Aerosmith’s Top 10 Songs: The Essential Tracks of the Bad Boys from Boston

"Janie’s Got a Gun" marked a bold turn for Aerosmith, tackling themes of child abuse and revenge with unexpected sensitivity. Tyler’s haunting vocals and the song’s muted introduction set a somber tone, which builds into a powerful refrain backed by fiery guitar chords. Winning the Grammy for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group in 1990, "Janie’s Got a Gun" demonstrated Aerosmith’s ability to blend social commentary with commercial appeal. The song’s cinematic video, featuring a young girl in turmoil, further underscored the band’s willingness to push creative boundaries.

Originally released in 1975, "Walk This Way" climbed to #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 thanks to its infectious riff and Tyler’s tongue-twisting vocals. The song’s swaggering blend of rock and blues made it an instant classic. In 1986, Aerosmith revitalized the track by teaming up with Run-D.M.C., creating a groundbreaking rap-rock crossover that reintroduced them to MTV and a whole new audience. This collaboration not only launched a wave of genre-blending hits but also secured "Walk This Way" as one of the most influential songs in rock history.

Opening with a slinky talk-box bass line by Tom Hamilton, "Sweet Emotion" revolutionized how bands could blend rock and funk elements. Tyler’s bass-heavy vocal interplay with Perry’s wah-wah guitar parts creates a hypnotic groove that propelled the song to #36 on the Billboard Hot 100. The track’s success helped Toys in the Attic become Aerosmith’s best-selling studio album to that point. Culturally, "Sweet Emotion" has been featured in films, video games, and commercials for decades, solidifying its status as one of rock’s most recognizable riffs and a defining moment in the band’s career.

"Crazy" epitomizes Aerosmith’s ’90s resurgence, pairing a soulful ballad structure with infectious hooks. Tyler’s emotive vocals soar over Perry’s bluesy riffs, while the shimmering chorus underscores the song’s anthemic power. The accompanying music video—starring Alicia Silverstone and Liv Tyler—joined MTV’s Vevo Hall of Fame, cementing "Crazy" as one of the era’s defining rock-pop ballads. Peaking at #17 on the Billboard Hot 100, the song remains a favorite at stadiums and radio alike, showcasing the band’s knack for crafting timeless anthems.

As part of their late-’80s comeback, Aerosmith injected a dose of glam-infused fun with "Dude (Looks Like a Lady)." Written during the Permanent Vacation sessions, the song’s swaggering riff and tongue-in-cheek lyrics showcase the band’s playful side. "Dude" hit #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and introduced Aerosmith to a new generation of fans. The music video—featuring Tyler in a silky blonde wig—became a staple on MTV, reaffirming their ability to blend hard rock grit with pop culture savvy and paving the way for future hits on the pop-rock crossover charts.

The title track of their breakthrough third album, "Toys in the Attic" blends punk-like energy with hard rock virtuosity. Perry’s frantic riffing and Tyler’s manic vocal phrasing capture a sense of creative chaos that defined the record. Though never released as a single, "Toys in the Attic" became an underground radio staple, contributing to the album’s status as a touchstone of ’70s rock. The track exemplifies Aerosmith’s raw power and experimental spirit—a precursor to countless hard rock and metal acts that followed in their wake.

Last Child captures Aerosmith at the height of their mid-’70s rock swagger. Driven by Joe Perry’s chugging guitar riff and Tom Hamilton’s funk-infused bassline, the song showcases the band’s ability to craft groove-based rock that still packs a punch. Though it peaked at #21 on the Billboard Hot 100, "Last Child" became a fan-favorite and a mainstay of Aerosmith’s live shows. Steven Tyler’s playful vocal delivery and Perry’s slide-guitar accents highlight their chemistry, while the song’s lyrical swagger cements it as a rock classic that bridges blues roots with arena-ready power.