“You are about to enter a great adventure, and experience the awe and mystery from your ultimate fantasies to your deepest fears.” A Twilight Zone-esque voice issues this ominous warning to kick off Music From Another Dimension!, Aerosmith’s first release of original content in 11 years. The “deepest fears” to which this voice refers could be of the likelihood that, in the time that has elapsed, the band has lost its touch, and can no longer produce quality music. Fortunately, these concerns last only until the first drum beats bring in the powerful riffs, proving that Aerosmith is still alive and kicking—vigorously.
“Luv XXX” launches Music with crunchy arpeggios and heavily assaulted cymbals driving Steven Tyler’s vocals as he growls about “love three times a day.” While such topics coming from 60-year-old men are somewhat unnerving, all is forgiven in the throwback rock ‘n’ roll grit of the album.
Tracks like hurtling love song “Oh Yeah” and heartfelt ballad “Tell Me” are reminiscent of ‘70s rock, in that they are entirely emblematic of the genre, maintaining a formula that has existed for nearly half a century. This familiarity is not unwelcome; on the contrary, the mature style still maintains addictive riffs, rough vocals dripping with Tyler’s quirky wit, and the reckless abandon of the dying age of rock ‘n’ roll.
Despite its deep roots in the past, Music does not neglect the modern age. “Can’t Stop Lovin’ You,” for instance, is a duet with Carrie Underwood, who adds American Idol-trained smooth vocals and a touch of twang to balance Tyler’s coarseness.
Though it is over an hour in length, Music From Another Dimension! ends all too soon. The closing track, “Another Last Goodbye,” closes Aerosmith’s album on a powerful piano- and string-backed note punctuated by Tyler’s anguish. The listener can only hope that the title is not directed at the audience.
