Bon Jovi album Slippery When Wet approaches 40th anniversary

The Bon Jovi album ‘Slippery When Wet’ will mark its 40th anniversary on August 18, 2026. Released in 1986, the record transformed the New Jersey-based band into a global phenomenon and became the best-selling album of their career at that time.

Produced by Bruce Fairbairn with engineering and mixing by Bob Rock, the album featured songwriting contributions from Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and Desmond Child. The record produced major hits, including ‘You Give Love a Bad Name’ and ‘Livin’ on a Prayer.’

To refine their sound, the band reportedly wrote approximately 30 songs and tested demos on teenagers in New York and New Jersey to gauge reactions. The album achieved massive commercial success, selling over 12 million copies in the United States alone and exceeding 28 million copies worldwide.