By the late 90’s and early 2000’s, Aerosmith were the biggest rock band in the world. Coming off of two consecutive number one albums and a massive number one hit with ‘I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing,’ there were very few groups that could contend with their success. And despite all odds, Aerosmith had proven that they had the biggest comeback in not just rock, but all of popular music. The bad boys from Boston decided to keep the ball rolling with the now underrated ‘Just Push Play.’
Commercially the album was a success. Climbing to No. 2 on the charts and going double platinum. Spawning a massive hit single, ‘Jaded.’ And the ‘Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing’ follow up ‘Fly Away From Here.’ Both of witch produced hugely successful music videos. Constantly being rotated on VH1 and MTV. Really, they were unavoidable at one point.
But despite all the commercialism, there were plenty of strong, traditional Aerosmith rockers. ‘Trip Hoppin” was tailor made for the hardcore fans. A great groove and riff. A track that could honestly exist on their 70’s material. The title track is also in the same vein. One of Perry’s best riffs ever. And even though they got some flack for adding modern musical elements. Aerosmith ultimately remained true to themselves.
Not only that, but there are moments on the album that are among Aerosmith’s heaviest. ‘Outta Your Head’ displays some serious drop d distortion. While ‘Under My Skin’ drops harder than any A-smith track ever. ‘Light Inside’ is an absolute Tom Hamilton killer. His presence is immediate in the intro. And like ‘Under My Skin,’ it drops hard. Same goes for the opening song ‘Beyond Beautiful.’ Which still remains one of the most under appreciated Aerosmith works.
Even the more pop oriented moments like ‘Sunshine’ are strong. And the album also contains one Joe Perry’s most interesting moments with ‘Drop Dead Gorgeous.’ A seamless combination of modern pop orientations with traditional Joe Perry hard rock and swag. ‘Luv Lies’ is another classic ballad. While the album closes with timeless fashion in ‘Avant Garden.’ The last great Aerosmith ballad. For the last great Aerosmith record.
All in all, ‘Just Push Play’ remains Aerosmith’s most under appreciated album. Is it their greatest? No. But it’s a solid ass record. And it was the last time that the band truly captured their magic. The following blues cover album ‘Honkin’ On Bobo’ wasn’t great. And ‘Music From Another Dimension’ felt so distant that, despite a couple good tracks, it ultimately fails. Yes, ‘Just Push Play’ would be the last time Aerosmith’s excellence would shine through. And the ensuing tour was massive. I happened to catch the sold out show at Denver’s Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater. It remains one of my all time great concert memories. Still in the top five over 20 years later. Crank it, live it, love it. Give some love to Aerosmith’s ‘Just Push Play.’
