Top 10 Aerosmith Songs

#10: “Mama Kin” Aerosmith (1973)

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As the first single off Aerosmith’s self-titled debut, this track helped introduce the band’s hard rock and blues rock sound. Though it didn’t make it to the American pop charts, “Mama Kin” has endured thanks to its mix of guitar riffs, solid backbeat and use of saxophone. And even though it was recorded in the early’70s, it remains a constant inclusion in the band’s live sets.

#9: “Back in the Saddle” Rocks (1976)

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With its growly Joe Perry-penned riff, Steven Tyler’s yodeling and some equestrian audio effects, the heavy “Back in the Saddle” is a great example of the band’s combined musical talents. It’s also got some fine production work by Jack Douglas and an anthemic nature, both of which surely helped “Back in the Saddle” reach the Billboard Hot 100’s top forty.

#8: “Rag Doll” Permanent Vacation (1987)

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The last single from Aerosmith’s ninth record is a four-and-a-half minute number that blends elements of hard rock, glam metal and funk metal. But that’s not all: thanks to Joey Kramer’s memorable drum beat, Perry’s slide guitar and some horns, “Rag Doll” peaked within the Billboard Hot 100’s top twenty.

Just as the title suggests, this Permanent Vacation single is about a man who is mistaken for a woman because of the way he looks. Aside from its intriguing lyrics, “Dude (Looks Like a Lady)” also features plenty of hooks and the use of sax, trombone and so much more. By peaking at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, the song also gave Aerosmith their first top forty hit in almost a decade and inspired the film “Mrs. Doubtfire.”

While “Crazy” was another top twenty hit off Get a Grip, it’s that same album’s fourth single that lands here. With its blues-rock and hard rock flavors, the power ballad hit number 12 on the American charts and reached the top 20 of several European charts. However, we can’t forget its popular music video either, as it marked Alicia Silverstone’s first collaboration in their short films.

With Pump’s second single, Aerosmith took their lyrics down a darker path than they’re normally known for by exploring child abuse and gun violence. Despite the risqué themes, “Janie’s Got a Gun” became a top five smash and nabbed the band their first Grammy ever. Its David Fincher-directed music video also won two MTV VMAs.

#4: “Love in an Elevator” Pump (1989)

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Opening with an intro by a female elevator operator, this track off Pumpcombines hard rock and glam metal so successfully it became a Billboard Hot 100 top five hit. Reportedly inspired by one of Tyler’s real-life experiences, “Love in an Elevator” is often incorporated into the band’s live shows because it’s such a fan favorite. It was also accompanied by a memorable music video.

#3: “Walk This Way” Toys in the Attic (1975)

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With Perry’s recognizable guitar riff and Tyler’s rapid-fire lyrics, Aerosmith’s second single from Toys in the Attic took the masses by storm. But it was its rerelease 11 years later – featuring the flavors of the one of the most influential hip-hop groups of all time – that revived Aerosmith’s career. The 1986 collaboration between Run-D.M.C., Tyler and Perry also paved the way for rap rock, and launched the hip-hoppers to mainstream popularity.

#2: “Sweet Emotion” Toys in the Attic (1975)

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This hard rocker off Toys in the Attic helped launch the band to mainstream audiences by becoming their first Billboard Hot 100 top forty single. Peaking at number 36, the sweet tune remains ingrained in our musical memories thanks the band’s use of the talk box, bass marimba and multiple guitars. It also helped its parent album garner critical and commercial success.

- “What It Takes” Pump (1989) - “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” Armageddon: The Album (1998) - “Eat the Rich” Get a Grip (1993) - “Last Child” Rocks (1976) - “Livin’ on the Edge” Get a Grip (1993) - “Crazy” Get a Grip (1993)

#1: “Dream On” Aerosmith (1973)

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It may’ve only reached the Billboard Hot 100’s top sixty when it was initially released, but this power ballad from Aerosmith’s debut is everything we love about the band and so much more. Featuring Tyler’s signature screaming vocals, some killer guitar and an unforgettable musical climax, is it any wonder the 1976 rerelease eventually pushed its way into the U.S. top 10? Not only does “Dream On” have a special place in our hearts; it’s also a band live staple. Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite Aerosmith song? For more top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.