Aerosmith Resurrects Its Rock Edge

Though Aerosmith is one band, they have gone through several incarnations. There’s the Aerosmith of the 1970s, which featured classic, traditional rock songs like “Sweet Emotion” and “Dream On.” There is the Aerosmith of the 80s and 90s, which was more pop-oriented and belted out ballads like “Angel,” “Crazy,” “Cryin’” and, of course, “Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing,” better known as the theme from Armageddon (1998). So who is Aerosmith of the new millennium?

Their first album in close to a decade is called Music From Another Dimension! Though the album title suggests another re-invention of the group, there’s really nothing new or extraordinary about the collection of songs. But that doesn’t mean it’s not enjoyable, especially when compared to 2001’s Just Push Play or 2004’s Honkin’ on Bobo, in which the group appeared to be turning into the American answer to The Rolling Stones — a band that didn’t know when to exit the stage.

This album is more of a bridge between Aerosmith’s harder rock days and mainstream popular success. The first track on the album is “Luv XXX” and features amazing riffs from Joe Perry and Brad Whitford. Other staples on the album include “Legendary Child,” a song that takes a look at their history together, and a duet with Carrie Underwood called “Can’t Stop Lovin’ You,” which harkens back to their early 90s sound. Finally, it wouldn’t be an Aerosmith album if there wasn’t a ballad with Steven Tyler on the piano: fortunately, “Another Last Goodbye” fulfills this function admirably.

If you’re new to Aerosmith, this is most definitely not the album for you to get acclimated with them. But for those die-hard fans, both old and young, this is a solid album that has something for everyone.