By the mid 90’s, Aerosmith were pretty much the biggest band in the world. Their comeback, due to Geffen records, had resulted in major commercial success. With their ’93 magnum opus ‘Get a Grip’ going to number one. And that would be only the beginning. The band would soon resign to Columbia and grow even more massive with their second number one album in a row, ‘Nine Lives.’
The album is actually among Aerosmith’s most polarizing. Some arguing that it’s their best. While some argue that it simply got too commercial. And while the latter may have the upper hand, the former have a good angle with the opening title track. Which remains one of Aerosmith’s sickest songs ever. That Steven Tyler scream says it all. The follow up, one of the many smash hits, ‘Falling In Love (Is Hard On The Knees),’ retains a traditional Aerosmith sound. While still finding a way to appeal to the current gen x movement at the time. Truly a timeless classic.
‘Hole In My Soul’ establishes the ballad tendencies throughout the album. Personally, it’s not one of my favorites. But, MTV loved it and it proved to be a huge boon to the album. ‘Taste of India’ is truly one of the great Aersomith tracks. The middle eastern sounding jam rocks hard in the groove. Which the band just rides out at the end. ‘Full Circle’ continues the ‘Empire Records’ sounding, 90’s counterculture balladry. ‘Something’s Gotta Give’ is clearly an attempt at keeping up with bands like Pearl Jam. The alt punk energy is present. But not over-consuming of the song.
The alt rocker/ballad back and fourth continues with ‘Ain’t That A Bitch.’ Which is solid enough. But nothing terrific. However, ‘The Farm’ is one of my personal favorites. When the pandemic hit, I left LA for the farm in KS. So the song was super fun and relevant. And much needed during a time of stress. ‘Crash’ breaks the rocker/ballad pattern. But not the alternative pattern. And there in lies the weakness of the album. Way too many power chord, punk oriented songs. Not enough Tyler/Perry single string riffage. Steeped in funk, groove and heavy rock. However, ‘Attitude Adjustment’ does bring in the Aerosmith goods that we all know and love.
‘Pink,’ of course, was also a massive hit. And was a key track in keeping Aerosmith the biggest rock band of the 90’s. ‘Kiss Your Past Goodbye’ is one ballad too many. While the album closer, ‘Fallen Angels’ is strong enough. But nothing remarkable. Overall, an album that does have some highlights (it’s Aerosmith after all). But, it’s far from their best album. I think the flood of outside writers kind of tamped the record down. However, my opinion matters little. As it’s one of Aerosmith’s highest selling albums. Becoming their second consecutive number one album. And the band’s success was just getting going.
