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Aerosmith is one of America’s most iconic rock bands, known for their blend of bluesy hard rock and arena-ready anthems. Formed in Boston in 1970, the band featured frontman Steven Tyler, guitarists Joe Perry and Brad Whitford, bassist Tom Hamilton and drummer Joey Kramer completing the classic lineup. They rose to fame in the mid-1970s with hits like Dream On, Sweet Emotion, and Walk This Way.
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Despite struggles with drug addiction and internal conflict toward the end of the ’70s and in the early ’80s, a major comeback came later in the decade, with a string of chart-topping albums and power ballads leading into the ’90s. Known for Tyler’s screaming vocals and Perry’s fiery guitar riffs, Aerosmith has sold over 150 million records worldwide and earned their place in the rock history as one of the best bands ever.
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In honor of Aerosmith, I’ve included 50 songs from their 15 U.S. studio album releases, singles and original songs from their compilation albums. There’s also a few songs “off the beaten path” that even the biggest Aerosmith fans may not be aware of. Without further delay, here’s the 50 best Aerosmith songs ranked from “worst to first” in my opinion:
1. 50. ‘Can’t Stop Lovin’ You’ – ‘Music From Another Dimension!’ (2012)
Tyler’s duet with country music superstar Carrie Underwood has me convinced Aerosmith could’ve put out a successful country record at some point within the last 25 years. Tyler is no stranger to the genre, having released his debut solo album We’re All Somebody from Somewhere in 2016.
2. 49. ‘You See Me Crying’ – ‘Toys in the Attic’ (1975)
The power ballad from Toys in the Attic, a song so good that while recording Mirrors in 1984, Tyler reportedly heard the song play on a Boston radio station and thought the band should cover it. Perry reportedly responded with “It’s us, f**khead.” Tyler had been suffering memory issues after years of heavy drug abuse.
3. 48. ‘Woman of the World’ – ‘Get Your Wings’ (1974)
4. 47. ‘Heart’s Done Time’ – ‘Permanent Vacation’ (1987)
5. 46. ‘Beyond Beautiful’ – ‘Just Push Play’ (2001)
The first track listed on Just Push Play, feels like one of the last great 90s-hangover rock songs.
6. 45. ‘Magic Touch’ – ‘Permanent Vacation’ (1987)
7. 44. ‘Eat the Rich’ – ‘Get a Grip’ (1993)
8. 43. ‘Walk On Water’ – ‘Big Ones’ (1994)
The second single off the compilation album Big Ones lands at 43.
9. 42. ‘Head First’ (1994)
One of my personal additions to the list as far as songs that weren’t part of the 15 studio albums or singles from compilation albums, Head First is a track that seems almost lost to time. The song does not appear to be streaming in the U.S., despite being listed on 2001’s Young Lust: The Aerosmith Anthology on Spotify. The song itself is a major part of music history, being the first song available for download on the internet.
10. 41. ‘Legendary Child’ – ‘Music from Another Dimension!’ (2012)
The anthem track off of their final studio album, Legendary Child is a recounting of the band’s career, telling a story of the highs and lows over the previous 42 years. The single was among the hardest-rocking songs the band had put out during the new millennium, and Aerosmith’s live performance of it during American Idol‘s Season 11 finale, a perfect sendoff for Tyler’s Idol career. It’s my top track off of Music from Another Dimension!.
11. 40. ‘Big Ten Inch Record’ – ‘Toys in the Attic’ (1975)
A cover of Bull Moose Jackson’s 1952 song, which was not a hit in its time as it was deemed “too suggestive” and received little airplay, Aerosmith’s version received similar criticism. A rather critical review by Cameron Cohick from the Fort Lauderdale News and Sun-Sentinel of 1980’s Greatest Hits album, which Big Ten Inch Record is not on, criticizes the record for leaving off “the only Aerosmith song hoary historians and earnest teen-agers will be playing 100 years from now.” Well 44 years later (nearly halfway there!) we at Houston’s Eagle still play Aerosmith on a daily basis, and I’m here writing a list ranking all their songs. I promise you I’ll still be jamming to Aerosmith in 2080.
12. 39. ‘Adam’s Apple’ – ‘Toys in the Attic’ (1975)
13. 38. ‘Get the Lead Out’ – ‘Rocks’ (1976)
The opening guitar riff to this track is among my all-time favorites, and helps land the track at 38.
14. 37. ‘F.I.N.E.’ – ‘Pump’ (1989)
F.I.N.E. is said to stand for “F****d up, Insecure, Neurotic and Emotional,” which Tyler described as being his “constant state.” The acronym has been referenced in many works, including Deadpool 2 and by Tyler’s own daughter, Liz Tyler, in Super.
15. 36. ‘Livin’ On the Edge’ – ‘Get a Grip’ (1993)
Livin’ on the Edge won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal for 1993. The music video for the song earned Aerosmith a Viewer’s Choice award at the 1993 MTV Video Music Awards.
16. 35. ‘No Surprize’ – ‘Night in the Ruts’ (1979)
Another song detailing the story of the band, No Surprize is the best thing about Night in the Ruts, landing the record’s first track at 32.
17. 34. ‘Permanent Vacation’ – ‘Permanent Vacation’ (1987)
The use of steel drums make this fun 80s track a staple on any beach playlist I’ve ever made.
18. 33. ‘Helter Skelter’ – ‘Pandora’s Toys’ (1994)
A cover of the Beatles’ 1968 hit song, Helter Skelter itself has a controversial history with its ties to cult leader and murderer Charles Manson. This live Aerosmith recording is from 1975, which was released on the 1991 compilation album, Pandora’s Box. The song was a common fixture of Aerosmith setlist, and Tyler himself has performed the song live with another band that famously cover the song, Mötley Crüe. He also performed the song live in Las Vegas with Paul McCartney. After Aerosmith retired in August of 2024, Sammy Hagar performed the song live as a tribute to the band.
19. 32. ‘Amazing’ – ‘Get a Grip’ (1993)
Placing 32nd, the song is a story on Tyler’s drug issues in the wake of Aerosmith’s break up. The music video for Amazing is one of the three ultra-successful videos with actress Alicia Silverstone.
20. 31. ‘Home Tonight’ – ‘Rocks’ (1976)
This haunting power ballad is the second single off Rocks, showing a softer side of the edgy hard rock/blues band.
21. 30. ‘Hole in My Soul’ – ‘Nine Lives’ (1997)
The music video for Hole in My Soul features actors Seann William Scott, Eva Mendes and Alexandra Holden.
22. 29. ‘Come Together’ – ‘Greatest Hits’ (1978)
Another Beatles cover by the Bad Boys from Boston, Come Together was performed by the band in 1978’s Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. It would be the band’s last Top 40 hit for nearly a decade.
23. 28. ‘Seasons of Wither’ – ‘Get Your Wings’ (1974)
One of Tyler’s favorite Aerosmith songs, likely contributing to the song’s revival on concert setlist in the 2000s. There’s a really good cover of this song on Tesla’s 2007 covers album, Real to Reel Vol. 2.
24. 27. ‘Uncle Salty’ – ‘Toys in the Attic’ (1975)
25. 26. ‘Full Circle’ – ‘Nine Lives’ (1997)
Full Circle, from Nine Lives, is a great song about living in the moment and not waiting to achieve what you want to achieve in this life. The chorus is what really ties the song together, giving the song a sense of community and encouraging listening to this song with loved ones.
26. 25. ‘What It Takes’ – ‘Pump’ (1989)
What It Takes is a desperate plea to an ex-lover on asking how to move on in the wake of a relationship that has ended. When life throws those unfortunate moments your way, this song fills the void, if only for a moment. The song references Heart’s Done Time and F.I.N.E.
27. 24. ‘Pink’ – ‘Nine Lives’ (1997)
Easily among the most iconic late-career Aerosmith songs, Pink adds to the feel that Nine Lives is a sequel to Toys in the Attic. The song netted the band their fourth and final Grammy award in 1999 for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. The music video for the song won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Rock Video in 1998.
28. 23. ‘Dream On’ – ‘Guitar Hero: Aerosmith’ (2008)
Unless you played Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, many of you probably didn’t realize there was a different studio recording of the band’s most-iconic song. This version of Dream On was recorded in 2007 for use in the game, giving it more of a polished instrumental sound. The song was rerecorded due to the original masters for Dream On going missing at the time of the game’s development.
29. 22. ‘Toys in the Attic’ – ‘Toys in the Attic’ (1975)
The iconic track for the album of the same name, Toys in the Attic is among Aerosmith’s highest-reguarded songs across their catalog.
30. 21. ‘No More No More’ – ‘Toys in the Attic’ (1975)
“Baby I’m a dreamer
Found my horse and carriage”
One of my favorite Aerosmith bridges ever.
31. 20. ‘Train Kept A Rollin” – ‘Get Your Wings’ (1974)
A cover of Tiny Bradshaw’s 1951 song, Train Kept A Rollin’ is turned into a heavy hard-rock hit by Aerosmith, which frequently used the song as a show closer early on, including at their first gig in 1970. Tyler, Perry and Tom Hamilton had all played the song prior to Aerosmith, so when the group came together it was the only song they all knew how to play.
32. 19. ‘Make It’ – ‘Guitar Hero: Aerosmith’ (2008)
Guitar Hero: Aerosmith‘s Make It is a much-more refined version of the classic. It’s edgier and rocks so much harder, which I personally think does the song better justice. It’s a shame this version of the song is only available on YouTube, or if you decide to play the game yourself.
33. 18. ‘Water Song / Janie’s Got a Gun’ – ‘Pump’ (1989)
A song about a young girl planning revenge for childhood abuse she suffered, Janie’s Got a Gun won a 1990 Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. In 2015, Tyler started Janie’s Fund, a charity which raises funds to provide counseling, housing and medical care to troubled young women.
34. 17. ‘Same Old Song and Dance’ – ‘Get Your Wings’ (1974)
The best song off Get Your Wings in my opinion, Same Old Song and Dance is about as iconically-Aerosmith as an Aerosmith song can get. Its bluesy vibe with a hard-rock edge makes the track a timeless classic for the Bad Boys from Boston.
35. 16. ‘Last Child’ – ‘Rocks’ (1976)
Last Child, a Tyler-Whitford song that was used in concert to showcase the rhythm guitarist’s skillset, as he wrote and performed the guitar solo on the record. It’s arguably the greatest contribution Whitford made to the band in close to 50 years with Aerosmith.
36. 15. ‘Walk This Way (with Run D.M.C.)’ – ‘Raising Hell’ (1986)
A collaboration between hip-hop group Run D.M.C. and Aerosmith, the remixed Walk This Way catapulted Aerosmith back into the spotlight, setting up the band’s highly-successful second act after years of turmoil and the disappointing release of Done With Mirrors in 1985. The collaboration also helped expose hip-hop and rap to a wider audience.
37. 14. ‘Jaded’ – ‘Just Push Play’ (2001)
Jaded made music history for Aerosmith, as when the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March 2001, the song was still climbing the Billboard Hot 100. Aerosmith is the only artist to be inducted into the Hall of Fame while having a song on the charts. Actress Mila Kunis stars in the music video for the song. It’s the best song from Just Push Play in my opinion.
38. 13. ‘Cryin” – ‘Get a Grip’ (1993)
Cryin’ marks the first time Silverstone appears in an Aerosmith music video. The video netted the band three 1994 MTV Video Music Awards.
39. 12. ‘Chip Away at the Stone’ – ‘Gems’ (1988)
Released as a single in 1978 to promote Live! Bootleg, Chip Away the Stone was rereleased as a studio recording for Gems in 1988. The song was written by original band member and occasional collaborator Richard Supa.
40. 11. ‘Mama Kin’ – ‘Aerosmith’ (1973)
If you haven’t checked out Guns ‘N’ Roses‘ performance of the song from 1992 while live in Paris, do yourself a favor.
41. 10. ‘Angel’ – ‘Permanent Vacation’ (1987)
Starting of the top-10 Aerosmith songs on my list is Angel off of Permanent Vacation. Prior to I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing, Angel was Aerosmith’s highest-charting single, peaking at No. 3 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
42. 9. ‘Back in the Saddle’ – ‘Rocks’ (1976)
The best song off of Rocks places ninth on my ranking list. Back in the Saddle is among the most-quintessential of Aerosmith songs, with the talents of all members of the band on full display. Hamilton’s heavy bass lines on this track may be the musician’s finest moment.
43. 8. ‘Rag Doll’ – ‘Permanent Vacation’ (1987)
One of the tracks most-responsible for making Permanent Vacation the massive comeback that it was for Aerosmith, Rag Doll is a fun, loud and proudly-in-your-face track that set the tone for the next decade of Aerosmith to come.
44. 7. ‘Dude (Looks Like a Lady)’ – ‘Permanent Vacation’ (1987)
The lead single off Permanent Vacation, Dude (Looks Like a Lady) is the most-iconic track off the record. When you think “Aerosmith comeback,” this is THE song. Dude lands here at No. 7.
45. 6. ‘Going Down / Love in an Elevator’ – ‘Pump’ (1989)
At six is Love in an Elevator, the best song off of Pump. The track rocks as hard as anything Aerosmith put out during their 54-year run. In hindsight, the song was a clear sign that even though the 1980s were ending, Aerosmith would continue rocking into the 1990s and beyond.
46. 5. ‘Crazy’ – ‘Get a Grip’ (1993)
Crazy, the best song from Get a Grip, lands at five out of 174 songs ranked. The ballad is arguably the band’s best song from the 1990s (not according to this list). Crazy earned Aerosmith the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1994. The music video is the third and final of the Silverstone videos, and the career debut of Liv Tyler.
47. 4. ‘I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing’ – ‘Aramgeddon: The Album’ (1998)
Written by Diane Warren with the vision that “Celine Dion or somebody like that” would sing it, I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing was used for the soundtrack of Armageddon, the 1998 disaster film starring Bruce Willis, Ben Affleck and Liv Tyler. The song was initially intended to be a radio-only single, but the demand for the song was so great that Columbia Records released the song commercially. It debuted at No. 1 in the U.S., Aerosmith’s only song to do so. It comes in fourth on my list.
48. 3. ‘Walk This Way’ – ‘Toys in the Attic’ (1975)
Containing what in my mind is Aerosmith’s most-iconic guitar riff, Walk This Way might be the most-important song the band has ever written. The song would be used over a decade after its release in a collaboration between hip-hop trio Run-D.M.C. and Aerosmith, catapulting the rock band back into the mainstream and creating one of the most-famous rap/rock mashups ever.
The story of how the song came to be is worth the read, involving Tyler accidentally forgetting a paper with lyrics he’d initially written for the song in a taxi cab. Walk This Way comes in third on my list.
49. 2. ‘Sweet Emotion’ – ‘Toys in the Attic’ (1975)
At No. 2 is Sweet Emotion, a song so purely Aerosmith that the band has included it on almost every compilation and live album they’ve released. It’s been rereleased as a single multiple times, including in 1991 in support of Pandora’s Box, resulting in a music video for the track. According to Tyler, the song was written about the disfunction between the band and Perry’s then-wife, Elyssa.
The song’s initial release as a single helped Aerosmith break out into the mainstream, fueling the success of Toys in the Attic and creating the perfect opportunity to rerelease another popular song …
Sweet Emotion in my opinion is one of the songs that defines what we call “classic rock” in the best of ways. It’s a track that’s stood the test of time and likely will for decades to come.
50. 1. ‘Dream On’ – ‘Aerosmith’ (1973)
Could anything else have been put at No. 1? Sure, there’s a great argument for Sweet Emotion, but Dream On is THE song even the most casual of Aerosmith fans think of when hearing the band’s name. Tyler wrote the song years before Aerosmith had formed, as a teenager on the piano at his family’s summer home in Sunapee, New Hampshire. Originally recorded for their self-titled 1973 debut record, Dream On had little chart success, peaking at No. 59 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s 1976 rerelease after the success of Toys in the Attic saw it break into the Top 40 in February of that year, peaking at No. 6 in April, the band’s first top-10 hit.
The song has had a long life, remaining a staple on classic rock radio stations, like our own. It was sampled for Eminem’s 2002 hit song Sing for the Moments, where Perry played guitar on the track and Tyler’s vocals can be heard. It landed in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2018, and experienced a massive resurgence in online popularity due to its inclusion in a famous cutscene from the 2022 video game,God of War III. It also spent time as a popular sound on the social media platform TikTok, and surpassed 1 billion streams on Spotify in November of 2023.
Dream On is my favorite song of all-time; having it at the top spot is the perfect way to end my list ranking the top-50 Aerosmith songs.
