What makes Cryin' by Aerosmith notable?

The album features the hit single 'Cryin'', which reached number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won an MTV Video Music Award for Best Art Direction. Its commercial success helped revive interest in the band as they navigated a shifting musical landscape and established themselves as enduring figures in rock music. By 1993, Aerosmith was experiencing a resurgence in popularity following their successful album 'Permanent Vacation' and the hit 'Pump'. 'Cryin'' served as a pivotal moment in their career, solidifying their status as rock icons during the grunge era. This release came at a time when they were embracing both commercial success and artistic maturity.

How many songs are on Cryin'?

Cryin' has 4 tracks, running approximately 15 minutes.

Released 33 years ago this October

Cryin'

Aerosmith · 1993

15 min · 4 tracks · hard rock

A soaring blend of bluesy melodies and hard rock grit, anchored by powerful vocal performances and emotive storytelling.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Cryin' — As the lead single, this track showcases Aerosmith's signature blend of blues rock and heartfelt lyrics, amplified by a memorable chorus that resonates with audiences.
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Walk On Down — This track highlights the band's ability to mix melodic hooks with a driving rhythm, revealing their knack for crafting compelling narratives within their music.
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My Fist Your Face — With its aggressive energy and raw instrumentation, this song represents Aerosmith's hard rock roots while maintaining a contemporary edge relevant to the early '90s.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong melodies and solid performances but lacks overall cohesion as a collection.

What we noticed

The title track 'Cryin'' features a prominent guitar solo that contrasts with the verses, creating dynamic shifts in intensity.
The second track, 'Walk On Down', employs a slower tempo and bluesy guitar riffs, providing a stark contrast to the energetic opener.
Each song features strong vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, which enhance the emotive storytelling present in the lyrics.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Helped solidify Aerosmith's resurgence and wider recognition in the early '90s.
Themes: grunge-era resilience· heartbreak narratives· bluesy confessions
Moods: Cathartic· Energetic
Career context: By 1993, Aerosmith was experiencing a resurgence in popularity following their successful album 'Permanent Vacation' and the hit 'Pump'. 'Cryin'' served as a pivotal moment in their career, solidifying their status as rock icons during the grunge era. This release came at a time when they were embracing both commercial success and artistic maturity.
Stylistic neighbors: Led Zeppelin· Van Halen· Guns N' Roses