Toys in the Attic

Toys in the Attic is a monumental masterpiece on which Aerosmith splendidly bound the roughness rooted in blues with more powerful riffs and catchy, memorable melody. It is their substantial breakthrough, pushing the band to stardom overnight. The twin guitars of Joe Perry and Brad Whitford intertwine lightly and exquisitely, and Steven Tyler’s voice, moving between its edge and distinctive humor, powerfully grasps the songs’ center. From the speeding title track “Toys in the Attic” and the edge of the all-too-famous signature “Walk This Way” to the striking low, undulating intro of “Sweet Emotion,” every song is engaging, while cuts like “Uncle Salty” and the moving ballad “You See Me Crying” convey the work’s fullness. In particular, “Walk This Way” later became a huge hit again through a collaboration with a rap group. A record on which street-filled rawness and broad popular appeal are united at an extremely high level, greatly pushing Aerosmith to a band representing America. A monument of 1970s hard rock that gave immense influence to countless later bands. An enduring, powerful, engaging great masterpiece — an essential record for all rock fans.