By the time of their third release, Aerosmith was ready to release the album to put them at the top of the world. And in 1975, Aerosmith released just that album in "Toys in the Attic". With this new release the band finally hit their stride and became one of the most popular rock acts ever. They had their first major songs "Walk This Way" and "Sweet Emotion" to storm the charts and due to the popularity they gained, Aerosmith re-released "Dream On" shortly after and it became their biggest hit. In this album Aerosmith had perfected its music by combining groovy riffs and a loose swagger with fast paced rythms and their best lyrics yet. From beginning to end i'll tell you why this album is a must have for your collection.
Band Members:
Steven Tyler (Vocals)
Joe Perry (Guitars)
Brad Whitford (Guitars)
Tom Hamilton (Bass)
Joey Kramer (Drums)
1. Toys in the Attic (3:06)
Off the get go, "Toys in the Attic" starts with, well, the song "Toys in the Attic", a thundering riff filled rocker that may be short on lyrics but full of energy and really gets you ready to rock for another thirty minutes. It's also a bit short but nothing really to complain about.
5/5
2. Uncle Salty (4:09)
The next song, "Uncle Salty", has a neat psychedelic groove to it along with some great lyrics written about child abuse. Steven Tyler does a fantastic job singing and the guitar riff is no exception. It ends with the line; "Ohhh, it's a sunn day outside my window" over and over until the song fades out.
5/5
3. Adam's Apple (4:33)
The third song, "Adam's Apple" is a riff chugging monster with even more awesome lyrics this time about human demise, adam and eve and any other crazy idea that was in Steven Tyler's head at the time. The chorus really gets you hooked as well and the guitars really pull out some rockin' riffs.
5/5
4. Walk This Way (3:41)
"Walk This Way" is the first biggest hit on the album starting out with one hell of a riff that kicks into some catchy lyrics. Once again, Aerosmith outdoes itself on just about everything from the riff to the singing and even some nice solos as well.
5/5
5. Big Ten Inch Record (2:16)
The song may be thier to be a gap between the two biggest hits on the album but "Big Ten Inch Record" is still a fun catchy tune to enjoy. It's an old 50's cover and it's a really funny innuedo if you couldn't already tell from the title. The guitar work is great and the little harmonica solo is a nice addition to the song. But all in all, its easily the weakest song on the album.
3/5
6. Sweet Emotion (4:34)
"Sweet Emotion" is the next big hit from the album and is one of Aerosmith's rock and roll masterpieces. From the awesome bass solo and the classic interlude to the great rockin' riffs, Aerosmith does it all in this one. The lyrics are no short of great either and when you hear this song you'll be hooked for sure.
5/5
7. No More No More (4:34)
The next song came as the biggest suprise to me, "No More No More" starts out with a beautiful acoustic riff and turns into a monster with its heavy rythm and rock and roll lyrics which are sung great by the one and only Steven Tyler. Towards the end of the song the lyrics end a bit short but Joe Perry comes in with a great solo and the song ends on a rockin' beat as it fades out. I'm suprised this song isn't more popular and is one of the songs that has really gotten me to love Aerosmith.
5/5
8. Round and Round (5:03)
The next song follows and is easily the heaviest song on the album and really matches the intensity of any other hard rock band that was out there at the time like Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple. The lyrics may get a bit repetitive but it rocks no matter what. The band keeps on rockin' towards the end of the song until it ends.
4/5
9. You See Me Crying (5:11)
The last song, "You See Me Crying" is a classic ballad that I think a lot of people have forgotten over time. Unlike most of the cheesy stuff Aerosmith and other bands put out in the 80's and 90's, this song is seductive yet at the same time a really sad song. Steven Tyler puts a lot of emotion into his singing and the energy builds up towards the end until it a beautiful paino comes in and finshed the song and album.
5/5
And so Aerosmith would finally fly high and become one of the most well known rock and roll outfits of all time and largely all due to the success of this classic album. From the heavy fast pace riffin' of "Toys in the Attic" to the rythm controlled yet rockin' "No More No More", Aerosmith does it all and this album is worth the money without a doubt.
Pros:
+ Every song is good if not amazing
+ Lyrics are well done and creative on most songs
+ Good solos and overall great guitar and bass work
+ Good album flow from song to song
Cons:
- You may not like "Big Ten Inch Record"
- A few songs have repetitive lyrics