In a milestone moment for rock music history, the legendary band Bon Jovi achieved a significant chart feat this week in 1987. Their iconic song “Wanted Dead or Alive” peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying its place as one of the band’s most enduring hits and marking a historic achievement for the album *Slippery When Wet*.
Released as the third single from their third studio album, *Slippery When Wet*, “Wanted Dead or Alive” quickly captivated audiences and became an anthem of the late 1980s rock scene. The song’s blend of hard rock energy and country-inspired storytelling set it apart from typical radio fare, showcasing Bon Jovi’s versatility and songwriting prowess.
**A Historic Achievement for a Hard Rock Album**
*Slippery When Wet*, released in 1986, was a groundbreaking album not only for Bon Jovi but also for the rock genre as a whole. It became one of the best-selling albums of all time, with over 28 million copies sold worldwide. What made its success even more remarkable was its unprecedented chart performance: it became the first hard rock album in history to produce three Top 10 singles on the Billboard Hot 100.
The first two singles, “You Give Love a Bad Name” and “Livin’ on a Prayer,” both reached No. 1, setting the stage for the album’s dominance on the charts. The release of “Wanted Dead or Alive” as the third single continued this momentum, and its peak at #7 demonstrated the band’s widespread appeal beyond the initial hits.
**The Song’s Cultural Impact**
“Wanted Dead or Alive” has since become one of Bon Jovi’s signature anthems, often associated with themes of rugged individualism, the wild west, and the struggles of life on the road as a touring musician. Its distinctive acoustic intro, combined with a powerful chorus and Jon Bon Jovi’s gritty vocals, created a compelling narrative that resonated with fans and critics alike.
Music critics praised the song for its storytelling and musical craftsmanship. It showcased a different side of the band—more introspective and rooted in a country-rock influence—adding depth to their hard rock image. The song’s lyrics evoke images of a lone cowboy navigating the hardships of life, a metaphor that many fans found relatable, especially during a time when the band was experiencing rapid rise to fame.
**Chart Success and Legacy**
By peaking at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100, “Wanted Dead or Alive” cemented its status as a radio staple and a concert favorite. Its success contributed significantly to the overall dominance of *Slippery When Wet*, which spent over 65 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart and achieved multi-platinum certification.
The song’s popularity extended beyond the United States, reaching high chart positions in many countries worldwide. It became an anthem for the rock generation and has been featured in numerous movies, TV shows, and commercials over the years, further cementing its place in popular culture.
**Bon Jovi’s Rising Stardom**
This chart success was a testament to Bon Jovi’s rising stardom during the late 1980s. The band—comprising Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, David Bryan, Alec John Such, and Tico Torres—became one of the most successful rock acts of the era. Their energetic live performances and relatable songwriting helped them build a dedicated fanbase across the globe.
Following the success of “Wanted Dead or Alive,” Bon Jovi continued to enjoy chart success and critical acclaim. Their subsequent albums and singles would go on to reinforce their status as rock icons, but the achievement of having three Top 10 singles from a hard rock album on the Billboard Hot 100 remains a historic milestone.
**Conclusion**
The week in 1987 when “Wanted Dead or Alive” peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 marked a pivotal chapter in Bon Jovi’s career and in the history of hard rock music. The song’s chart success, combined with the record-breaking achievement of *Slippery When Wet* producing three Top 10 singles, underscored the band’s influence and the widespread appeal of their sound.
Decades later, “Wanted Dead or Alive” continues to be celebrated as a classic rock anthem, symbolizing the spirit of an era and the enduring legacy of Bon Jovi’s music. Its success not only highlighted the band’s talent but also set a benchmark for hard rock bands striving for mainstream chart success. As Bon Jovi’s star continued to rise, their impact on rock music and popular culture remains undeniable, with “Wanted Dead or Alive” standing as a testament to their musical prowess and universal appeal.
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