Often recognized as the mighty Aerosmith’s comeback, ‘Permanent Vacation’ is an iconic album. Not only was it Aerosmith’s big comeback, but the success of the album and the following success of the band made fans wonder if Aerosmith had signed any deals with Lucifer. Particularly when you consider that members of the band were found in dumpsters just three and a half years prior. The album is loaded with quality, big, hard rock from top to bottom. Plus, the production of the album is still mind blowing.
‘Permanent Vacation’ was actually the follow up to what was intended to be the band’s big comeback, ‘Done With Mirrors.’ One of Aerosmith’s most overlooked albums. But drugs and odd timing dumbed down the promotion of the album. But with some luck, excellent co-writers and sobriety ‘Permanent Vacation’ became the destined smash hit. The album actually marks the fist time Aerosmith welcomed outside help with writing songs. The core of the writing was and always will be done by the band. But with help from some of the greatest studio writers of all time, such as Desmond Child and Jim Vallance, Aerosmith redefined their sound. Not only that, but they smashed onto the scene (80’s hard rock) that they basically invented and said, ‘Here’s how you really do it.’ It was that take no prisoners attitude that would re-energize a band that had mostly been written off. And would produce some of the band’s strongest material in their storied career.
The album opens with ‘Hearts Done Time.’ A song written by Joe Perry and Desmond Child. And it’s a huge statement. The strength of the riff, vocal melody and drum groove say, ‘We’re back and we’re here to stay.’ Then the Perry/Tyler and Jim Vallance written ‘Magic Touch’ blows the speakers out of the wall. Perry’s guitar wail combined with Tyler’s screams are nearly unmatched on this track. The first single on the album is next, ‘Rag Doll.’ A funky, folky swing rocker that calls back the blues of the bands early days. ‘Simoriah’ follows and still remains one of the most underrated songs Aerosmith ever did. As well as the enigmatic ‘St. John.’ Sandwiched between those two tracks is the signature ‘Dude (Looks Like A Lady).’ A smash hit that’s still played to this day. But it was the ninth song, Aerosmith’s first power ballad entitled ‘Angel’ that pushed the album to number 11 on the U.S. billboard chart.
But what makes ‘Permanent Vacation’ so good is the back end of the album. It’s got some of the strongest tracks Aerosmith ever wrote. ‘Hangman Jury’ is a classic, moody, fun piece. And the song has experienced a little bit of a revival as the band is playing the song every once in a while during their current Vegas residency. One of my all time favorite songs from the Smith is ‘Girl Keeps Coming Apart.’ It’s just freakin’ awesome! The horns, the energy, the jam vibes of it. It’s potential to be an extended live jam is through the roof. And the band never really did it. It really could have served as Brad Whitford’s shining moment, as it’s one of his best guitar solos ever!! And his solos are a long list. The title track frankly really should have been released as a single. It potentially could have had a great music video that may have dominated MTV. And who knows how big the album would have been if they did that. The album closes with a Beatles cover, ‘I’m Down’ and a terrific instrumental entitled ‘The Movie’ that frankly would have been perfect on the first Bill and Ted soundtrack.
Overall ‘Permanent Vacation’ is one of Aerosmith’s strongest albums in their entire catalog. Even eclipsing some of their 70’s work. It still remains one of my personal favorites. I even prefer it to ‘Pump’ as a whole album. It marked the real comeback for Aerosmith. Producing three top 20 hits propelling the album to number 11 on the charts. Eventually shipping five times platinum. It would also mark the beginning of possibly the greatest comeback not just in rock, but all of modern popular music.
