Tracklist front / back album covers
Side one
1. "Make It" 3:41
2. "Somebody" 3:45
3. "Dream On" 4:28
4. "One Way Street" 7:00
Side two
1. "Mama Kin" 4:25
2. "Write Me a Letter" 4:11
3. "Movin' Out" 5:03
4. "Walkin' the Dog" 3:12
Total length: 35:48
Aerosmith Band Members / Musicians
Steven Tyler – lead vocals, piano, harmonica; electric harpsichord and mellotron on "Dream On", flute on "Walkin' the Dog", percussion
Joe Perry – guitars, backing vocals, second guitar solo on "One Way Street"
Brad Whitford – guitars, first guitar solo on "One Way Street"
Tom Hamilton – bass guitar
Joey Kramer – drums
David Woodford – saxophone on "Mama Kin" and "Write Me a Letter"
Aerosmith is the debut studio album by American rock band Aerosmith, released on January 5, 1973, by Columbia Records. The album features the iconic track "Dream On", originally released as a single in 1973 and becoming a top ten hit in the US following its re-release in 1975. The album peaked at number 21 on the US Billboard 200 chart in 1976, marking the beginning of the band's rise to fame.
Background and Composition
Aerosmith signed with Columbia Records in 1972 after an impressive live performance caught the attention of industry executives, including Columbia president Clive Davis. While lead singer Steven Tyler had experience with previous bands, most members were new to studio recording. The band’s sound was heavily influenced by British blues and rock bands of the 1960s such as The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Fleetwood Mac.
Most of the album's songs were written by Steven Tyler, showcasing his emerging songwriting skills. Notable tracks include "Make It", inspired by a road trip from New Hampshire to Boston, and "Somebody", which was influenced by the Rolling Stones’ cover of "Route 66." The album’s signature song, "Dream On", was written over several years and finalized during the recording sessions. It is famous for its powerful vocal climax and emotional intensity.
Other important songs include "One Way Street", inspired by Tyler’s personal relationships, and "Mama Kin", written using a battered guitar found in the trash. The album closes with a cover of Rufus Thomas’ "Walkin’ the Dog", a staple in the band’s live performances.
Significance and Impact
Aerosmith’s debut album is regarded as a landmark release in 1970s American rock. Combining hard rock riffs with melodic elements and Tyler’s distinctive vocals, it laid the foundation for the band’s long-lasting success and established them as one of rock’s most influential acts.
Aerosmith Band Members / Musicians
Steven Tyler – lead vocals, piano, harmonica, percussion (1970–present)
Joe Perry – lead and rhythm guitar, backing and occasional lead vocals (1970–1979, 1984–present)
Brad Whitford – rhythm and lead guitar (1971–1981, 1984–present)
Tom Hamilton – bass (1970–present)
Joey Kramer – drums, percussion (1970–present; not touring)
Touring
Buck Johnson – keyboards, piano, backing vocals, guitar (2014–present)
John Douglas - drums, percussion (2019–2020, 2022–present; filling in for Joey Kramer)
Ray Tabano – rhythm and lead guitar (1970–1971)
Jimmy Crespo – lead and rhythm guitar, backing vocals (1979–1984)
Rick Dufay – rhythm and lead guitar (1981–1984)
Aerosmith Discography Full
1973 Aerosmith
1974 Get Your Wings
1975 Toys in the Attic
1976 Rocks
1977 Draw the Line
1979 Night in the Ruts
1982 Rock in a Hard Place
1985 Done with Mirrors
1987 Permanent Vacation
1989 Pump
1993 Get a Grip
1997 Nine Lives
2001 Just Push Play
2004 Honkin' on Bobo
2012 Music from Another Dimension!
Aerosmith Concert Tours
1970–1972: Club Days
1973: Aerosmith Tour
1974: Get Your Wings Tour
1975: Toys in the Attic Tour
1976–1977: Rocks Tour
1977–1978: Aerosmith Express Tour (supporting Draw the Line album)
1978: Live! Bootleg Tour
1979–1980: Night in the Ruts Tour
1982–1983: Rock in a Hard Place Tour
1984: Back in the Saddle Tour
1985–1986: Done with Mirrors Tour
1987–1988: Permanent Vacation Tour
1989–1990: Pump Tour
1993–1994: Get a Grip Tour
1997–1999: Nine Lives Tour
1999–2000: Roar of the Dragon Tour
2001–2002: Just Push Play Tour
2002: Girls of Summer Tour
2003: Rocksimus Maximus Tour
2004: Honkin' on Bobo Tour
2005–2006: Rockin' the Joint Tour
2006: Route of All Evil Tour
2007: World Tour 2007
2009: Guitar Hero: Aerosmith Tour
2010: Cocked, Locked, Ready to Rock Tour
2011: Back on the Road Tour
2012–2014: Global Warming Tour
2014: Let Rock Rule Tour
2015: Blue Army Tour
2016: Rock 'N' Roll Rumble Tour
2017–2018: Aero-Vederci Baby! Tour
2019–2020: Aerosmith: Deuces are Wild
