So by the release of the album "Draw the Line", Aerosmith were starting to show a weakness with their over abusive drug problems and at the same conflict began to arise within the band. Joe Perry eventually left the band after "Draw the Line" until coming back in the 80's. So in 1980, Aerosmith released a single disc greatest hits album featuring 10 of their most popular hits. It features just about every popular hit Aerosmith had during the 70's but that's it, this compilation doesn't have anything to really show what made this band great back in the day. Also, some of the songs are edited and it really hurts the song, best example, just listen to this version of "Sweet Emotion" to the original on "Toys in the Attic".
Band Members:
Steven Tyler (Vocals)
Joe Perry (Guitars)
Brad Whitford (Guitars)
Jimmy Crespo (Guitars)*
Tom Hamilton (Bass)
Joey Kramer (Drums)
*Plays on "Remember (Walking in the Sand)
1. Dream On (4:27)
The best way to start the album off is with their biggest hit, a great proto power ballad that became one of the biggest hits ever. It has great lyrics, great singing and great instrumentation. Luckily, this song was never touched a la edited or anything, so it remains the same.
5/5
2. Same Old Song and Dance (3:05)
The first song to be chopped down in a big chunk, it's a good song but this version is actually very weak when you compare it to the regualr album version from "Get Your Wings". It does have a groovy riff and some catchy lyrics but this version of it really is a let down compared to the true song you could listen to by getting "Get Your Wings".
3/5
3. Sweet Emotion (3:15)
Now this song was edited even worse than the previous song, the whole intro with the bass solo is gone! That's one of the greatest pieces to a song and it got cut out. I'm not even goin' to review this song anymore.
2/5
4. Walk This Way (3:33)
Like "Dream On", this song was thankfully not chopped down any so it stays the same as before, an excellent rocking track with an amazing riff. The lyrics are catchy and so is the singing which is well done by Steven Tyler as usual.
5/5
5. Last Child (3:28)
Starting slowly then picks up with an awesome blues groove riff. This song is a perfect example to show how and why Aerosmith rocked the 70's. It does have some really random lyrics that seem to hint that drugs seemed to have an effect on some of the lyrics in a lot of these songs, especially this one.
5/5
6. Back in the Saddle (4:42)
Another famous hit, it's a great song packed with innuedos all over. The singing is great and so is the six string bass riff played by Joe Perry. It has a cool western feel to it that fits the song perfectly. It's a classic for sure.
5/5
7. Draw the Line (3:23)
This song may not be very catchy at first, but once you get it stuck in your head it'll never come out. It has awesome slide guitar played by Joe Perry and a great bass riff to go along with it. Also, Steven Tyler adds a nice screaming touch a ways into the song. A great underated gem to be heard.
5/5
8. Kings and Queens (3:49)
Unfortunately, this song is also cut down a minute or so but it still rocks. The original is longer and a bit better in quality. It's a different kind of song from Aerosmith with a lot of different arrangements and great innovative lyrics.
5/5
9. Come Together (3:46)
A cover of The Beatles hit song, I actually like this song better but that's all my opinion and yours may be different. It's a nice addition to the album and just another great cover out there.
5/5
10. Remember (Walking in the Sand) (4:04)
I'm not a huge fan of this song, its alright, but it never really got stuck in my head. It's a cover of an older song and it has a good intro but the chorus is weak and the singing isn't all that good. Overall, it's a weak album closer.
3/5
Finally, I must say, if you're a big Aerosmith fan like me, you'll more than likely be better passing this song up and spending the money on an album you don't already have. If your not too much into Aerosmith but like their hits I think this album will do. It could have been better if some of the songs weren't chopped down and if some other more worthy songs would of made it on the album. In the end, it's your choice and hopefully reading this review will give a reason to either get it or not.
Pros (+)
+ Good song selection (Atleast in an interductory way)
+ It's in chronological order (Always nice for a greatest hits album)
+ Displays all that's great 'bout this band (Guitar riffs, vocals, lyrics, ect.)
+ Great cover of "Come Together"
Cons (-)
- Too many songs chopped down and edited making big impact (See "Sweet Emotion")
- Could've had more songs ("Seasons of Wither", "Sick as a Dog", "No More No More", ect.)
- "Remember (Walking in the Sand)" ain't that great (Poor cover selection)
