ROCK MOMENT – Aerosmith ‘What It Takes’
When Aerosmith released “What It Takes” in 1989, the band was in the middle of one of the most remarkable comeback stories in rock history. The song appeared on their smash album Pump, a record that solidified their resurgence after a difficult period in the late 1970s and early ’80s marked by internal conflict and substance abuse.
“What It Takes” stood out from the harder-edged tracks on Pump as a deeply emotional power ballad. Written by Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and songwriter Desmond Child, the song dives into heartbreak, regret, and the painful realization of lost love. Tyler’s raw, bluesy vocal delivery brought an authenticity that resonated with listeners, while Perry’s understated guitar work added a haunting texture that elevated the track’s emotional weight.
Interestingly, the song’s origins reflect the band’s renewed clarity and focus during their sober years. After successfully getting clean earlier in the decade, Aerosmith approached songwriting with a new level of discipline and vulnerability. ‘What It Takes’ became a perfect example of that shift—less about excess and attitude, and more about introspection and storytelling.
Released as a single in 1990, the track climbed into the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, proving Aerosmith could balance hard rock swagger with mainstream appeal. It also became a staple on radio and remains one of the band’s most beloved ballads.
Over time, ‘What It Takes’ has endured as a fan favorite, often performed live as a showcase for Tyler’s vocal range and emotional connection with audiences. More than just a hit song, it represents a turning point—when Aerosmith transformed from rock survivors into legends reborn, proving they still had both the grit and the heart to create timeless music.
