give Love a Bad Name”
– “Livin’ on a Prayer”
– “Bad Medicine” (next album)
– many later Bon Jovi classics

This collaboration took Bon Jovi from good to world-dominating.

The Making of an 80s Monster

1. Huge Choruses

Songs were built for stadium singalongs before the stadiums even existed.

2. Radio Perfection

Fairbairn pushed the production into pristine, high-gloss territory — perfect for MTV and FM radio.

3. Emotional Storytelling

“Livin’ on a Prayer” created working-class rock characters (Tommy & Gina) that resonated with millions.

4. Richie Sambora’s Guitar Identity

This album cemented Sambora as one of the defining guitarists of the decade — melodic, bluesy, romantic, and stadium-sized.

5. Bob Rock’s Engineering Magic

Everything is huge, clean, and punchy — the drums, the vocals, the guitars, the synths.

It’s a masterclass in 80s rock production.

The Original Album Cover (BANNED)

Yes — Slippery When Wet originally had a very different cover, and it was banned before release.

The “Wet T-Shirt Girl” Cover

The original design featured:

– a young woman
– wearing a ripped, soaking-wet yellow t-shirt
– with the album title printed across her chest
– photographed from the neck down

The image was extremely suggestive, and the band intended it as a cheeky, sexy glam-metal cover typical of the era.

Who Shot the Image?

The original cover photos were taken by photographer Mark Weiss, who shot many classic 80s rock bands.

Why It Was Banned

Polygram Records feared:

– backlash from conservative markets
– censorship from major retail chains
– MTV refusing to cooperate
– lawsuits or moral outrage
– marketing complications

This was the 1980s moral panic era — Tipper Gore, the PMRC, and anti-rock crusaders were everywhere.

The label panicked and shut the cover down at the last minute.

The Replacement Cover

The cover we know today — the black trash bag sprayed with the words “Slippery When Wet” — was literally created QUICKLY after the ban.

It looks minimalistic, raw, almost last-minute — because it WAS.

Fun fact:
Jon Bon Jovi himself reportedly helped create the replacement cover using a garbage bag and wet spray paint.

The new cover became iconic anyway — simple, mysterious, and instantly recognizable.

Promotional Covers & Rarities

Collectors hunt for:

– Japanese pressings with the original cover
– early Canadian prints
– promotional posters with the banned image
– “blue cover” variants
– test pressings

The banned cover remains one of the rarest 80s rock collectibles.

Song-by-Song Meaning & Analysis

Let It Rock

An explosive opener that sets the tone immediately — big synth stabs, massive drums, and an almost gospel-like intro before the guitars crash in. Lyrically, it’s about liberation, escape, and surrendering to the power of music as a release valve for everyday pressure.
The track establishes the album’s core message: this is an experience, not just a collection of songs.
It signals the start of Bon Jovi’s transformation into arena giants.

You Give Love a Bad Name

One of the most iconic breakup anthems ever recorded. The song captures the emotional whiplash of betrayal — love turning to venom, romance turning to heartbreak, passion turning to pain. Written by Jon, Richie, and Desmond Child, it became the blueprint for the modern pop-metal hit.
Sonically, it’s sharp, punchy, and hyper-melodic.
That opening scream and those gang vocals? Pure 80s magic, instantly recognizable across generations.

Livin’ on a Prayer

A defining song of the decade — a working-class epic disguised as a pop-metal anthem. Tommy and Gina, the fictional couple, represent millions of young couples fighting through economic struggle, bad jobs, rent, and debt.
The talkbox intro from Richie Sambora gives the song its signature sound.
The key change in the final chorus delivers one of the greatest emotional highs in rock history.
This is the song that turned Bon Jovi into legends.

Social Disease

A playful, tongue-in-cheek rocker about romantic chaos and impulsive behavior. It’s sleazy, loud, exaggerated, and built for fun — like a glam-metal cartoon.
The horns and theatrical intro give it a wild, almost Broadway-meets-Jersey bar-band energy.
One of the album’s most underrated tracks, capturing the band’s mischievous sense of humor.

Wanted Dead or Alive

The album’s emotional soul — a cowboy anthem for rock stars living life on the road. Jon and Richie wrote it about exhaustion, loneliness, fame, and the nomadic existence of constant touring.
The Western imagery isn’t about real cowboys — it’s metaphorical, reflecting the gunslinger lifestyle of 80s fame.
The acoustic-to-electric transition is iconic, and Richie’s melodic solo is one of the decade’s best.
This song made Bon Jovi respected beyond pop-metal.

Raise Your Hands

A high-energy stadium chant built for live shows.
It’s about unity, celebration, and losing yourself in the moment — the essence of what made Bon Jovi concerts legendary.
Locations like Detroit, Tokyo, New Jersey are shouted out to create a global sense of “we’re all in this together.”
A pure adrenaline shot.

Without Love

A melodic, heartfelt track that leans more into pop-rock than metal.
It explores the emotional vulnerability of longing, romance, and the fear of being alone.
Richie Sambora’s backing vocals shine, giving the song warmth and tenderness.
It’s smoother, softer, and adds balance to the heavier tracks.

I’d Die for You

A dramatic, passionate anthem built on 80s synths and huge drums.
Lyrically, it’s about unconditional devotion — total emotional surrender, the kind of all-in romance that defined 80s power-pop.
The song has a cinematic feel, almost like a soundtrack piece, with massive vocal layering.
It’s one of the hidden gems on the album.

Never Say Goodbye

The graduation anthem of the 1980s — nostalgia, youth, heartbreak, friendship, and the ache of time passing.
It’s about remembering the promises and dreams of teenage life, even though adulthood inevitably changes everything.
Jon sings this one with raw sincerity, and Richie’s emotional guitar work elevates it further.
If you’ve ever left a place, a school, or a person behind — this song hits deeply.

Wild in the Streets

A perfect closer.
This song captures the reckless freedom of youth — late nights, rebellion, heartbreak, dreams, and the rush of being young in a dangerous world.
It’s fast, melodic, and full of attitude, with a triumphant chorus that feels like running through the streets with your friends at midnight.
It ends the album on a high, fiery, celebratory note.

Guitars, Amps & Gear Used

Bon Jovi’s sound on Slippery When Wet is built almost entirely on the identity of one man:

Richie Sambora.

His tone — melodic, bluesy, emotional, and stadium-ready — became the defining sound of 80s pop-metal.
Here’s the full gear breakdown.

Richie Sambora — Guitars

Main Guitars on the Album

– Fender Stratocaster
Used heavily for the talkbox and many rhythms.

– Gibson Les Paul Standard & Custom
For fatter, heavier tones — especially the choruses.

– Kramer Jersey Star / Sambora Signature models
Iconic 80s look and sound, used on many live versions.

– Takamine & Ovation Acoustic guitars
Essential for “Wanted Dead or Alive” and other clean textures.

Why Sambora’s guitar work mattered

He wasn’t trying to shred — he was trying to sing through the guitar.
Every solo is melodic, emotional, and crafted to complement Jon’s vocals.

Amplifiers

Richie’s amps were the core of the album’s punchy, clean-but-powerful sound.

Main Amps Used

– Marshall JCM800 (primary lead tone)
– Marshall Plexi
– Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+
– Fender Twin Reverb (clean tones)
– Soldano (early prototypes)

Marshall + Sambora = the signature Slippery tone.

Key Tone Characteristics

– Bright but not harsh
– Tight low end
– Singing midrange (perfect for solos)
– Clean sparkle layered underneath the dirt
– Big, stadium-sized reverb

Effects & Processing

Richie Sambora’s Talkbox

The talkbox is one of the defining sounds of the entire album.

Used primarily on:
– “Livin’ on a Prayer”
– live versions of “Wanted Dead or Alive”
– other tour arrangements

The talkbox Richie used at the time was a Heil Talk Box, driven by a loud amp, with the tube sending the sound back into the microphone via mouth resonance.

Modulation and Effects

– Chorus (Boss CE-1/CE-2)
– Delay (analog + rack delays)
– Reverb units
– Compressor
– Overdrive pedals (for boosting Marshalls)

Studio Processing

Engineer Bob Rock added:
– gated reverb on drums
– plate reverb on vocals
– stereo widening on guitars
– multi-layer vocal stacks
– subtle synth pads under choruses

This is classic 80s production at its highest level.

Bass & Drums

Alec John Such — Bass

Guitars may dominate the album’s identity, but Alec’s bass provides warmth and groove.

Basses Used

– Fender Precision Bass
– Fender Jazz Bass
– Music Man StingRay

Bass Tone

– Warm
– Round
– Supportive rather than aggressive
– Locked tightly with the kick drum

This album is not a bass showpiece — it’s the spine supporting the melodies.

Tico Torres — Drums

Drum Kit

Likely a Tama Superstar or Tama Artstar kit (his go-to brands of the era)

Cymbals

– Paiste 2002 series
Bright, cutting, perfect for stadium rock.

Drum Sound

Bob Rock sculpted one of the greatest drum mixes of the 80s:
– big gated reverb
– explosive snares
– tight kicks
– crisp toms
– wide stereo cymbals
– clean overheads

This became the sound EVERY 80s band tried to copy.

Keyboards & Synths

Bon Jovi’s secret weapon on this album is subtle synth work layered under the guitars.

David Bryan — Keyboards

He used:
– Yamaha DX7
– Roland D-50
– Analog pads & piano patches

His parts often:
– fill the stereo space
– add emotional atmosphere
– double melodic lines
– support the choruses

You don’t always notice the keyboards — but if you mute them, the songs collapse.

Production Techniques

1. Layered Rhythm Guitars

Many tracks feature:
– 4 to 8 rhythm guitar layers
– panned left/right
– mixed clean + dirty tones
– blended with subtle chorus

This creates the HUGE wall-of-sound effect.

2. Vocal Stacking

Jon Bon Jovi’s vocals were multi-tracked dozens of times in choruses.

This creates:
– thickness
– brightness
– a “choir-like” tone

Especially on:
– “Livin’ on a Prayer”
– “You Give Love a Bad Name”
– “Never Say Goodbye”

3. Talkbox Integration

A key innovation of the album:
– Richie’s talkbox lines were recorded clean
– Re-amped for thickness
– Blended with synth bass
– Mixed carefully so it cut through without overpowering

This made “Livin’ on a Prayer” unforgettable.

4. The Bob Rock Aesthetic

Before Bob Rock became a superstar producer with Metallica, he honed his signature style here:

– massive drums
– crisp guitars
– harmonized vocals
– lush reverbs
– radio-perfect clarity

This album is the blueprint of 80s rock production.

Studios & Recording Locations

The album was recorded in Vancouver, Canada, known for its world-class studios.

Primary Studio

Little Mountain Sound Studios
The same studio later used by:
– Aerosmith
– AC/DC
– Metallica
– The Cult

Why Vancouver?

– isolated enough for focus
– cheaper than LA
– fresh environment
– access to amazing producers and engineers

Moving the band away from New Jersey + LA distractions was a key reason the album turned out so strong.

Album Formats & Collectibles

Original 1986 Vinyl

– Standard black vinyl
– Glossy outer sleeve
– Insert with lyrics + photos
– Replacement “trash bag” cover (after the original cover was banned)

This is the most common physical version, but first pressing copies with hype stickers have strong collector value.

Value Range:

$25–$90 depending on condition.

The Banned “Wet T-Shirt” Vinyl

This is the holy grail of Slippery When Wet collecting.

– Originally intended to be the U.S. cover
– Pulled by the label before full release
– Some promo versions and international early pressings escaped the ban
– Shows a woman in a soaked yellow top holding the wet T-shirt with the title printed on it

This version is extremely rare.

Value Range:

$250–$1000+ depending on region and condition.

Cassette Releases

Huge in the 80s and early 90s.

– U.S. Mercury cassette
– Canadian Polygram cassette
– European editions with different layouts
– Asian and South American versions (very collectible)

Vintage cassettes from this era often have retro “safety warning” labels and early logos.

CD Versions

The album exploded during the early CD boom.

– 1986 Mercury CD
– Early Polygram editions
– Japanese CD (always highly collectible, better print quality)
– European reprints in the 90s
– Remastered versions in box sets
– Some editions include bonus lyric booklets or alternate artwork layouts

Deluxe / Anniversary Editions

Bon Jovi has never released a massive anniversary box set for this album (which shocks many fans), but there have been:

– Japan SHM-CD editions
– European mini-LP replica CDs
– Some remastered versions included in multi-album Bon Jovi bundles

The band tends to preserve the original mix without heavy revision.

Chart Performance

U.S. Billboard 200

#1 for 8 weeks

This is massive. It dominated late 1986 and early 1987, crushing competition from established rock and pop acts.

Billboard Singles

Three songs hit the Top 10:

“You Give Love a Bad Name” — #1

“Livin’ on a Prayer” — #1

“Wanted Dead or Alive” — Top 10

Two #1 singles from a glam-rock band was unheard of at the time.

Worldwide Charts

The album hit #1 or Top 5 in:

– Canada
– Japan
– Australia
– UK
– Germany
– Switzerland
– Netherlands
– Sweden
– France
– Italy
– Austria
– New Zealand

It became a global phenomenon.

Certifications

United States — 12× Platinum

Over 12 million copies sold.

Worldwide Sales — 28 to 30 Million

This makes Slippery When Wet:

– One of the best-selling albums of the 80s
– One of the best-selling rock albums of all time
– The definitive commercial peak of the glam-metal movement

Only a few 80s rock albums outsold it (like Back in Black and Appetite for Destruction).

MTV Domination

MTV basically built Bon Jovi into superstars.

“Livin’ on a Prayer” Video

– iconic crane shots
– Jon’s massive hair + leather look
– Richie’s talkbox scenes
– the fog-filled stage rehearsal vibes
– a video that EVERY teenager saw in 1986–1987

It became one of MTV’s most played videos ever.

“You Give Love a Bad Name” Video

– the band sweating onstage
– dramatic closeups
– 80s glam aesthetic
– massive crowd interaction
– pure pop-metal charisma

“Wanted Dead or Alive” Video

This one changed everything.

It wasn’t glam.
It wasn’t neon.
It wasn’t flashy.

It was black and white, serious, emotionally raw — showing the band exhausted on tour.

It made Bon Jovi respectable in the eyes of rock purists.

Pop Culture Impact

1. The Ultimate 80s Party Album

Songs from this record appear everywhere:
– bars
– sports arenas
– karaoke
– movies
– commercials
– road trip playlists
– wedding receptions
– graduation montages

You can’t escape it — and nobody wants to.

2. Film & TV Appearances

Songs appear in:
– Rock of Ages
– Family Guy
– The Sopranos
– Supernatural
– countless documentaries
– every 80s nostalgia film

“Livin’ on a Prayer” might be the most karaoke-sung rock song in history.

3. Sports Anthems

“Livin’ on a Prayer” is blasted at:
– NHL games
– NFL stadiums
– NBA arenas
– MLB ballparks

When the crowd hits the “WHOAAAAA” section?
Pure electricity.

4. Influence on Other Bands

Bon Jovi’s blueprint shaped:
– Def Leppard (Hysteria era)
– Poison
– Warrant
– Skid Row
– Europe
– Whitesnake’s later albums
– countless glam-metal and pop-metal acts

Bon Jovi turned “hair metal” into something radio would take seriously.

Historical Significance

1. The Album That Made Glam-Metal Mainstream

Before Slippery When Wet, glam-metal was big, but not dominant.
After Slippery, EVERY band tried to write huge pop-metal anthems.

2. The Secret Ingredient: Heartland Rock

Bon Jovi mixed:
– Springsteen’s working-class soul
with
– L.A. glam-metal flamboyance.

That hybrid created the unique American sound of the late 80s.

3. Bon Jovi Became Global Superstars

This album didn’t just launch a band.
It launched a brand, a sound, a formula, and a new image of arena rock.

FAQ — Slippery When Wet (1986)

1. When was Slippery When Wet released?

The album was released on August 18, 1986 through Mercury Records. It marked Bon Jovi’s commercial breakthrough and became one of the most successful rock albums of the decade.

2. Why is the album called Slippery When Wet?

The band got the idea from a strip club in Vancouver called “The No. 5 Orange,” where dancers used wet t-shirts and soap to entertain customers. The phrase “Slippery When Wet” represented the edgy, sensual, fun vibe of the record. It was provocative enough to stand out but mainstream enough to work.

3. Why was the original cover banned?

The original cover featured a model in a wet yellow t-shirt, shot from the shoulders down. The label feared backlash from conservative retailers and moral watchdog groups, especially during the PMRC era. It was replaced at the last minute to avoid controversy.

4. How many albums has Slippery When Wet sold?

The album has sold an estimated 28–30 million copies worldwide. In the U.S. alone, it is certified 12× Platinum, making it one of the best-selling albums of all time.

5. What singles came from the album?

Three major singles were released:
– You Give Love a Bad Name
– Livin’ on a Prayer
– Wanted Dead or Alive
Two of them hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

6. What is “Livin’ on a Prayer” about?

The song tells the story of Tommy and Gina, a working-class couple struggling financially while holding onto hope. It captures the emotional reality of American blue-collar life in the 1980s. Its message of perseverance made it an anthem for millions.

7. Who wrote the songs on the album?

Most tracks were written by Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora, with significant contributions from songwriter Desmond Child. This trio created many of the band’s biggest hits.

8. What guitars did Richie Sambora use on the album?

Richie primarily used Fender Stratocasters, Gibson Les Pauls, and Kramer models, along with acoustic Takamine and Ovation guitars. His talkbox parts on “Livin’ on a Prayer” were created using a Heil Talk Box. His guitar work became a signature part of the album’s sound.

9. Who produced Slippery When Wet?

The album was produced by Bruce Fairbairn, with engineering by Bob Rock. This team shaped a polished, radio-friendly sound that became a template for late 80s rock production.

10. Where was the album recorded?

It was recorded at Little Mountain Sound Studios in Vancouver, Canada. This studio became legendary for producing some of the biggest rock albums of the era.

11. Why did the album become so successful?

It combined unforgettable hooks, a clean production style, relatable lyrics, and MTV-ready videos at a moment when rock was exploding globally. Bon Jovi struck the perfect balance between pop accessibility and rock energy. It was lightning in a bottle.

12. What is “Wanted Dead or Alive” really about?

The song uses cowboy imagery to describe the lonely, exhausting lifestyle of a touring musician. Jon and Richie wrote it during a period of burnout and constant travel. It’s both a confession and a celebration of their rock n’ roll identity.

13. Is Slippery When Wet the best Bon Jovi album?

Many fans and critics argue that it is their best — both musically and historically. It’s certainly their most influential and commercially successful release. However, some prefer New Jersey or Keep the Faith for deeper songwriting.

14. Was the talkbox effect new?

The talkbox existed before (Peter Frampton popularized it), but Richie Sambora made it iconic for the 80s generation. His use of it on “Livin’ on a Prayer” gave the album a unique sonic identity.

15. How long did it take to record the album?

Recording began in early 1986 and lasted several months. The band rewrote and reworked many songs, with Desmond Child shaping the final hit versions.

16. Why did Bon Jovi move recording to Vancouver?

They felt too distracted in New Jersey and wanted a fresh environment. Vancouver provided focus, world-class studios, and access to Bruce Fairbairn and Bob Rock. The move was a turning point in the band’s evolution.

17. What is the meaning behind “Never Say Goodbye”?

It’s a nostalgic ballad about young love, growing up, and remembering the fleeting magic of adolescence. It became the unofficial graduation song of the 80s. Many fans consider it one of Jon’s most emotional vocal performances.

18. How did MTV affect the album’s success?

MTV airplay was massive — particularly for “Livin’ on a Prayer.” The videos made the band visually iconic and boosted global recognition. MTV essentially launched Bon Jovi into superstardom.

19. Why is Slippery When Wet considered a landmark album?

Because it defined the sound of 80s arena rock, mixing heartland storytelling with glam-metal flamboyance. It impacted fashion, production, songwriting, and touring. It remains a cultural touchstone for an entire generation.

20. Did Bon Jovi expect the album to be this big?

They expected success — but not a global takeover. Jon has said they knew the songs were special but never imagined the record becoming a worldwide phenomenon.

21. How was the album received by critics?

Reviews were mixed at the time — some criticized its commercial polish. Over the years, however, critics have re-evaluated it as one of the defining albums of the decade.

22. Does the banned cover affect collector value?

Absolutely. Original pressings with the banned “wet t-shirt girl” cover can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on region and condition.

23. Is “Raise Your Hands” based on real tour experiences?

Yes. The song references the band’s experiences in cities around the world and celebrates the unity of rock audiences. It’s one of their most powerful live staples.

24. Was the success of the album sustainable?

Yes — the band followed it with New Jersey, which produced five Top 10 singles. Few rock bands have managed back-to-back albums at this level.

Conclusion

Slippery When Wet is more than a successful album — it’s a generational anthem. It captured everything electrifying about the 80s: big dreams, bigger hair, massive choruses, cinematic emotion, and the raw optimism of American youth. Bon Jovi didn’t just write songs; they created moments that millions still feel in stadiums, bars, arenas, and car radios today.

The album defined the band, defined the era, and helped redefine what mainstream rock could be. Its influence echoes across genres, from pop to modern rock to metal. With perfect songwriting chemistry, groundbreaking production, and unforgettable hooks, Slippery When Wet remains one of the greatest rock albums ever recorded — and a timeless monument to the power of melody, emotion, and sheer ambition.