Aerosmith – Honkin’ on Bobo (2004): Album Review, Tracklist & Fun Facts
Released in March 2004, Honkin’ on Bobo is Aerosmith’s seventeenth studio album, marking a return to the band’s blues-rock roots. Unlike previous releases that leaned toward pop and radio-friendly hits, this album focuses heavily on classic blues covers, paying homage to the musicians who influenced Aerosmith’s early sound.
Album Overview
Produced by Jack Douglas, who had worked with Aerosmith on several of their 1970s albums, Honkin’ on Bobo features a mix of hard-hitting blues covers and a few original tracks, including the hit single Girls of Summer. The album’s theme is rooted in raw, stripped-down blues and rock ‘n’ roll, showcasing the band’s love for the genre that inspired their early career.
Lyrically and musically, the album is gritty, energetic, and soulful, emphasizing slide guitars, harmonica, and Steven Tyler’s iconic raspy vocals.
Tracklist – Aerosmith: Honkin’ on Bobo (2004)
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Young Lust
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Stop Messin’ Around
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Baby, Please Don’t Go
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The Grind
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Rag Top
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Back Back Train
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One Way Street
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Big Ten Inch Record
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Never Loved a Girl
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Sweet Little Rock ’N’ Roller
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I Can’t Be Satisfied
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Who Do You Love?
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Stop Messin’ Around (Live Bonus Track)
Album Review
Honkin’ on Bobo opens with the bluesy rocker “Young Lust,” immediately setting a raw, gritty tone. “Stop Messin’ Around” and “Baby, Please Don’t Go” showcase the band’s dedication to blues heritage with infectious riffs and Tyler’s expressive vocals.
“The Grind” features tight rhythm work and a classic hard rock swagger, while “Rag Top” provides a playful, upbeat track with a boogie feel. “Big Ten Inch Record” is a cheeky, high-energy song that highlights the band’s sense of humor and blues authenticity.
The album closes with “Who Do You Love?”, a bold cover that emphasizes the band’s ability to interpret classic blues with power and style. Overall, Honkin’ on Bobo is a celebration of Aerosmith’s roots, offering fans an energetic, soulful, and guitar-driven journey back to the band’s early influences.
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know
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• Fun Fact: Honkin’ on Bobo is almost entirely a blues cover album, paying tribute to artists like Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters.
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• Trivia: Produced by Jack Douglas, this album was a reunion with the producer of classic Aerosmith albums like Rocks and Toys in the Attic.
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• Did You Know? Big Ten Inch Record became a fan favorite due to its cheeky lyrics and high-energy performance.
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• Fun Fact: The album’s title comes from a slang phrase referring to playing the blues in a bold, raw style.
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• Did You Know? Honkin’ on Bobo debuted at #5 on the Billboard 200, showing that Aerosmith’s blues-rock revival resonated with fans.
Honkin’ on Bobo stands out in Aerosmith’s discography as a blues-rock celebration, bridging their early influences with modern production while highlighting the band’s musicianship and love for classic rock and blues.
