Aerosmith’s journey through the 1980s is a testament to resilience, a story of a band clawing its way back from the brink of oblivion to achieve even greater heights. From the ashes of addiction and internal strife, they emerged a revitalized force, redefining their sound and captivating a new generation of fans. This exploration of their ’80s catalog reveals a band transforming, adapting, and ultimately triumphing, solidifying their place as rock icons.
The dawn of the ’80s found Aerosmith in dire straits. The departure of Joe Perry in 1979 and Brad Whitford in 1981, coupled with escalating substance abuse issues, had crippled the band. Album sales plummeted, and the once-mighty rockers seemed destined for the dustbin of rock history. The release of Rock in a Hard Place in 1982 marked their lowest point, a stark reflection of their internal struggles.
However, the embers of greatness still glowed. The reunion with Perry and Whitford in 1984 ignited a spark of hope, signaling the beginning of a long and arduous climb back to the top. While Done With Mirrors (1985) didn’t fully recapture their former glory, it hinted at the potential that lay dormant. It was with Permanent Vacation in 1987 that Aerosmith truly took flight. Newly sober and armed with a fresh perspective, they embraced a more polished sound, incorporating power ballads and infectious hooks into their signature blues-rock foundation. This newfound clarity, combined with collaborations with outside songwriters, propelled them to unprecedented success. The momentum continued with Pump in 1989, an album that cemented their comeback and ushered them into a new decade of dominance.
The Aerosmith of the late ’80s was a different animal. Gone were the days of the drugged-out ’70s behemoth. This was a leaner, meaner, and more commercially savvy band, embracing the power ballad and crafting songs with sky-high hooks. Yet, beneath the polished veneer, their blues-rock DNA remained intact, infused with a newfound energy and a willingness to experiment. From gritty rockers to heartfelt ballads and even social commentary, their ’80s output showcased a band rediscovering its power and pushing its creative boundaries. Let’s delve into the top 15 songs that defined this era of rebirth and reinvention.
Aerosmith’s Top 15 Songs of the ’80s: A Sonic Evolution
This carefully curated selection highlights the diverse soundscape of Aerosmith’s ’80s output, demonstrating their ability to evolve while staying true to their core identity.
15. “The Hop”: A Bluesy Boogie Back to Basics
From: Done With Mirrors (1985)
“The Hop” is a vibrant testament to Aerosmith’s enduring blues-rock roots. With its infectious energy and sizzling guitar work, the song harkens back to their earlier classics like “Big Ten Inch Record.” The collaborative songwriting, credited to all five members, underscores the renewed synergy within the band.
14. “Joanie’s Butterfly”: A Psychedelic Oddity
From: Rock in a Hard Place (1982)
Even amidst the turmoil of the early ’80s, Aerosmith managed to produce moments of unexpected brilliance. “Joanie’s Butterfly” stands out as a psychedelic anomaly, a bizarre and captivating journey into the surreal. Tyler’s cryptic poetry and the song’s shifting dynamics create an unforgettable listening experience.
13. “Heart’s Done Time”: A Comeback Anthem
From: Permanent Vacation (1987)
Kicking off Permanent Vacation with a thunderous roar, “Heart’s Done Time” announced Aerosmith’s return with undeniable force. The raw power of Tyler’s vocals, coupled with the band’s tight performance, signaled a renewed focus and a determination to reclaim their throne.
12. “Lightning Strikes”: A Flash of the Past
From: Rock in a Hard Place (1982)
“Lightning Strikes” offers a glimpse of the band’s ’70s swagger, a reminder of their hard-rocking prowess. As one of the few tracks on Rock in a Hard Place to feature Brad Whitford, it captures a fleeting moment of the classic Aerosmith lineup before their temporary dissolution.
11. “Rag Doll”: A Bluesy Pop Crossover
From: Permanent Vacation (1987)
With its infectious groove and irresistible hooks, “Rag Doll” became a bona fide hit, showcasing the band’s ability to blend their bluesy roots with the prevailing pop-metal sound of the era. The collaboration with songwriter Holly Knight added a touch of commercial polish, propelling the song up the charts.
10. “Dude (Looks Like a Lady)”: A Pop-Metal Anthem
From: Permanent Vacation (1987)
“Dude (Looks Like a Lady)” is a playful and undeniably catchy pop-metal anthem. Co-written with Desmond Child, the song’s humorous lyrics and infectious chorus made it a radio staple, further solidifying Aerosmith’s resurgence.
9. “The Other Side”: Horns and Harmonies
From: Pump (1989)
“The Other Side” showcases Aerosmith’s willingness to experiment with different sonic textures. The addition of horns adds a vibrant layer to the song’s already infectious melody, while Perry’s backing vocals provide a rich harmonic counterpoint.
8. “Walk This Way” (feat. Run-DMC): A Genre-Bending Revolution
From: Raising Hell (1986)
This groundbreaking collaboration with Run-DMC not only revitalized Aerosmith’s career but also ushered in a new era of cross-genre experimentation. By blending rock and rap, “Walk This Way” broke down musical barriers and introduced Aerosmith to a new generation of fans.
7. “Hangman Jury”: A Bluesy Throwback
From: Permanent Vacation (1987)
“Hangman Jury” demonstrates Aerosmith’s continued connection to their blues influences. The song’s ominous atmosphere and gritty instrumentation provide a welcome contrast to the album’s more polished moments.
6. “Let the Music Do the Talking”: A Statement of Intent
From: Done With Mirrors (1985)
“Let the Music Do the Talking” served as a declaration of Aerosmith’s renewed purpose. The song’s driving energy and defiant lyrics signaled their intent to reclaim their place among rock’s elite.
5. “What It Takes”: A Power Ballad with Heart
From: Pump (1989)
“What It Takes” is a power ballad that showcases Aerosmith’s emotional depth. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and soaring melody resonate with a raw vulnerability, proving their ability to deliver powerful ballads without resorting to schmaltz.
4. “Young Lust”: A Raw Burst of Energy
From: Pump (1989)
Kicking off Pump with a raw blast of energy, “Young Lust” reaffirms Aerosmith’s hard-rocking credentials. The song’s driving rhythm and sexually charged lyrics showcase their enduring rebellious spirit.
3. “F.I.N.E.”: Grit and Groove
From: Pump (1989)
“F.I.N.E.” is a relentless rocker that seamlessly blends grit and groove. The song’s powerful riffs and infectious melody are a testament to Aerosmith’s ability to craft hard-hitting tracks with undeniable hooks.
2. “Janie’s Got a Gun”: A Haunting Masterpiece
From: Pump (1989)
“Janie’s Got a Gun” is a bold and unexpected departure for Aerosmith. The song’s haunting melody and powerful lyrics tackle the difficult subject of child sexual abuse with unflinching honesty.
1. “Love in an Elevator”: A Sleazy Classic
From: Pump (1989)
“Love in an Elevator” encapsulates the essence of Aerosmith’s comeback era. The song’s sleazy lyrics, infectious groove, and soaring chorus made it an instant classic, solidifying their place as one of rock’s most enduring acts.
Conclusion: A Legacy Cemented
Aerosmith’s ’80s journey is a story of redemption, reinvention, and ultimately, triumph. By embracing change while staying true to their core identity, they not only survived but thrived, achieving a level of success that eclipsed even their ’70s heyday. Their ’80s catalog stands as a testament to their resilience, creativity, and enduring power, solidifying their legacy as true rock icons.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Aerosmith’s ’80s Era
Q: What was the key to Aerosmith’s comeback in the ’80s?
A: Several factors contributed to Aerosmith’s resurgence, including the reunion of the original lineup, the band’s commitment to sobriety, and their willingness to embrace a more polished sound while retaining their core blues-rock identity. Collaborations with outside songwriters also played a significant role in their renewed commercial success.
Q: How did Aerosmith’s sound evolve in the ’80s?
A: While maintaining their signature blues-rock foundation, Aerosmith incorporated elements of pop, metal, and even power ballads into their music. This evolution allowed them to reach a wider audience while still satisfying their core fanbase.
Q: What is the significance of “Walk This Way” with Run-DMC?
A: This groundbreaking collaboration not only revitalized Aerosmith’s career but also paved the way for future cross-genre collaborations between rock and rap artists. It marked a significant moment in music history, breaking down musical barriers and introducing Aerosmith to a new generation of fans.
Q: What are some of Aerosmith’s most iconic ’80s albums?
A: Permanent Vacation and Pump are widely considered to be two of Aerosmith’s most iconic ’80s albums, showcasing their renewed energy, creative evolution, and commercial success.
We encourage you to share your thoughts, questions, and favorite Aerosmith memories in the comments below! Let’s celebrate the music that has connected us for generations.
