Aerosmith – Done with Mirrors (1985): Album Review, Tracklist & Fun Facts
Released in October 1985, Done with Mirrors marks Aerosmith’s comeback album after a turbulent period in the early 1980s. This release is significant as it reunited the classic lineup, including Joe Perry and Tom Hamilton, after their temporary departures, signaling the band’s return to form and hinting at the massive success they would achieve in the late ’80s and ’90s.
Album Overview
Produced by Aerosmith and Ted Templeman, Done with Mirrors captures the band rediscovering their chemistry and musical identity. While it doesn’t fully match the classic polish of their 1970s output, the album embraces blues-infused hard rock, driving riffs, and energetic performances.
Lyrically, the album touches on love, relationships, personal reflection, and rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, reflecting the band’s renewed focus and optimism after years of internal struggles and substance abuse battles.
Tracklist – Aerosmith: Done with Mirrors (1985)
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Let the Music Do the Talking
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My Fist Your Face
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Shela
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Gypsy Boots
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Darkness
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She’s on Fire
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The Hop
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Dudes Are So Strange
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St. John
Album Review
Done with Mirrors opens with “Let the Music Do the Talking,” a hard-hitting rocker originally written by Joe Perry’s post-Aerosmith band The Joe Perry Project. The track immediately re-establishes the classic Aerosmith energy, with tight guitar riffs and Steven Tyler’s signature vocals.
“My Fist Your Face” showcases aggressive, bluesy rock, while “Shela” balances melody with crunching guitars. “Gypsy Boots” and “She’s on Fire” highlight the band’s swagger and playful side, blending catchy hooks with gritty riffs.
Tracks like “Darkness” and “St. John” explore a more reflective tone, offering moments of emotional depth amidst the high-octane rock. While some critics noted that the album lacked standout hits, it remains important as a rebuilding effort, proving the classic lineup could still deliver hard-hitting rock.
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know
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• Fun Fact: Done with Mirrors is the first Aerosmith album after Joe Perry and Tom Hamilton rejoined the band.
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• Trivia: The opening track, Let the Music Do the Talking, was originally performed by The Joe Perry Project before being re-recorded for this album.
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• Did You Know? Aerosmith toured extensively to promote the album, reconnecting with fans after a five-year gap in major releases.
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• Fun Fact: The album’s title, Done with Mirrors, references the band’s desire to reflect on past mistakes and start fresh.
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• Did You Know? Although not a commercial blockbuster, the album set the stage for Aerosmith’s late ’80s resurgence with Permanent Vacation (1987).
Done with Mirrors represents a transitional moment in Aerosmith’s career—a bridge between the struggles of the early ’80s and the commercial resurgence that would define their later era. Its raw energy and classic lineup reunion make it a key part of the band’s discography.
