AEROSMITH — Aerosmith (review)

Album · 1973 · Hard Rock

4/5 · 2017-04-08
Unitron

Before Aerosmith gained lots of success in the 70's with Toys in the Attic and Arena Rock hits in the late 80's hair days, the band had somewhat humble beginnings with their first two records. Rooted in an almost pure hard blues rock sound, these first two albums really showcase that kind of rough garage-y sound of a band just starting out, the debut especially.

The album is mainly known for the hit single "Dream On", which has since became a staple of classic rock radio. Strangely enough, the album wasn't very well received upon first release in January 1973. The band was compared in an unfavorable light to bands such as The Rolling Stones (Who did influence the band). However, the album has since been better received, perhaps due to "Dream On" bringing in more popularity when the single was re-released in 1976.

This album is a gold mine for deep cuts, as the aforementioned "Dream On" and "Mama Kin" were the only singles released from this album. The band sounds quite a bit different on many of the songs than from what they would be known for later on. There is much less sleazy swagger here, it rather has that raw and immature charm of a band just getting started and finding their sound. Even on this debut, Aerosmith knew how to deliver catchy riffs and hooks with tight rhythm, and it's really easy to get caught. "Make It", "Somebody", "Mama Kin", and the cover of Rufus Thomas's "Walkin' the Dog" will all get you stompin' to their bluesy swing.

However, my two favorite tracks are "One Way Street" and "Movin' Out", with the latter being one of my all-time favorites from the band. Both of these songs standout in the band's discography, "One Way Street" is the band's longest song as well as being pretty close to pure blues. "Movin' Out" is both heavy and beautiful, having a perfect balance between heavy blues licks and touching vocal and guitar melodies. Speaking of vocal melodies, Steven Tyler's vocals are much more raspy here, fitting in really well with the more rough sound of the guitar.

While not my absolute favorite from the band, it is an easy second best as well as one of their most consistent albums. If you're looking for a more pure blues rock album with great hooks and a garage-y charm, give this gem a listen. Hope you found this review helpful, feel free to comment!

more than 2 years ago
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Unitron wrote:

more than 2 years ago

Thanks, it had been a while since I've heard the whole thing. I remembered how great this album is though while writing this review.

siLLy puPPy wrote:

more than 2 years ago

Great review. I agree that this one goes generally underrated. I love this one a lot

voila_la_scorie wrote:

more than 2 years ago

This is the one Aerosmith album I can always think of favourably. I mean, others it depends on my mood, if I feel like listening to them or not. But the debut's sound has such raw charm and sincerity. Movin' Out is one of my favourite Aerosmith songs. Yes, I've always loved the sound of this album.