Album Reviews
The Star Online, Malaysia
January 08, 2007
Devil’s Got a New Disguise:
The Very Best of Aerosmith
Artist: Aerosmith
(Sony/BMG)
Reviewer: Joseph Loh
Selecting tracks for a “best of” compilation of Aerosmith music is always going to be a difficult task. Not only is there a legion of outstanding tracks to choose from, but it has to go one up over existing compilations. Amongst others, there is Greatest Hits, representative of their stint with Columbia Records, Big Ones for their Geffen years, and then there are the career-spanning double-disc sets in Aerosmith Gold and Oh Yeah! The Ultimate Aerosmith Hits.
So what does this one have in its favour? Well, that depends on what sort of Aerosmith fan you are. If you’re a dyed-in-the-wool fan and own most of their albums, and possibly one or more of the previous compiles (and your daughter is also named Liv), you’re likely to be disappointed – and might feel cheated, even.
On the other hand, if you don’t own any of their albums or compilations and are just a cursory fan, well, this one’s just for you.
Most of their hits are represented here, from hard-rocking tracks such as Dude (Looks Like a Lady), Love in an Elevator, Walk This Way (with Run-D.M.C., not the original) to their softer side like Janie’s Got a Gun, Amazing, Crazy and of course, the obligatory I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing.
As a bonus, the compilation features two previously unreleased tracks, Sedona Sunrise and Devil’s Got a New Disguise, the former a ballad-like tune and the latter a straightforward rock number. For what it’s worth, both are decent tracks, and won’t disappoint.
Even with the addition of two new tracks, ardent fans will criticise that this is not representative of the true Aerosmith. It’s mostly a matter of omission – insufficient tracks or inappropriate selection of them. For the Aerosmith newbie, however, having 16 definitive hits plus two new tunes on a single disc, running for just under 80 minutes represents excellent value for money.
So if you’re looking for a definitive compilation of Aerosmith tunes (and not just the hits), this album’s not for you – unless you can’t resist the lure of the two new tracks, that is. Otherwise, get a grip on this one.
January 08, 2007
Devil’s Got a New Disguise:
The Very Best of Aerosmith
Artist: Aerosmith
(Sony/BMG)
Reviewer: Joseph Loh
Selecting tracks for a “best of” compilation of Aerosmith music is always going to be a difficult task. Not only is there a legion of outstanding tracks to choose from, but it has to go one up over existing compilations. Amongst others, there is Greatest Hits, representative of their stint with Columbia Records, Big Ones for their Geffen years, and then there are the career-spanning double-disc sets in Aerosmith Gold and Oh Yeah! The Ultimate Aerosmith Hits.
So what does this one have in its favour? Well, that depends on what sort of Aerosmith fan you are. If you’re a dyed-in-the-wool fan and own most of their albums, and possibly one or more of the previous compiles (and your daughter is also named Liv), you’re likely to be disappointed – and might feel cheated, even.
On the other hand, if you don’t own any of their albums or compilations and are just a cursory fan, well, this one’s just for you.
Most of their hits are represented here, from hard-rocking tracks such as Dude (Looks Like a Lady), Love in an Elevator, Walk This Way (with Run-D.M.C., not the original) to their softer side like Janie’s Got a Gun, Amazing, Crazy and of course, the obligatory I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing.
As a bonus, the compilation features two previously unreleased tracks, Sedona Sunrise and Devil’s Got a New Disguise, the former a ballad-like tune and the latter a straightforward rock number. For what it’s worth, both are decent tracks, and won’t disappoint.
Even with the addition of two new tracks, ardent fans will criticise that this is not representative of the true Aerosmith. It’s mostly a matter of omission – insufficient tracks or inappropriate selection of them. For the Aerosmith newbie, however, having 16 definitive hits plus two new tunes on a single disc, running for just under 80 minutes represents excellent value for money.
So if you’re looking for a definitive compilation of Aerosmith tunes (and not just the hits), this album’s not for you – unless you can’t resist the lure of the two new tracks, that is. Otherwise, get a grip on this one.
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