Aerosmith’s Rocks, rocks!
Yes, dear reader, I’m aware of the cringeworthy pun but the truth is that Rocks is one of the greatest rock and roll albums of all time. Released in 1976, Rocks was Aerosmith’s fourth studio album and it shows as the album is tight, highly refined, and certainly not lackadaisical. While raw in classic Aerosmith style, Rocks has left an indelible mark on not only the history of rock music but Aerosmith’s extensive discography.
There is part of me that would appreciate a slightly higher production value than Rocks presents, but Aerosmith was able to capture their live, rough-around-the-edges energy that not only adds to the authenticity of the album but is, arguably, an Aerosmith trademark. Hence, a more polished production would have diminished the exceptional skill of Joe Perry and Brad Whitford on guitars while the rhythm section of Tom Hamilton and Joey Kramer lays down a solid bluesy, hard rock, musical foundation for Steven Tyler’s unique vocals to lay upon.
Speaking of Tyler’s vocals, they’re nothing short of stellar on this release. The distinctive nature of his vocals, characterised by their raspy quality, adds a layer of grit to the songs that add memorably to the album’s overall style and impact. A shift in any of these aspects would mean that Rocks wouldn’t be the same album so the rawness must remain but different editions can offer a shift in the tonality of the album that you may prefer; based on your subjective tastes, of course.
The Hi-Res Lossless Apple Digital Master, as heard on Apple Music, is rich and well-defined and while I can’t confirm the exact mastering used, it’s sonically pleasing. Rocks is an album that can be a little grating on the senses, mainly due to Steven Tyler’s vocal style throughout and, again, the rawer production, but the treble is rolled off a little on the stream, thereby allowing for a much less fatiguing listen than I’ve heard via other formats. It could, however, be a little too muffled for some so it would be best to listen and decide for yourself as you may prefer another release.
In the past I have been fortunate to have owned the 90s CD remaster along with the Record Store Day (RSD) 2014 reissue and both versions were considerably different to each other and the associated stream. The 1993 Vic Anesini remastered CD reissue was always a little shrill while the vinyl reissue offered a sonically gorgeous reproduction and wasn’t that dissimilar to the Apple Music stream. Nevertheless, had I not run into a minor financial challenge that required me to move a few records on, I’d still be incredibly happy with the vinyl release for this album really benefits from the vinyl format’s more restrictive mastering standards.
The disappointment, however, was that the album cover on the vinyl release was terrible. It was as if it were poorly scanned from a CD booklet; a common occurrence with vinyl reissues. Despite that aspect, the artwork for Rocks never really captivated my attention. It isn’t so bad as to be included in The Worst And Most Disturbing Album Covers Of All Time but it’s lacklustre, to say the least. I don’t know about you, dear reader, but it simply doesn’t compel me, as other albums do, to hold the record sleeve, or put it on display, as the music plays. Thankfully, the music is worthy of discussing further, so join me as I take a look at the songs that make up this landmark release.
Back In The Saddle is a thunderous anthemic opener. It is, however, a song that can be distracting, depending on the specific mastering you're listening to, as I alluded to earlier. Nevertheless, the thunderous riffs and energetic style of this opening tune sets the tone for the entire album.
Last Child has a funky and infectious blues-based rhythm and Whitford’s guitar solo is glorious. Tyler’s vocal performance here is off-the-charts good resulting in Last Child being one of my all-time favourite Aerosmith songs.
Rats In The Cellar is a high-energy rock number that could very well have been influential to the Thrash Metal sub-genre with its relentless guitar riffs and rhythm section driving the song forward.
Combination flows beautifully from Rats In The Cellar and while it’s a great song, at times I feel Tyler’s vocals come across a little whiny and Perry’s harmony vocal does little to help. Subsequently, as much as I adore Combination’s musical composition, the lyrical aspect is simply too distracting to listen to the song outside of the album’s linear structure.
Sick As A Dog is another bluesy number that is so rhythmically charged that it will get you moving and grooving. Despite never being released as a single, Sick As A Dog is a hidden gem and one of the best songs Aerosmith ever recorded.
Nobody’s Fault has a magnificent slow introduction before the band crashes through your speakers. Tyler is perhaps a little distant in the mix, as is Witford’s lead guitar towards the end, and the vocal processing on the chorus may not appeal to all, but Nobody’s Fault remains a killer tune and one that flows well within the album’s linear structure.
Get The Lead Out gets better the louder you play it and is one of the best songs on Rocks. I’d also argue it's one of Aerosmith’s greatest and most overlooked rock and roll anthems with an infectious energy and catchy chorus that is a cornerstone of the entire album.
Lick And A Promise with its upbeat tempo and lively instrumentation is another memorable tune that further confirms just how powerful Rocks is as an album experience.
Home Tonight may slow things down a little but the mellower tone of Home Tonight makes for not only a perfect way to close out the album, but it’s also another of Aerosmith’s fantastic power ballads; an aspect that is, at times, more notable than their straightforward rock numbers. Nevertheless, Home Tonight will compel you to listen to the album again or encourage you to reflect on the music you’ve just heard.
Rocks has left an enduring legacy in the rock genre. Its impact can be heard in the work of countless bands that followed, with its raw energy and unapologetic attitude serving as a blueprint for numerous hard rock and heavy metal acts. Its blues meets hard rock at its very best and is one of the most noteworthy albums Aerosmith ever released.