Aerosmith: Music From Another Dimension

Videos by American Songwriter

Aerosmith
Music From Another Dimension
(Columbia)
Rating: 3.5 stars

They’re Baaaaacck! After a short 11-year hiatus, one of rock’s most dysfunctional families is back with an a rugged, back to basics album, which finds the band returning to their gritty, arena rock roots. Producer Jack Douglas’s old school touch (Toys in the Attic, Rocks, Honkin’ on Bobo) is evident, and Tyler’s full throttle voice is strong throughout, as is Perry’s scorching guitar. Each member had a hand in contributing material.

There is no need for heavy thinking; the songs are mostly about fun and sex. Album opener “Luv XXX” begins with a spooky introduction suitable for a Laserium show, followed by bruising drums and guitar that set the stage for the return to the true Aerosmith sound built over the last four decades.The catchy single “Legendary Child” should have no problem charting due to cross format airplay as a featured song of the MLB post season.

The duet with Carrie Underwood on “Can’t Stop Loving You” is a disappointment. It sounds like the group is trying to inject hard rock into a syrupy top 40 country ballad. This is somewhat rectified with “What Could Have been love”, a soaring, aggressive ballad performed Tyler-style at arena volume. The album takes an unexpected political turn with the hard charging “Freedom Fighter,” where a peace lover’s camera is a metaphorical weapon pitted against the aggression of an oppressor.

With Music From Another Dimension, Tyler is finished judging pop stars and back to being a rock star. It suits him well.

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