Jaded [Single] - Aerosmith (CD 2001)

Aerosmith is one of the few AOR (mainstream album-oriented acts) that is still successful in the 21st Century. They have straddled the fine line between staying true to their core audience while tweaking their songs with just enough modern spice to pass muster on radio.

I first heard of Aerosmith in July 1975, when "Sweet Emotion" debuted on American Top 40. They have had a lot of good songs (like the incredible "Dream On," as well as some formulaic power ballads (like most of their 1990-94 output). "Jaded," however, steers clear of the power-ballad morass by featuring some standout guitar work and an aggressive vocal.

The lyrics are interesting--they tell of the singer's girlfriend-a young woman who acts as though she's seen it all--and is sophisticated in a tired way. However, Aerosmith's lyrics go on to say,

"Jaded--that's where it's at, but is that where it's supposed to be?" This line echoes my sentiment--being sophisticated and cynical can drain the life out of us--it can turn us into lifeless zombies with no sense of awe.

The song's lyrics do used the word "jaded" in another way, using it as a metaphor for loss innocence--and virginity. The singer seems to want the same woman to be innocent each time, yet he realizes that romantic and sexual relationships can cause a lot of pain. Thus, each person becomes afraid of the other, as the lyrics touch on. Lead singer Steve Tyler is skilled at being macho yet is a bit vulnerable as well. This makes him appeal to both male and female fans.

There is a contradiction in the lyrics--he wonders why his girlfriend is jaded, yet he boasts that he's the one who "jaded her." He seems to want to be in control yet fears the possible long-term outcome of a sexual experience.

The song is also a commentary on our society: There is so much attitude yet so little substance. In addition, we live in a culture where the media over-informs yet under-informs us at the same time. We are fed so much information, yet it is often arbitrary and disjointed. Thus, the viewer can become cynical about the motives of the messenger.

Musically, the song is one that went to rock radio in no time flat. It has a swagger and guitar hook similar to the first singles from each of Aerosmith's last few albums, especially "Falling In Love Is Hard on the Knees," the first single from their previous album. "Jaded" continues a trend--all of Aerosmith's last four studio albums have been released in inaugural years--1989, 1993, 1997, and now 2001. In addition, each leadoff single has been a rocker.

If you want a good single that has AOR muscle yet is fun to listen to, check out Aerosmith's "Jaded. You can't resist when Steve Tyler kicks in with, "My-- my ba--by blue." That is what should propel the song up the charts, especially on Adult Top 40.