#53 • Bon Jovi slippery when wet album promotional

Part of 03/25 Nawiliwili (Kauai) Collaborated Personal Property Auction (timed auction by Malama Auctions & Realty)

High bid $17.00

Status: Sold

Bon Jovi’s Slippery When Wet promotional album, released in 1986, served as a prelude to one of the most iconic rock albums of the 1980s. It marked the band’s transition from up-and-coming rockers to global superstars. The album is filled with anthems that defined the era of arena rock, blending catchy hooks, powerful guitar riffs, and relatable themes of love, struggle, and youthful rebellion. Key Features: 1. Radio-Ready Rock Anthems: • “Livin’ on a Prayer”: A rousing tale of working-class perseverance, featuring Richie Sambora’s talk-box guitar effect and an unforgettable chorus. • “You Give Love a Bad Name”: The lead single, a fiery breakup anthem that showcases Jon Bon Jovi’s soaring vocals and the band’s knack for crafting anthemic rock. • “Wanted Dead or Alive”: A reflective ballad with a Western theme, highlighting Sambora’s acoustic and electric guitar work. 2. Production Style: • Produced by Bruce Fairbairn, the album features a polished sound that appealed to both rock fans and mainstream audiences. • Layered guitars, powerful vocals, and big, sing-along choruses make every track a standout. 3. Promotional Artwork and Appeal: • The promotional version retained the iconic “wet and wild” feel, though early cover designs were changed to the familiar black background with “Slippery When Wet” written on a foggy surface. • Its presentation helped solidify the band’s image as rock heartthrobs, appealing to a broad audience. 4. Cultural Impact: • The album launched Bon Jovi into superstardom, becoming the best-selling album of 1987. • Its songs dominated rock radio and MTV, helping to define the sound of 1980s rock. Slippery When Wet remains a landmark release, remembered for its timeless hits and its role in cementing Bon Jovi as one of the biggest rock bands of all time. The promotional album set the stage for its record-breaking success and enduring legacy.