Product Description

One of the reasons why Aerosmith, after a number of creatively lean years, are still given legendary credence and an eager ear with each new release, Rocks encapsulated the very essence of rock 'n' roll. They may have been the target of detractors who still pinned them as nothing more than a poor man's Rolling Stones, but Rocks pioneered a strength and swagger and real depth that remains very nearly unsurpassed. From the slowly escalating 'Back In The Saddle' to the dying strains of 'Home Tonight', this album held the full spirit andsoul of Aerosmith in both hands.

Track Listing

1. Back In The Saddle
2. Last Child
3. Rats In The Cellar
4. Combination
5. Sick As A Dog
6. Nobody's Fault
7. Get The Lead Out
8. Lick And A Promise
9. Home Tonight

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2123 in Music
• Released on: 1993-11-08
• Number of discs: 1

Customer Reviews

Dirty diamonds
'Rocks' brings to fruition the style that Aerosmith developed on their first three albums. Its predecessor, 'Toys In The Attic,' is a masterpiece, despite a rather soapy closing track, but 'Rocks' is more consistent in style. It doesn't necessarily contain better songs, but it possesses a dirty, funky undercurrent. The titles do more than hint at the subject matter: 'Back In The Saddle' and 'Get The Lead Out' aren't about horses and dogs.
Unusually, for a great hard rock album, Joe Perry doesn't load the airtime with extravagant riffs. The trick is in the band being what is essentialy one big, sexual rhythm section. Steve Tyler rasps his way into the opening track as if to signify this. There is no 'Walk This Way' on 'Rocks,' but Aerosmith seem to have developed its emphasis on rhythm.
'Rocks,' together with the earlier albums, represents the best of Aerosmith.

A Masterpiece
This album isn't very well known in the Aerosmith collection, for how it hasn't produced any famous anthems that Aerosmith play today, eg 'Walk This Way' or 'Dream On'. However, I think this album is exceptionally good.
I'm actually quite into the fact that it doesn't come out with a load of power ballads, that seem to swarm the Aerosmith name to this day. Instead it is a decent compilation of blues and rock that comes from the depths of troubled musicians, conquered by the drug influence that they were surrounded by. Slash, ex Guns N' Roses guitarist, thinks this is the best thing they've done, with the right compilation of drugs 'inspiring' their work. And he has a point.
This album also made Slash want to learn guitar at 15, and its obvious why. The catchy riffs, the dirty blues that really feels like something out of the streets. This isn't the Power Ballad Aerosmith that have drawn so many middle-aged women to follow them on tour, but a gritty album that really explains what these guys were going through.
The first track, 'Back In The Saddle', is catchy and really draws you into the feeling of the album, that remained a classic concert opener for a while. 'Last Child' is a bluesy, catchy song with some good riffs. This is followed by 'Rats In The Cellar', a song dedicated to the memory of the bands late drug dealer.
The fourth track, in my opinion, is the best song on the album. Written entirely by Joe Perry, 'Compilation' offers great guitar riffs and excellent flowing vocals, which create a song which, to me, well surpaces the likes of 'Dream On'.
The album then continues with more catchy and bluesy songs until the final two tracks. 'Lick And A Promise' offers great guitars, drums and vocals, with a catchy chorus. The final song, 'Home Tonight', appears to be the only Power Ballady type song on the album, giving a soft ending.
Overall a fantastic album for those looking for a more heavier, darker Aerosmith.

surprised even me, die hard fan
This album is fab. It really ROCKS (excuse the poor pun) My favourite song on here, Nobody's Fault, is an amazing tune, rocking with passion. The others aren't too bad either! Back In The Saddle, Last Child, Rats In The Cellar, Combination (the weakest possibly), Sick As A Dog, Get The Lead Out, Lick and A Promise and Home Tonight, all fantastic, all in their own unique way. An extremely diverse album which I truly love and play every day! So should you!!!