Aerosmith's 1986-2000: Classic Rock or Alternative Rock?

Aerosmith, a rock band known for their iconic hits and chart-topping albums, has had a significant impact on the music industry since the 1970s. Their music from the late 1980s to the early 2000s, particularly their albums Permanent Vacation (1987), Pump (1989), and Get a Grip (1993), is primarily classified as classic rock. However, some songs from this era demonstrate elements of alternative rock, leading to a question: would this period of Aerosmith be considered classic or alternative rock?

From Classic Rock to Alternative Rock

During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Aerosmith's sound evolved and blended hard rock with elements of pop and blues, marking a resurgence in their popularity. While they were not exclusively categorized as alternative rock bands, their music showed alternative rock influences in terms of production style and lyrical themes. This period of Aerosmith is often associated with the rock revival of the 1990s, making their music appealing to both long-time fans and new listeners.

Contemporary Perspectives on Aerosmith's Later Material

In recent discussions, the categorization of Aerosmith's music from this era has been debated. Jon, reflecting on the band's music, suggests that their later material should be considered "classic" only from their albums prior to Pump. He notes that Pump and Permanent Vacation are excellent albums, but the quality declines afterward.

Despite the critical reception, Aerosmith's latter-day material is predominantly categorized as classic rock, particularly in the context of the alternative rock boom. Several of the band's songs from this era exhibit alternative rock influences, such as the album tracks on Crash (1995) and Nine Lives (1990). These tracks could easily have been recorded by groups like Stone Temple Pilots, reflecting the band's incorporation of alternative rock elements into their music.

The Legacy of Aerosmith: Commercial and Artistic Peak

Aerosmith's artistic peak was in the 1970s, but their commercial peak arguably occurred in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This period saw the rise of numerous alternative rock bands that were influenced by Aerosmith, while the band themselves incorporated some of these influences into their own music. The result was a rich, diverse sound that appealed to a wide audience.

Changes in Musical Direction and Production

In more recent years, Aerosmith's musical direction changed to accommodate hit-making with the help of pop songwriters like Desmond Child and Diane Warren. Child, known for his work with bands like Kiss, took a minimalist approach to their songs, while Warren, often criticized for her overproduced work, brought a more polished sound to Aerosmith's music. The result was a mix of classic rock and pop styles, with many of their hits classified as pop. However, this shift in musical direction left some long-time hard rock fans feeling disappointed, as the band's commercial success came at the cost of their rock roots.

Conclusion

Aerosmith's music from 1986 to 2000 is primarily classified as classic rock, blending hard rock with pop and blues elements. While some songs displayed alternative rock influences, the band's later material is often seen as a move towards more commercial pop. The debate continues on whether this period of Aerosmith should be categorized as classic or alternative rock, highlighting the evolving nature of their music and the impact they have had on the rock scene.