lambchops's Full Review: Greatest Hits (1972-1979) by Aerosmith
Long before Aerosmith taught us how to Eat The Rich or that the Dude Looks Like A Lady or even how to make Love In An Elevator, they were already an established rock band with a back catalogue consisting of six studio albums. These six albums ranging from their self-titled 1973 debut through 1979’s Night In The Ruts were culled for the band’s first Greatest Hits release in 1980.
The 1970’s marked a change in rock music, but Aerosmith remained relatively oblivious of the shift toward punk and the like and rolled on with their own jam rock that has since become their signature style. The collection in question came at a perfect time. In the late 1970’s and early 1980’s it seemed that the band’s star was fading quickly. Their musical productivity had waned in direct correlation with the band’s equally well known drug intake. Greatest Hits reminded listeners that the band indeed had a great collection of talent and songs to match, regardless of the spiral downward they had already begun.
Of course as we all know, Aerosmith would return to the apex of rock n’ roll in the late 1980’s and even today they continue to record relatively well-received music even at the same time as they near typical retirement age. This, I believe, is a great accomplishment—that they can and do rock. The songs on Greatest Hits are by and large classics. They are ingrained in the consciousness of all rock fans, and still get tons of play on radio. And for good reason—these songs are indeed wonderful examples of the band’s early cohesion and work.
Helming Aerosmith is the swaggering rocker Steven Tyler. His talent as a front man have been equaled but a few times with the likes of Mick Jagger and Robert Plant to name but a few. And when paired with the incredibly guitar licks of Joe Perry, it seemed that anything was possible. Rounding out the lineup in the 1970’s was guitarist Brad Whitford, drummer Joey Kramer, and bassist Tom Hamilton. All multi-talented musicians, they also have various writing credits to their name. And this “team effort” aspect of the band is what helped to make their songs diverse enough to be continually entertaining.
Before I go on, I do have to admit something. I do not call myself a fan of Aerosmith. However, I do appreciate their music as should all fans of rock n’ roll. I have managed to acquire five or six albums from the band over the years, all of which were originally released since and including Pump (1989). All of them except of course for Greatest Hits. Funny thing is that I think my favorite of my small collection is this early compilation. It seems like a cohesive vision—even if that vision is also short sighted.
Greatest Hits holds just ten songs and clocks in at just over thirty-seven minutes. Certainly, there were other songs that should have been included like Train Kept a Rollin', Mama Kin and No Suprize, but with that said there are also a number of truly wondrous tracks—almost all of which are unquestionably classics. All but two tracks are original to Aerosmith. One exception is the band’s excellent cover of Beatles classic Come Together. As I’m not a fan of that little British band, I actually enjoy the amped up remake much more than the original. Come Together up until 1980 had little exposure and was never on an album—so if nothing else Greatest Hits is worth having for that song alone.
But there is (fortunately) a ton more great material here ranging from perennial stalwarts Dream On and Sweet Emotion to early offerings Last Child and Kings and Queens. These songs don’t need my mere words to bolster their status in the annals of rock. But I of course do have my favorites, many of which were oft played on my favorite radio stations as a child.
Among this select and personal group are Dream On, Sweet Emotion, and Back in the Saddle. I’ll be the first to admit that I personally have always enjoyed Aerosmith when they tend toward emotionality. Dream On, the lead track, is certainly a great example of this. The opening melody is unforgettable, yet simple. In the 1970’s, bands tended toward theatrics to sell themselves. Aerosmith on the other hand relied instead on a lovely, understated melody and Tyler’s incredible vocals. The fact that this was actually on the band’s eponymous debut is simply remarkable.
Also remarkable is of course Sweet Emotion. Re-released during the band’s second heyday (and coinciding with the release of Pandora’s Box in 1991) the track still resonates with me (and I suspect many others). Funky, thick, and sexually charged it also is wonderfully arranged. The harmonies are incredible, this in fact is the kind of song most rock bands hope to put together once in a career. Aerosmith, as we all know, did it on multiple occasions.
Back in the Saddle hits me in an entirely different way. It is actually representative of Aerosmith’s career in that it could have been the soundtrack to their comeback following the band’s teaming with Run DMC on Walk This Way. It’s rousing and triumphant, yet possesses the attitude that marked much of the band’s early career. I love it, I really do. Also similar in tone are Same Old Song and Dance, Walk This Way, and Kings And Queens.
The entire Greatest Hits is worthy. I’m slightly less excited for Draw the Line, but that’s probably just an issue of preference. Greatest Hits is unquestionably a great brief overview of early Aerosmith. True fans will also certainly like it, but they will also be able to more easily point out the faults. So, it is a most important album for people who are looking for a basic musical history.
Rating: 5/5 stars
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)
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