Greatest Hits (1972-1979) - Aerosmith (CD 1993)

There was a time in my life where Aerosmith was my favorite band. That was back in the early 90s during the Pump era. Now the luster has fallen off somewhat. But I still enjoy listening to them.

Greatest Hits was the second Aerosmith album I bought on CD (the first being the mediocre Get A Grip). Up to the point when I purchased it, the only songs I knew from the 70s incarnation of Aerosmith were the radio ones. For the most part, that's all you'll know after listening to this disc. But it's an enjoyable listen.

The CD begins with "Dream On". Yes that's the song that would later become the prototypical power ballad. It begins with the same chord progression that would later be lifted by No Doubt for the equally overplayed "Don't Speak".

Of course there is also the hit "Walk This Way" which helped break Aerosmith through to mass acceptance and was later the inspiration to Run-DMC for collaboration with the Boston Bad Boys. Truth be told, I like both versions of the song. Hey, at least the Run-DMC version of "Walk This Way" is a lot better than that annoying version of it they did with Britney Spears and Nsync at Super Bowl 2001.

The classic rock radio staple "Sweet Emotion" is here, although it's missing the intro and outro.

The Rolling Stonesish "Same Old Song And Dance" is a perfect example of what makes Aerosmith so good, the ol' down and dirty rock and roll. The bluesy backing and down home Mississippi lyrics make it an ideal party anthem. In fact, I remember singing it on a camping trip not too long ago.

"Back In The Saddle" showcases Aerosmith doing some prime rock and roll western stomp. Some more great gritty rock and roll fun. Same goes for "Draw The Line"

The power ballad approach "Dream On is taken again on "Kings And Queens", albeit with some more pomp.

Now the main problem with this disc is that it is too short. When this thing was released back in 1980, vinyl was the norm and CDs weren't the big thing. That's understandable. However, I don't know why Aerosmith couldn t have added some more tracks to the CD version.

Missing from this disc are the songs "No surprize", "Train Kept A Rollin'" and several others. Why they weren't included ranks up there with the mystery of "Did Amelia Earhart run off with Jimmy Hoffa?

There are also two cover songs on the disc. The first one is the remake of The Beatles "Come Together" from that lame "Sgt Pepper" movie. This cover isn't bad. In fact, I'd go as far to say that it's the best Beatles cover this side of Joe Cocker's "With A Little Help From My Friends".

The other cover is simply boring. This one is a remake of "Walking In The Sand" originally by the Shangri-Las. The fact that it's on here and "Train Kept A Rollin'" is not is an annoyance.

I give this CD the high rating I do because the music contained on it is good. However the way it was compiled was clearly second-rate. The record company probably intended it as a way to draw in some more bucks. A better option is to buy the Get Your Wings, Rocks and Toys In The Attic albums or go for the Pandora's Box set. If you're a casual fan and just want one disc, this is a good choice. But even the most casual fans will notice something missing.