Edited 3-21-00
This is the album that started it all. It was initially ignored by the public because it was very difficult in 1973 to make a breakthrough on radio. Aerosmith paid their dues on the road, however. It was their rigorous touring that eventually won them their legions of fans. This first album contains eight songs of pure rock and roll. It is a simple, straightforward record. Although the songs are good, the band’s personality isn’t heard. It’s obvious that they were young and uncomfortable in the studio. This album does have a bit of a live feel, which keeps the album from being sterile. I recommend this album to all fans of Aerosmith. Casual fans of the band should look elsewhere for Aerosmith’s classic sound (Get Your Wings, Toys in the Attic, Rocks).
The most important track on this album is "Dream On" which would become a huge hit single a couple of years after it was released. This brilliantly written ballad seems a little out of place on this record, but it was a classic as soon as it was released. The keyboards, Steven Tyler’s pleading vocals, and Joe Perry’s guitar solo are all instantly recognizable. This is a truly great song, and the one that made the band famous. If it wasn’t for the radio play and popularity of this song, the band would probably have never recorded their second album.
"Mama Kin" was always a fan favorite. It was a favorite of Steven Tyler's as well (he did tattoo the title on his arm). “Write Me” is another solid rocker. Both of these songs are improved by David Woodford’s saxophone playing. "Walkin' the Dog" is also on this album, which you may recognize because it still gets radio play today. "Movin' Out" features some incredible guitar work and is also the first song that Steven Tyler and Joe Perry ever wrote together.
My personal favorite is "One Way Street". It features one of the greatest rock guitar solos of all time. I'm not exaggerating. Brad Whitford’s solo is two minutes long and never ceases in its energy and emotion. This blues shuffle is one of my favorite songs that the band has ever recorded. Aerosmith’s opener, “Make It” is a great way to start off a rock album. The first lyric of "Make It" says it all: "Good evening people, welcome to the show..." The show is still going strong after 27 years.
There is not much that could be said about this album. It is pure rock and roll. On this album, Steven Tyler's voice sounds a bit different than most fans will recognize. Also, the guitars are a bit more understated than later albums. Considering the hurried manner in which this album was recorded and that the band was 27 years younger, it is not surprising that the band sounds different. The band's record label was not willing to support this album and were prepared to drop the band. Fortunately, Fate intervened and the band went on to have one of the most prolific careers in rock and roll history. This band is the most successful American band in terms of hit singles and record sales.
Song Selection:
1. Make It
2. Somebody
3. Dream On
4. One Way Street
5. Mama Kin
6. Write Me
7. Movin' Out
8. Walkin' the Dog
Top picks: Dream On, One Way Street, Somebody, Write Me
Band Members:
Steven Tyler: vocals, harmonica, mellotron, wood flute
Joe Perry: guitar, vocals
Brad Whitford: guitar
Tom Hamilton: bass
Joey Kramer: drums
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