Which era of Aerosmith resonates most with you? The raw, hungry rockers of the 70s? The stadium-filling superstars of the 80s and 90s? Or the enduring legends of recent times? For us, it’s all Aerosmith, all the time. The announcement of their “Peace Out” farewell tour is the perfect occasion to explore their incredible catalog and highlight the most iconic and impactful Aerosmith Songs that have defined rock music for generations.
Our approach was straightforward: to celebrate Aerosmith’s entire journey, representing each significant period, if not every single album. While not every hit or personal favorite could make the cut, this selection showcases the most essential rock anthems from the past half-century. As they say, just push play and crank it up.
Dream On (1973): The Power Ballad Pioneer
“Dream On” is more than just a song; it’s a rock milestone. Arguably the first true power ballad, it revealed a depth and vulnerability beneath Aerosmith’s signature swagger. Interestingly, its initial release didn’t immediately ignite the charts, except in their hometown of Boston where it became an instant anthem. However, its re-release two years later catapulted Aerosmith into the Top Ten nationwide. Its enduring appeal was further cemented in 2002 when Eminem sampled it for his hit single “Sing for the Moment,” introducing “Dream On” to a new generation.
Steven Tyler performing Dream On with Aerosmith, showcasing the band's enduring appeal and musical depth
Mama Kin (1973): Boston Rock Roots
In their formative years, Aerosmith’s band house near Boston University was their creative hub. This experience fueled songs like “Mama Kin,” a raw and relatable rocker capturing the energy of youth unleashed in the city. “Mama Kin” quickly became an Aerosmith signature track, a live staple from their earliest gigs. For Boston fans, it holds a special place, as “Mama Kin” was also the name of the rock club the band ran in the 1990s, a stone’s throw from Fenway Park.
Train Kept a Rollin’ (1974): Early FM Radio Fuel
Joe Perry’s admiration for Jeff Beck is well-documented, and “Train Kept a Rollin’,” a Yardbirds cover, was among the first songs Aerosmith jammed on together. It found its way onto their second album, showcasing a unique two-part arrangement: funky and groovy in the first half, transitioning into a full-throttle rock explosion in the second. This dynamic track became one of Aerosmith’s initial hits on FM radio, expanding their reach beyond local airwaves.
Sweet Emotion (1975): Hamilton’s Bassline Brilliance
“Sweet Emotion” is a testament to Tom Hamilton’s often-understated role as Aerosmith’s secret weapon. He composed the music around that unforgettable, driving bassline, while Joe Perry added a distinctive touch with the talkbox guitar. One of their more sonically adventurous early hits, it seamlessly blends a heavy, grinding verse with a psychedelic, swirling chorus. Producer Jack Douglas further enhanced its trippy vibe with backward percussion, creating a truly unique soundscape.
Walk This Way (1975): The Crossover Classic
Toys in the Attic, propelled by “Walk This Way,” became essential listening for anyone growing up in the 70s. The song features Joe Perry’s instantly recognizable riff and Steven Tyler’s playfully suggestive lyrics. It’s almost unbelievable how some of Tyler’s double entendres slipped past AM radio censors. “Walk This Way” achieved legendary status a decade later when Aerosmith collaborated with Run-DMC for a groundbreaking rap-rock fusion, smashing genre barriers and reaching entirely new audiences.
Steven Tyler performing Dream On with Aerosmith, showcasing the band's enduring appeal and musical depth
Back in the Saddle (1976): The Anthem of Reunion
Aerosmith’s hit streak continued with Rocks, kicking off with the potent one-two punch of “Back in the Saddle” and “Last Child.” “Back in the Saddle” stands as a definitive Aerosmith track, an anthem promising a wild and unforgettable night. It became a durable concert staple and the theme song for their 1984 tour, which marked the triumphant return of the classic lineup after a period of internal strife.
Draw the Line (1977): Raw and Unhinged
In the punk rock era of 1977, Aerosmith seemed to take note. “Draw the Line” arguably stands as their rawest and most untamed hit – a bold statement considering their catalog. After a chaotic mid-song guitar breakdown, the band explodes back with Tyler’s unrestrained screams in the final verse, a moment of pure rock and roll abandon.
Lightning Strikes (1982): Resilience Amidst Change
The early 80s were a turbulent time for Aerosmith, with the temporary departure of Perry and Whitford. Despite lineup changes, they delivered a surprisingly strong album with Rock in a Hard Place. Amidst experiments with punk and psychedelia, “Lightning Strikes” emerged as a classic Aerosmith single, notably featuring Whitford’s contribution, a bridge between eras.
Let the Music Do the Talking (1985): Classic Lineup Returns
“Let the Music Do the Talking,” the opening track of Done With Mirrors, announced the return of the classic Aerosmith lineup. A standout from the raw and bluesy album, it was originally the title track of Joe Perry Project’s debut album. However, reworked verses and added lyrics transformed it into a quintessential Aerosmith anthem, signaling their renewed energy.
Dude (Looks Like a Lady) (1987): Embracing the 80s
“Dude (Looks Like a Lady)” marked Aerosmith’s successful evolution into the late 80s music scene. They maintained their raunchy rock core while incorporating contemporary elements like horns, backing vocals, and synthesizers. Initially titled “Cruisin’ for a Lady,” the song was inspired by a night out in Los Angeles when Steven Tyler mistook Vince Neil of Motley Crue for a woman due to his platinum blonde hair and makeup. The story behind the song adds to its legendary status.
Steven Tyler performing Dream On with Aerosmith, showcasing the band's enduring appeal and musical depth
Rag Doll (1987): Vintage Rock with a Modern Sheen
Another hit from Permanent Vacation, alongside “Angel,” “Rag Doll” achieved a unique blend of fresh and classic sounds. Bruce Fairbairn’s polished production shone through, giving Joey Kramer’s drums a massive 80s sound while incorporating a horn section. Beneath the contemporary production, it was a snarling, old-school rocker with Perry’s wailing slide guitar and Tyler’s playful nod to Bowie’s “Rebel Rebel” (“Hot tramp!”).
Love in an Elevator (1989): Sonic Details and Cheeky Humor
If Permanent Vacation updated Aerosmith’s sound, Pump amplified it. Even a rocker like “Love in an Elevator” is packed with sonic details, including a surprising a cappella break towards the end. Tyler’s signature cheeky humor is on full display in this narrative of a romance with its share of ups and downs, perfectly suited to the elevator metaphor.
Janie’s Got a Gun (1989): A Song with a Message
Following “Elevator,” “Janie’s Got a Gun” revealed a different facet of Aerosmith. A song addressing child abuse and violent revenge was groundbreaking for the band, particularly given their 70s image. The title itself sparked the concept, prompting Tyler to develop the song’s poignant backstory. Hamilton again proved his songwriting prowess, crafting the music for this impactful and dramatic track.
Livin’ on the Edge (1993): Political and Epic
“Livin’ On the Edge” stood out as both politically charged and unusually expansive for an Aerosmith single, clocking in at six minutes. Inspired by the Rodney King riots, the song tackled social issues while ultimately offering a message of hope. Listeners can also catch another nod to the Yardbirds, with a lyrical reference to their topical song “Mister You’re a Better Man Than I.”
Steven Tyler performing Dream On with Aerosmith, showcasing the band's enduring appeal and musical depth
Cryin’ (1993): From Ballad to Soulful Rock
Get a Grip became Aerosmith’s best-selling album, achieving 7x platinum status and spawning numerous hit singles. “Cryin’” was a key highlight. Initially conceived as a straightforward ballad, the song was reimagined with a Stax/Volt influence, incorporating a heavy riff and prominent horns, transforming it into a soulful rock anthem.
Pink (1997): Back to Roots, Abstract Sex
Nine Lives marked another reinvention for Aerosmith, with a deliberate return to their roots. “Pink” showcased Tyler’s harmonica and Perry’s slide guitar, reminiscent of their earlier sound. The lyrics explored themes of sexuality in a more abstract and artistic way than their usual approach, earning them their fourth Grammy Award and demonstrating their continued artistic relevance. Its lasting impact is evident in Janelle Monae’s 2018 interpolation on her hit “Pynk.”
I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing (1998): Their First Number One
Aerosmith achieved a remarkable feat, scoring their first Number One single a quarter-century into their career. “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” penned by Diane Warren, showcased her ballad-writing talent and proved Aerosmith’s enduring ability to deliver powerful and emotive performances. Notably, it wasn’t featured on a regular Aerosmith studio album but was created for the blockbuster movie Armageddon, starring Steven Tyler’s daughter Liv Tyler, adding a personal connection to the song’s success.
Jaded (2001): Pop Sensibilities with a Classic Edge
Just Push Play leaned towards pop influences, but with a classic sensibility, hinting at Beatles-esque melodies. Co-producer Mark Hudson, known for his work with Ringo Starr, brought a fresh perspective. The album’s major hit, “Jaded,” featured some of Aerosmith’s most intricate harmonies and touched on Tyler’s relationship with his daughter Liv, adding a layer of personal depth.
Devil’s Got a New Disguise (2006): Greatest Hits, Fresh Hit
New songs on greatest hits albums can be unpredictable, but Aerosmith delivered a standout with “Devil’s Got a New Disguise.” The song had been in development for some time, considered for both Pump and Get a Grip, but this newly recorded, guitar-driven version became a hit. Written by Tyler and Perry with Diane Warren, it defied Warren’s ballad-centric image and put Aerosmith back on the radio.
What Could Have Been Love (2012): Power Ballad of Regret
Aerosmith revisited power ballad territory with “What Could Have Been Love” from Music from Another Dimension. A poignant song of lost love and regret, it highlights one of Tyler’s most emotionally charged vocal performances, demonstrating their continued mastery of the genre.
