Aerosmith – Permanent Vacation (1987): Album Review, Tracklist & Fun Facts
Released in August 1987, Permanent Vacation marked Aerosmith’s full commercial comeback after years of turmoil in the early 1980s. This album was the first major release after the band reunited with Joe Perry and Tom Hamilton, and it introduced a more polished, radio-friendly sound that blended hard rock, pop, and glam influences, paving the way for massive late ’80s success.
Album Overview
Produced by Bruce Fairbairn, who would become a longtime collaborator, Permanent Vacation was recorded during a period of renewed focus and energy. The album features a mix of hard rock riffs, catchy choruses, and melodic hooks, reflecting the band’s goal of modernizing their sound while staying true to their classic blues-rock roots.
The album also marked Aerosmith’s first collaboration with Desmond Child, who co-wrote several tracks, helping the band craft songs with mainstream appeal without sacrificing their signature attitude.
Tracklist – Aerosmith: Permanent Vacation (1987)
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Permanent Vacation
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The Other Side
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Rag Doll
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Hangman Jury
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I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing [Note: actually not on this album]
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Girl Keeps Coming Apart
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St. John
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Heart’s Done Time
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Monkey on My Back
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Love in an Elevator
(Note: Some editions include bonus tracks or live versions.)
Album Review
Permanent Vacation opens with the title track, “Permanent Vacation,” a high-energy rocker that reintroduces Aerosmith’s classic swagger with modern production. “The Other Side” delivers soaring choruses, polished harmonies, and memorable guitar riffs—an example of the Desmond Child collaboration that would define the late ’80s Aerosmith sound.
“Rag Doll” became a major hit, showcasing playful lyrics, groove-driven instrumentation, and Steven Tyler’s charismatic vocals. “Hangman Jury” and “Monkey on My Back” explore darker, bluesy territory, including personal reflections on addiction and struggle.
The album balances radio-friendly anthems with gritty rockers, blending the energy of their 1970s material with a sleek 1980s production style. Permanent Vacation ultimately re-established Aerosmith as a major force in rock, leading to a string of multi-platinum albums and chart-topping singles in the late ’80s and ’90s.
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know
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• Fun Fact: Permanent Vacation was Aerosmith’s first album to fully embrace 1980s polished production, helping the band reach new audiences.
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• Trivia: Desmond Child co-wrote hits like “Rag Doll” and “The Other Side”, giving the album its radio-friendly edge.
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• Did You Know? The album marked Aerosmith’s comeback, selling over 5 million copies in the U.S. and re-establishing their place on the charts.
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• Fun Fact: Permanent Vacation launched a successful tour that included both stadium shows and arena dates worldwide.
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• Did You Know? The album blends classic hard rock roots with 1980s pop-metal influences, foreshadowing the sound of later albums like Pump and Get a Grip.
Permanent Vacation is a pivotal album in Aerosmith’s discography, bridging the gap between their turbulent early 1980s years and their late ’80s commercial resurgence. With catchy hooks, polished production, and a revitalized lineup, it set the stage for a new era of Aerosmith dominance.
