Aerosmith Review

07/13/2005 4:26 AM, AMG


Over the years, Aerosmith have voiced dissatisfaction with their 1973 self-titled debut. While the songwriting may not be as exceptional as future releases, and Steven Tyler's singing style wasn't fully developed yet, the album succeeds on the band's raw, loose, and bluesy performance. The now legendary quintet was unfairly labeled as a Stones/New York Dolls rip-off at the time, but Aerosmith were more technically proficient at their instruments than the Dolls, and were much more hard rock-based than the Stones. Aerosmith spawned one of the first true rock ballads ever, the reflective "Dream On" (a hit single when re-released in 1976), while the rocking "Mama Kin" was one of the band's best early anthems, receiving further attention after Aero disciples Guns N' Roses covered it on 1989's G N' R Lies. Other tracks such as "Make It," "Somebody," "One Way Street," "Write Me," and "Walkin' the Dog" serve as the perfect snapshot of the young band finding its foothold, while the oft-overlooked, long-and-winding storyteller "Movin' Out" remains one of Aerosmith's all-time best. Aerosmith is one of their most underrated records. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide