Over the past few years, classic rock fans like me have truly been eating good. In 2023, we had the release of a new album from The Rolling Stones, with another album from them set to come out next year, as well as the tear-jerking final Beatles song, “Now And Then,” as well as a fourth Anthology album from them. And now, rock legends and my personal favorite band, Aerosmith, have teamed up with punk singer Yungblud for a brand new Extended Play (EP), and I will be breaking it down track by track.
First off, “My Only Angel,” the first single from the EP, which was released back in September. A majority of the song’s vocals are from the band’s frontman, Steven Tyler, or him singing with Yungblud, but Yungblud also gets a solo in there too. Both singers have extremely similar voices that blend very well when they sing together. The song also includes two guitar solos from the greatest guitar player on Earth, Joe Perry, which is always a treat. The song is an absolutely banger of an opening and does a great job getting you hyped for the rest of the EP.
Next, “Problems.” While it is a great song on its own, I believe it’s the weakest track in the EP. While the music is fantastic, the lyrics are kind of generic. But my main issue is that Yungblud handles most of the vocals. Steven has only one verse and doesn’t even join in for the chorus. It feels less like a collaboration and more like a Yungblud song featuring Aerosmith.
The next track, “Wild Woman,” stands out a lot in the album, but not in a bad way. The song leans more towards Aerosmith’s country influence, whereas the other songs lean more into Yungblud’s pop-rock style. The song also thankfully goes back to balancing Steven and Yungblud’s voices and solos evenly. Not to mention the song also has the most catchy chorus out of the EP. Although it may not be as energizing as the other tracks, it still offers something unique and interesting that is perfect for jamming out to.
Now, my favorite track, “A Thousand Days.” Although the song is slower in pace, it never feels boring. The blend of the band’s instruments with the orchestra is seamless. The song’s lyrics have great parallels to the lyrics of “My Only Angel.” Steven and Yungblud’s vocals are once again perfectly balanced. Overall, the song is just the perfect rock ballad.
Finally, we have the new mix of Aerosmith’s classic track, “Back In The Saddle.” This new mix is just as, if not more, awesome than the original version. It’s undeniably the heaviest song on the album, which I absolutely love. The song features new backup vocals from Yungblud and incorporates an orchestra, like the other songs on the EP, making it even cooler. But overall, it’s the perfect choice to cap off the EP; being one of Aerosmith’s most famous songs, and its theme of a revival makes it a great way to symbolize the band’s return; the comeback of the century.
