Aerosmith, often hailed as America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band, stands as a monumental force that has helped to shape the music industry over the past five decades. Formed in 1970, this quintet hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, has captivated audiences worldwide for over five decades with their signature gritty blend of blues-infused rock.
Comprised of Steven Tyler (vocals), Joe Perry (guitar), Tom Hamilton (bass), Brad Whitford (guitar), and Joey Kramer (drums), Aerosmith's early years were marked by relentless touring and a string of successful albums that solidified their legendary status. Their success can also be attributed to their unique style, characterised by Tyler's distinctive vocals and Perry's gritty guitar riffs. That isn’t to suggest that all members of the band didn’t play a role in their success, they most certainly did, but had it not been for the toxic twins, I think we can all admit that Aerosmith would have been a very different band than the one we know and love.
Aerosmith's enduring influence stems not only from their musical prowess but also from their ability to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of rock music. From their origins to the present day, Aerosmith has left a memorable mark, producing chart-topping hits, pushing artistic boundaries, and weathering the storms of internal strife and industry changes.
The 70s marked the rise of Aerosmith as a powerhouse in the rock music scene. Their early success was fuelled by a series of hit singles, including Dream On, Sweet Emotion, and Walk This Way, that resonated with a rapidly growing fan base. However, despite their growing fame, the latter part of the decade brought significant challenges, including substance abuse issues that began to strain their creativity and interpersonal relationships. Still, Aerosmith’s 70s output firmly established them as one of the defining rock bands of the era, setting the stage for not only their future triumphs but also their tribulations.
As the 80s dawned, Aerosmith faced numerous challenges, including growing internal strife and substance abuse problems that threatened to derail their career. Despite these setbacks, the band's resilience saw them undergo a remarkable resurgence, particularly later in the decade. Teaming up with producer Bruce Fairbairn saw them embrace a more polished, radio-friendly sound without sacrificing their rock roots. This era brought about some of their most iconic hits, including Dude (Looks Like A Lady), Janie’s Got A Gun, and Love In An Elevator, and would introduce Aerosmith to a new generation of fans.
The 90s saw Aerosmith experimenting with various styles, from hard rock and heavy metal to an increasing focus on ballads with their most notable songs being Living On The Edge, Cryin’, and I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing. This willingness to innovate kept them relevant in an ever-changing musical landscape and with each subsequent album Aerosmith demonstrated an uncanny ability to reinvent themselves while staying true to the essence that made them legends.
Post-90s, Aerosmith continued to experiment with diverse musical styles. While opinions will naturally differ, this period is marked by a significantly reduced output and to many it can be seen as an era of the band’s decline. Yes, Honkin’ On Bobo saw them, once again, expand their creative horizons with an album of blues covers, but that could be seen as the band playing it safe following the solid, but lacklustre, Just Push Play; an album that could be said to have been too far removed from the core sonic signature that makes Aerosmith, Aerosmith.
What is likely to be their final studio album, Music From Another Dimension!, is one of their strongest releases, despite it also being one of their least successful. Of course, success at the sales register rarely correlates with creativity or the quality of output, but if you haven’t checked out this 2012 release, there’s no better time than now to give it a listen.
Beyond their studio albums, Aerosmith's impact extends to their legendary live performances and ability to connect with audiences across generations. With a career characterised by resilience, creative innovation, and an unyielding commitment to their craft, Aerosmith remains an immortal fixture in the history of rock music, leaving a legacy that is unlikely to be challenged; certainly not within our lifetimes.
15. Rock In A Hard Place (1982)
Released during a tumultuous period for the band, this album is marked by the absence of Joe Perry and Brad Whitford; an absence that most certainly influenced the record’s sound. While it has moments of artistic brilliance, such as the soulful Lightning Strikes and the blues-infused Bolivian Ragamuffin, it's one of Aerosmith's weakest efforts as the band tried to redefine themselves without their longtime guitarists.
Check out the full album on Apple Music.
14. Done with Mirrors (1985)
Done With Mirrors marked the return of guitarists Joe Perry and Brad Whitford after a period of estrangement. While the reunion of the band’s original lineup brought about anticipation and excitement amongst fans, it didn’t quite fuse into the legendary album experience that many would have hoped for. Despite not achieving widespread commercial success, the album would lay the foundation for Aerosmith's subsequent resurgence and chart-topping triumphs in the late 80s and 90s.
Check out the full album on Apple Music.
13. Just Push Play (2001)
Released amidst a landscape of evolving musical tastes, genres, and a new millennium to conquer, Just Push Play marked a departure from some of the bluesy rock roots that had defined their earlier works. Embracing a more polished sound with a strong focus on pop and electronic influences, Aerosmith sought to stay relevant in a changing musical landscape; yet the entire album has always sounded a little overproduced. Yes, it has its moments, such as the infectious and upbeat Beyond Beautiful, and the radio-friendly hook-focused Jaded, but it isn’t quite enough to push the album higher up the list.
Check out the full album on Apple Music.
12. Honkin' On Bobo (2004)
Honkin' On Bobo represents a unique chapter in Aerosmith's discography. Relying heavily on traditional blues, Honkin' On Bobo is somewhat different and won’t appeal to all Aerosmith fans. That said, this record saw the band return to a more stripped-down sound, once again embracing their roots while paying homage to the blues legends who inspired them. While it could be questioned if this is an official album, given that the only original tune to be heard on the record is The Grind, it is considered by Aerosmith to be a core discography release, hence its placement within this list.
Check out the full album on Apple Music.
11. Draw The Line (1977)
Recorded during a tumultuous period for the band, Draw The Line was a product of Aerosmith’s internal struggles and rampant substance abuse, leading to a certain rawness and unpredictability in its sound. Despite that, the band's gritty determination remains and Draw The Line subsequently features a blend of hard-hitting rockers and experimental tracks. It is yet another example of Aerosmith's willingness to explore beyond their established boundaries and Draw The Line is, as a result, one of their most underrated studio releases.
Check out the full album on Apple Music.
10. Nine Lives (1997)
Nine Lives represents a triumphant return to form for the band in the late 90s as it showcases a reinvigorated Aerosmith, blending their signature hard rock sound with a modern edge. Following the success of their previous albums, Permanent Vacation, Pump, and Get A Grip, the band faced the challenge of living up to high expectations, but Nine Lives delivered with a mix of gritty rock anthems, melodic ballads, and experimental tracks along with one of the greatest pieces of cover artwork to adorn an Aerosmith release.
Check out the full album on Apple Music.
9. Night In The Ruts (1979)
Night In The Ruts, a play on words as Aerosmith would have preferred the album to be titled Right In The Nuts, has a raw and unpolished feel. This gritty charm will likely appeal to fans, especially of their 70s output, as it has Aerosmith’s authenticity and tenacity embedded throughout.
Check out the full album on Apple Music.
8. Aerosmith (Self-Titled) [1973]
Aerosmith’s eponymous debut is, in retrospect, somewhat of an anomaly as it is arguably more unique than any other album in their illustrious career. This is primarily due to Steven Tyler's faux blues vocal style. Yet, there’s a compelling aspect to his vocal presentation that not only makes this self-titled release compelling, but thoroughly enjoyable to listen to. Regardless of whether or not you loathe or love this release, it adequately captures Aerosmith in their formative years, embodying the spirit of 1970s rock, while also foreshadowing the greatness that was to follow.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Aerosmith’s self-titled debut.
7. Permanent Vacation (1987)
A permanent vacation sounds like a great idea but even Aerosmith had to return and this release marks their second coming. While some may lament the more commercial sound, the album successfully blends their styles with hits like Dude (Looks Like a Lady), Rag Doll, and Angel. Permanent Vacation is, subsequently, a difficult album to ignore.
Check out the full album on Apple Music.
6. Get A Grip (1993)
Get A Grip is a polished, radio-friendly album that produced massive hits like Cryin', Crazy, and Livin' on the Edge. While some fans may miss the classic Aerosmith vibe, Get A Grip does encompass the band’s legacy while ensuring that this release is most certainly ensconced in the 90s zeitgeist. Where Aerosmith’s 70s releases stand out to those who first experienced the band, Get A Grip is a landmark release for newer generations and can already be considered a rock masterpiece.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Aerosmith’s Get A Grip.
5. Get Your Wings (1974)
Get Your Wings, Aerosmith’s second studio album, marked a significant step forward from their self-titled debut as it established the band’s signature sound, blending blues rock with hard rock in a way that set them apart from their contemporaries. It was also the album in which Steven Tyler returned to his natural vocal style and Jack Douglas would begin producing the band. Both were pivotal to Aerosmith’s long-term success, but as it pertains to the music featured on Get Your Wings all that needs to be said is that it’s exceptional and has stood the test of time.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Aerosmith’s Get Your Wings.
4. Toys In The Attic (1975)
Featuring classics like Sweet Emotion and Walk This Way, Toys In The Attic could be best described as the most quintessential Aerosmith album; certainly as it applies to the 70s-era recordings. Its blend of hard rock and memorable melodies solidifies it as one of their greatest releases, showcasing the band’s musical brilliance.
Check out the full album on Apple Music.
3. Rocks (1976)
Rocks not only built upon the creative success of Toys In The Attic, but with powerful tracks like Back In The Saddle and Last Child, it showcases Aerosmith’s ability to deliver unrelenting rock and roll. Blues meets hard rock at its very best is one way to put it and Rocks is deserving of being labelled as one of the band’s most noteworthy releases.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Aerosmith’s Rocks.
2. Music From Another Dimension! (2012)
Music From Another Dimension! may end up being the final studio album from the Boston rockers, but what an album to go out on. Combining cues of classic Aerosmith with modern production qualities was always going to be controversial, but when the only truly negative aspect is the album’s runtime, you’re left with a killer album to close a storied career on.
Check out the full album on Apple Music.
1. Pump (1989)
Pump is a hard-hitting cohesive album that is not only one of Aerosmith’s greatest releases but is amongst the very best albums within hard rock and glam metal history. Representing their late 80s peak, Pump’s blend of hard rock, blues, and ballads, combined with a polished production and memorable songwriting, make it a highlight in Aerosmith's discography and worthy of being considered their best album.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Aerosmith’s Pump.
No matter which order you rank Aerosmith’s albums in, one thing is for certain and that is Aerosmith’s discography is a testament to their resilience, adaptability, and timeless appeal. From their groundbreaking hard rock anthems and ballads, to bold experimentation, each album weaves a unique thread into the rich tapestry of their storied legacy, thereby cementing their place as one of rock's most iconic and enduring bands.