Rocks – Aerosmith

Producer: Jack Douglas

Released: May 1976

Rating: **** 1/2

In 1975 Aerosmith released the mega-hit, Toys In The Attic, and they became a household name. Because it was the band’s third album, they didn’t necessarily have to worry about the “sophomore jinx”, but that didn’t mean following it up would be an easy task. Up through Toys In The Attic the band’s sound had been steadily evolving. When they went in the studio to record Rocks, they wisely chose not to mess with the formula that made them famous. At the same time, they didn’t simply duplicate Toys In The Attic. There is no denying, however, that this is a sister album.

After Permanent Vacation I’d slowly started collecting the band’s back catalog. While I appreciated the band’s first two albums, I wasn’t necessarily blown away. Once I heard Toys In The Attic I was hooked and wanted to own everything the band ever recorded. The next album I picked up was Rocks and was stunned. The band had accomplished a near impossible feat. They had recorded a follow-up to Toys In The Attic that was not only as good, but possibly better. By the numbers, Toys In The Attic is a more popular album, which to some, is an indication that it is also better. A lot of Aerosmith purists, myself included, will tell you that Rocks is a better album.

Toys In The Attic is an accomplishment. A Classic Rock statement. I’m not sure I’d say it’s more artistic, but the songs have a certain quality to them. I think Rocks is all of that, but there’s also an outlaw element that makes this album a bit edgier and a little more exciting. This is most evident in the albums opening track, Back In The Saddle, and the ode to a drug deal, Rats In The Cellar. My favorite Aerosmith tune is Uncle Salty, which is found on Toys In The Attic, but there is no doubt that Last Child is a very close second. Depending on my mood, I may actually like it more. The entire band sounds amazing on this funk laden track. Speaking of musicianship, Joe Perry’s guitar solo on the aforementioned Rats In The Cellar is mind-boggling. An absolute drug induced frenzy. Not an inaccurate statement of the band’s frame of mind during this period.

Other album highlights include Sick As A Dog, Nobody’s Fault, Lick And A Promise and Home Tonight. Nobody’s Fault is an eerie tune that many including Slash and James Hetfield have cited as their favorite Aerosmith tune. Home Tonight is a stunning pseudo ballad, not unlike November Rain from Guns N’ Roses. This tune is truly one of Aerosmith’s unspoken gems that I have never heard anyone mention when discussing the band’s work.

Toys In The Attic will always be regarded as the quintessential Aerosmith album and I understand why. It’s a phenomenal commercial rock album that is very accessible. Rocks is a little less easy to digest, but I sincerely believe it’s a better album. Clearly, we’re splitting hairs here. The fact is, if you love Toys In The Attic there is no doubt in mind that you’d love Rocks as well. Like it’s predecessor, the production on Rocks is nothing short of amazing. This is undoubtedly the most exciting period in the band’s history, musically speaking. Jack Douglas accomplished what a lot of producers attempt, but often fail to do. He helped them create an incredible sound, while also capturing the band’s raw energy. I recently read an interview with Steven Tyler where he said that he was hoping Douglas would produce the band’s next album. To that, I say “Amen”.

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