Steven
Tyler claims his band Aerosmith didn’t record
a blues album, per se - they simply recorded an album where
their blues influences are more tangible than they’ve
been before. Even so, Honkin’ On Bobo is the answer
to the years of prayers uttered by fans of both the blues
and hard rock.
And not since Pump has Aerosmith recorded an album that exudes
so much feral rawness though while simultaneously controlled
to where each member of the band is utterly maximizing his
passion and skills. This collection of mostly blues covers
done in Aerosmith fashion will continually impress listeners
play after play.
As the disc kicks off with “Road Runner,” Tyler’s
emceeing intro explodes into a sensual groove that Tyler rides
throughout the duration of the song. Definite blues conjoined
with undeniable Aerosmith creating an electric vibe that gets
you smiling.
Other highlights of the Honkin’ On Bobo CD are the
Big Joe Williams classic, “Baby Please Don’t Go,”
which is actually the most traditional Aerosmith sounding
remake on the disc.
“Shame, Shame, Shame” will instantly have you
tapping your feet and snapping your fingers. Appearing as
a special guest on this song and really adding to its snazzy
feel is the legendary boogie-woogie piano player Johnnie Johnson.
“Eyesight To The Blind” turns up the blues feel
another notch, and it’s got that kind of lyrical jive
talking that Tyler was born to sing.
On “Never Loved A Girl,” Tyler belts out sultry
rasp with such precision that it almost makes you forget he’s
also an amazing rock vocalist.
Songs featuring guitar great Joe Perry also on vocals are
the swampy “Back Back Train,” and “Stop
Messin’ Around” that showcases both his soulful
singing and extraordinary guitar chops.
And “The Grind,” written by Tyler, Perry, and
Marti Frederiksen is traditional Aerosmith that could easily
be a cut on any of their other albums. The guitar groove undulates
along with Tyler’s seductive crooning and will most
likely be one of the next huge hits for the band.
As an Aerosmith fan who grew up on the blues, I was worried
at first when I heard Aerosmith was making a blues album,
but there’s nothing to be concerned about here. Honkin’
On Bobo is an amazing tribute to the band’s roots while
also stepping slightly out of their known element and demonstrating
just how good a great band can be.
Visit Their Official site here:
http://www.aerosmith.com/detect2.html
-By Melanie “Sass”
Falina