By now Aerosmith's story of survival is deeply imbedded in rock mythology. Band reaches outlandish stadium-sized stardom in the `70s; band splinters under the weight of their toxic abuse; members undergo detox; clean and sober band returns to a new apex of superstardom in the `90s: a classic tale of excess and success. It is rock 'n' roll's great American redemption, and BIG ONES is a greatest hits soundtrack to the comeback portion of this story--with two new tunes to serve as an encore of sorts.

BIG ONES also illustrates that the Aerosmith that's come to define current mainstream rock is not the Aerosmith of old. The blues-veined, pocket-Stones sound that introduced white boys to "Walking The Dog" has given way to lascivious arena-metal ("Love In An Elevator," "Dude (Looks Like A Lady)") and emotional power-ballads ("Angel", "Cryin'"). Age has also brought about a change in the topics that the band chooses to address, concerning themselves with child abuse in "Janie's Got A Gun," and morality in "Living On The Edge."

Yet, with Aerosmith what you see is what you get--therein lies the beauty--and even with the mild tinkering of the machinery, BIG ONES proves that their commercial train just keeps a-rollin'.

All songs written or co-written by members of Aerosmith

Aerosmith:
Steven Tyler (vocals, keyboards, mandolin, harmonica);
Joe Perry (guitar, dulcimer, background vocals);
Brad Whitford (guitar);
Tom Hamilton (electric bass, background vocals);
Joey Kramer (drums, percussion)

Producers:
Bruce Fairbairn, Michael Beinhorn.

Engineers include:
Adam Kaspar, Mike Fraser, Bob Rock.

Additional personnel: