Is Aerosmith breaking up? Maybe! But that doesn’t mean we’ll be forgetting about the bare-chested Boston stadium rockers anytime soon. Here are five albums that we recommend keeping on heavy rotation until this national nightmare is over. (And while we’re at it: Steve, call Joe already!)
Rocks (1976)
No jukebox would be complete without it. Opening with the ferocious “Back in the Saddle,” this album finds Aerosmith ditching the Stones tag and baring its hard rock fangs. During the recording sessions they reportedly ran through each song 30 to 40 times before moving onto the next one. It shows in the megaton riffs, roaring melodies and Tyler’s ravage yelps.
Toys In The Attic (1975)
Despite rising tension among the ranks, Aerosmith’s third studio album was the one that trumpeted the group’s arrival. Swinging from the rapid-fire verses of "Walk This Way" to "You See My Crying,” which featured a 109-piece orchestra, the band had something for everyone. Plus, “Sweet Emotion.”
Watch: "Walk This Way"
Get Your Wings (1974)
Aerosmith was still reveling in its influences on this record, but what influences: The Stones, The Who, Zeppelin. Joe Perry and Brad Whitford honed their dirty blues riffs on a remake of the Yardbirds’ "Train Kept A Rollin'," while Tyler put Mick Jagger in his crosshairs with the supremely confident “Pandora’s Box.” And on “Lord of the Thighs” the dirty old man started to emerge.
Watch: "Train Kept A Rollin'"
Pump (1989)
Having come back clean and lean with 1987's Permanent Vacation, the band stormed forward with its follow-up by reclaiming its classic sound while dishing up the monster singles like “Love In An Elevator” and “Janie’s Got A Gun.”
Watch: "Love In An Elevator"
Aerosmith (1973)
Nobody really liked it when it came out but the group’s debut not only spawned a pair of classics (“Dream On,” “Mama Kin”) it made the case for the American Rolling Stones. The band was still finding its way but even if the confidence wasn’t there yet, the swagger and sleaze are already in place.
Watch: "Dream On"