Great Rock Albums of 1980: Aerosmith- Greatest Hits

Some newer Aerosmith fans may be wondering why Aerosmith needed to put out a Greatest Hits album way back in 1980 seeing that they have been going now for four decades. So, let's travel back in history to that year. In 1980, Aerosmith were a completely different story. My joke about them going from musicians dabbling in drugs to druggies dabbling in music no longer applied because they weren't even dabbling in music! Drugs, in fighting and departures were plaguing this band something chronic. As a result, this album was put out as some last hurrah for them because many people were writing them off as finished.

Finished or not, this album brought back the songs and memories that made them the great icons they were throughout the 1970s. I won't list any songs individually here as it wouldn't be fair to the ones I didn't but this is one greatest hits album I am absolutely proud to own. Some of their best songs from their classic albums are all included here and I'm sure there is plenty of room for debate for other great Aerosmith songs to have been included as well. Me personally, I would have included the title cut from "Toys in the Attic" and for my own amusement "Big Ten Inch (Record)" as well. So here's a look back to some of the great Aerosmith albums that made this compilation possible.

Track Listing:

1. Dream On

2. Same Old Song And Dance

3. Sweet Emotion

4. Walk This Way

5. Last Child

6. Back In the Saddle

7. Draw the Line

8. Kings and Queens

9. Come Together

10. Remember, Walking in the Sand

 

  Aerosmith

Steve Tyler- vocals, harmonica

Joe Perry- lead guitar

Brad Whitford- rhythm guitar

Tom Hamilton- bass

Joey Kramer- drums

I bet those who wrote Aerosmith off thirty three years ago are feeling foolish now because after a few more years of turmoil, they would be back and back to stay. Still for those who are new to the earlier material and are looking for a listen, then this album would be a great place to start.

Next post: REO Speedwagon- A Decade in Rock and Roll

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Great Rock Albums of the 70s: Aerosmith- Toys in the Attic

Aerosmith's "Toys in the Attic" was probably the very first true rock album I heard. Before that, it was old 45 records and compilation albums that went on sale at your local Jamesway. (Sad, I know). Before this album, I was very musically naive, but hearing it was a total eye opener. From the first track, I was hooked and wanted to listen to the whole album and like every other teenager back then, I had a big snigger at the track, "Big Ten Inch Record."

Track Listing

1. Toys in the Attic

2. Uncle Salty

3. Adam's Apple

4. Walk This Way

5. Big Ten Inch Record

6. Sweet Emotion

7. No More, No More

8. Round and Round

9. You See Me Crying

Of all the tracks, it was "Walk This Way" that stands out. That is because once I heard the album, I seemed to hear that particular song played everywhere. Therefore, the song holds a special place in my metal heart.

Now that I am much older and wiser (pause for laughter), I can fully appreciate the great musicianship by Aerosmith on this album. The clear vocals by Steven Tyler and the guitar solos by Joe Perry backed up by the others make this album a magnificent listen. Aerosmith hadn't begun to destroy themselves with the excesses of success, which is another reason this album is so crisp.

Steve Tyler- vocals

Joe Perry- lead guitar

Brad Whitford- rhythm guitar

Tom Hamilton- bass

Joey Kramer- drums

Thirty six years after its first release, "Toys In The Attic" continues to stand the test of time. It is a standard bearer for many of the albums which have followed it and will always be ranked among my favourites.

Next post: Black Sabbath: Paranoid

To buy Rock And Roll Children, go to www.stategicpublishinggroup.com/title/RockAndRollChildren.html

Also available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Froogle