If you’re a true rock fan, you know about Aerosmith. With over 150 million albums sold worldwide, they reign as the top-selling American rock band ever. But wait… What was Aerosmith’s first Album called?
The album that kicked it all off? Their self-titled debut album, Aerosmith, dropped in 1973. Today marks its 52nd anniversary—feeling old yet? Same here. Feels like yesterday I was blasting this masterpiece in the garage with my friends.
For those of you who were serious rock fans, Aerosmith was only popular in Bahston at the time, earning the nickname “The Bad Boys of Boston.” Let’s be honest: they became more popular with their Toys In The Attic (1975) album, but this album still holds some of their great songs, like “Dream On” (obviously) and “Mama Kin.”
Their debut… It’s their first album–and it’s more raw than ever.
There weren’t any additional synths, and it was a bit of a dry production. Literally two guitars, bass, drums, singer, and a bit of piano. Apparently, the whole band was so nervous during recording that they froze when the red recording light turned. Steven Tyler mentioned that he changed his voice because he felt insecure (imposter syndrome’s a bitch). But if you ask them today, they’ll agree that the producer didn’t have their best interest in mind.
Despite all that, Dream On became a defining rock ballad when re-released as a single. Tyler’s real voice and that iconic scream? Best climax of this song. Admit it–you also tried (and failed) to sing all those high notes. Who hasn’t?
My dad always played this song when I was younger, so we became fans. I remember he took me to our local record store to get this album just so we could listen to the rest of it. When my friends came over, I introduced this album to them. Aerosmith has influenced our love for rock!
1. Make It
2. Somebody
3. Dream On
4. One Way Street
5. Mama Kin
6. Write Me a Letter
7. Movin’ Out
8. Walkin’ the Dog
It’s impossible to pick a favorite—Movin’ Out? Make It? One Way Street? They all hit hard. What’s your top track from this album? Lemme know.
Rock on and dream on
Sam
P.S. Dream On’s the song to inspire you to chase your dreams. New Year, New You, dude, n all that jazz!
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