Just Push PlayAerosmith |
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The ageless veterans arrive back on the scene in a big way with "Just Push Play," their first release in four years. This, coming on the heels of their resounding return to the limelight with their Super Bowl XXXV appearance, their March 19th induction into the Rock & Roll hall of fame and countless other achievement awards throughout their illustrious and sometimes quirky twenty five year history-Aerosmith got their wings a long time ago and have been flying pretty high every since. Amazing still, the all original line up, in tact and surprisingly fit, show no signs of slowdown with what should prove to be yet another gem in a crown perceived by many as all time kings of Rock. Having long abandoned the bluesy hot and heavy Hard Rock stomp and boogie of their leaner years in favor of the glitz and glamour of Pop/Rock stardom, "Just Push Play" is another example of Aerosmith's knack for writing catchy teen anthems with hip-shaking appeal and sugar coated ballads… an art they've long since mastered since "Permanent Vacation" first signaled the end of theirs. "Jaded" comes clearly across as the first big single of the bunch with its saunter and sway built upon minor key chords and swooning chorus. Earlier on however, things get on track right off with the potent "Beyond Beautiful," and the title track, both with a flair for the imaginative while steering clear of any predetermined new wave cliché… "Fly Away From Here" embodies the first true ballad three songs in, Tyler settling back in comfortably to his "Angel" wings and movie score quality scene setter-somewhat typical and predictable yet well orchestrated while "Trip Hoppin'" with its move bustin, horn-blowin," wa-wa pumpin' flair signals a dramatic turn around, nearly full circle in its "Dude Looks Like a Lady/The Other Side" character appeal rolled into one. Tyler's in his usual rare form, vocally and lyrically, emotive, satirical and playfully strident while showing little if any age on a set of pipes that would've had every right to abandon him long ago. Yet another complete record from the bad boys from Boston who do manage to turn a few tricks (catch their trip-hoppy "Outta Your Head" or the loopy "Drop Dead Gorgeous," and "Light Inside"-it's worth noting took to the production helm for unbelievably the first time in their existence. The end result is undeniably Aerosmith and "Just Push Play," a pleasant musical faire that mixes their usual blend of synergy, style, and soul with a few extra ingredients to spice things up. Released by Columbia Records Review by Vinnie Apicella
[va85@columbia.edu] |