After ushering in the era of pop-metal with their 1986 blockbuster “Slippery When Wet” and its hit singles "You Give Love a Bad Name," "Wanted Dead or Alive, " and "Living on a Prayer," Bon Jovi has transcended the big-haired '80s, withstanding changes in style and sound to become -- and stay -- one of the biggest American rock bands. "Slippery When Wet”, its 1988 sequel "New Jersey”, and 1992's "Keep the Faith” were international smashes, each selling over ten million copies worldwide. They cannily and subtly changed their sound to fit the time. First, they lessened their reliance on arena rock guitars, emphasizing melody and ballads without rejecting hard rock. They later incorporated elements of soft rock and country, moves that helped them sustain their popularity into the 21st century -- a run they celebrated in 2024 with the documentary Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story and album “Forever.” - Stephen Thomas Erlewine