It’s nearly impossible to come up with a top five list for Aerosmith. It would be a lot easier if I could have a top 20, or if they hadn’t been pumping out hits for the last forty years. Of the five tracks I’ve managed to consolidate to, the albums they come off include Aerosmith, Toys in the Attic, Get a Grip, and Permanent Vacation. I also got free music downloads of all these hits at Kazaa which is great when I was assessing their catalog. Anyway check out my top 5.

1. Dream On

Their first major hit and although the charts say otherwise, probably the most popular over the period of time since its release in 1973. Awesome lyrics that everyone can relate to: the acknowledgment of mortality.

2. Sweet Emotion

The title says it all. All I can think is what is the backstage boogie? I want to know so bad. Sweet Emotion was used on the soundtrack of Dazed & Confused, a comedy that takes place in 1976.

3. Amazing

Although Amazing only made it to #24 on the Billboard chart, it’s definitely one of the band’s most popular songs. I weigh the reason for my admiration of the song more with the lyrics than music, but that doesn’t degrade it in my book. Tyler once again masterfully sings us a philosophical and spiritual message which could mean so many different things to different people listening.

4. Angel

I adore this song for two reasons: the musical composition is beautiful (as most of Aerosmith’s ballads are), and the lyrics are so emotional, so heart wrenching. Everyone who knows what it feels like to be helplessly in love can relate to this song. What’s more is that it contains quite possibly one of the sweetest bridges ever written.

You’re the reason I live
You’re the reason I die
You’re the reason I give
When I break down and cry
Don’t need no reason why

5. Cryin’

Another song about love and heartbreak. Who can forget the music video with Alicia Silverstone? Great choice by the band to have her in multiple music videos. I think this might be one of my favorite break-up songs of all times.