Gems cover

Gems

Aerosmith · 1988

53 min · 12 tracks · hard rock

A compilation of raw bluesy riffs and hard-hitting rock anthems that encapsulates Aerosmith's gritty energy.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Rats in the Cellar Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Mama Kin — This track exemplifies Aerosmith's hard rock roots with its infectious groove and powerful vocals, becoming a staple in their live performances.
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    Train Kept a Rollin’ — A cover that showcases the band's ability to breathe new life into classic rock, blending raw energy with intricate musicianship.
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    Critical Mass — The song features intense lyrics and dynamic instrumentation, highlighting Aerosmith's knack for merging storytelling with powerful melodies.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady rhythm for road trips
  • gritty anthems for sing-alongs
  • raw energy for workout sessions
  • bluesy grooves for evening gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer soft, mellow tunes
  • seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Compiles key hits that solidified Aerosmith's reputation during a transitional period.
Themes
bluesy grit· hard rock anthems
Moods
Energetic· Chill
Career context
Released in November 1988, 'Gems' is a compilation album that arrived during a transitional period for Aerosmith. Following their commercial resurgence with the 1987 album 'Permanent Vacation', this collection highlights tracks from their earlier albums, showcasing the band's evolution as they prepared for new material in the coming years.
Stylistic neighbors
Led Zeppelin· Van Halen· Guns N' Roses
New to Aerosmith? Find your way in →

Tracklist

  • 1 Rats in the Cellar Start here 4:07
  • 2 Lick and a Promise 3:05
  • 3 Chip Away the Stone 4:01
  • 4 No Surprize 4:27
  • 5 Mama Kin 4:28
  • 6 Adam’s Apple 4:34
  • 7 Nobody’s Fault 4:21
  • 8 Round and Round 5:06
  • 9 Critical Mass 4:52
  • 10 Lord of the Thighs 4:16
  • 11 Jailbait 4:40
  • 12 Train Kept a Rollin’ 5:41

What to play next

Pump
Listen next

Pump

1989

Continues the raw energy with polished production and anthemic rock tracks.
Permanent Vacation
Go back to

Permanent Vacation

1987

Sets up the sound and themes that lead into the grit of Gems.
Full Aerosmith discography Where to start with Aerosmith Artists like Aerosmith
hard rock heavy metal

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Physical Graffiti

Physical Graffiti

Led Zeppelin

Shares raw bluesy riffs and hard-hitting anthems, encapsulating a gritty rock energy.

Appetite for Destruction

Appetite for Destruction

Guns N' Roses

Combines bluesy grit with powerful rock anthems, echoing the same rebellious spirit.

1984

1984

Van Halen

Features hard rock anthems and a vibrant production style that reflects a similar energy.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata