They’re “back in the saddle” again!
With the release of their 14th studio album, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Brad Whitford, Tom Hamilton, and Joey Kramer have proven that Aerosmith is one of the most innovative and eclectic bands of our time.
Being a child of the 80s, one could not possibly have missed such hits like “Janie’s Got A Gun,” “Dude Looks Like A Lady,” or “Love In An Elevator.” Tracks like these defined our childhood. Over 30 years after the release of their self-titled debut album, Aerosmith hits stores with “Honkin On Bobo,” a collection of blues songs done Aero-style.
“Bobo” is a breath of fresh air for those fans who long for the days of “Mama Kin.” While the boys are not only paying homage to blues masters such as Bo Diddley and Sonny Williamson, “Bobo” also pays tribute to the good old days of Aerosmith’s “Train Kept A’ Rolling” and “Toys In the Attic.”
The album starts off with “Road Runner,” a track which immediately displays the “new” style Aerosmith has decided to tackle. Perry lays down a jazzy guitar riff as Tyler belts out the lyrics. The background vocals (by Perry) also add a touch of Motown to this bluesy cut. This track, and all the others, exemplify Aerosmith’s blend of classic 70s rock with organ and harmonica tunes galore.
“Bobo” keeps this up-tempo, rhythm guitar sound throughout. “Shame, Shame, Shame” sounds like it could have been done by The King of rock and roll himself. Tainted with a swing vibe, “Shame” could easily have hit number 1 in the 50s, yet Aerosmith deliver with style and class, appealing the music of our past to generations and audiences of the present.
Joe Perry gives Tyler a break, adding his voice to the lead vocals of “Back Back Train” and “Stop Messin’ Around.” In addition to Perry’s vocals, back up on “Train” is done by Tracy Bonham (remember that song “Mother Mother” in 96?).
Perry’s bass singing, Tyler’s harmonica, and steady drum beat from Kramer sound as if the track could come from an old, yet groove filled, country western. In “Stop Messin’ Around,” Perry’s voice does a total 180. He kicks it up a notch, perfectly correlating with the genre Aerosmith is accurately portraying.
On the band’s only original song on “Bobo,” they bring back the elements of rock we know them for: Tyler’s catchy and rhythmic lyrics, Perry’s sleek and smooth guitar, and an all around excellent performance. In “The Grind,” an edgy ballad about a lost love, Tyler sings, “You made me slip into the grind, now I can’t get you off of my mind.” It may not be “Angel,” but it’s an excellent song that fits beautifully with the rest of the album.
Many people wonder why Aerosmith is still alive and kicking and why they feel the need to continue making new music. My response? Don’t forget your roots! With all the awful music out today, I’m thankful to still have a band I can count on. The classics Aerosmith have made are countless…and timeless as well. Years down the road, I imagine my kids will say, “You saw Aerosmith! That’s AWESOME!” with eyes wide open in amazement. Why should they stop? Their tours continually sell out summer after summer and their albums never fail to sell millions.
So 2001’s “Just Push Play” was somewhat of a let down, but I assure you “Honkin On Bobo” will not leave you “Jaded”.
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