Rocks Songs Ranked
Rocks is the fourth studio album by American rock band Aerosmith, released in May 1976. AllMusic described Rocks as having “captured Aerosmith at their most raw and rocking.” Rocks was ranked number 366 on the updated Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time in 2020.[5] It has greatly influenced much hard rock and heavy metal artists, including Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, and Nirvana. The album was a commercial success, charting three singles on the Billboard Hot 100, two of which reached the Top 40 (“Back in the Saddle” and “Last Child”). The album was one of the first to ship platinum when it was released and has since gone quadruple platinum. Here are all of Rocks’ songs ranked.
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9. Home Tonight
“Aerosmith’s fourth studio effort is a lean ‘n’ mean solid collection of nine prime time cuts. Clad in black with five sharp cut diamonds gracing the cover, _Rocks_ is loaded down with eight jacked-up raging tracks, which blow out the walls, before the lone ballad from Steven Tyler, “Home Tonight”, closes out this epic disc. The no-frills production work from Jack Douglas is outstanding throughout the recording. Douglas deserves major props for his deft work with the Boston bad boys.”
8. Rats In the Cellar
““Rats In The Cellar” is the most up beat song on Rocks, featuring some great harmonica playing by Steven Tyler as well as a great chorus. Some of the riffing during and following the solo section reminds me of what would go on to be known as speed/thrash metal, kind of like how Metallica would close songs in the Kill em All era.”
7. Lick and a Promise
“Lick And A Promise” rides a big hook, and when scarves Tyler sings “… and the crowd keeps screamin’ for more”, the dubbed audience roar of approval takes over. Aerosmith earned their stripes with heavy stateside touring since day one. “Lick and a Promise” captures the vibe of Aerosmith’s unrelenting spirit.”
See more: Aerosmith Albums Ranked
6. Combination
“Combination” is an overlooked song on the album. Written by Joe Perry, “Combination” features great dueling vocals by Perry and Tyler, as well as a nice dirty (if that makes sense) rhythm guitar sound.”
5. Sick As a Dog
“Sick as a Dog” may be my favorite song on Rocks. This song features bassist Tom Hamilton switching to guitar and Perry playing the bass (though he plays the guitar solo at the outro). The vocal delivery and the melody are very sing-along-able. It’s a rock song that is somewhat lighter in nature compared to many of the other songs.”
4. Get the Lead Out
“Get The Lead Out” is probably the song on Rocks that most resembles what the band would produce in the late 80s and early 90s, particularly during the verse. The bluesy guitar and vocal tradeoffs work to great effect. “Lick and a Promise” has something more of an old-school rock n roll vibe to it, though slightly heavier.”
3. Last Child
“Penned by the tag-team of under-rated guitarist Brad Whitford and screamin’ Steven Tyler, the pasty white boys from Beantown got down ‘n’ funky for three-plus-minutes on “Last Child”. Pulled as the lead single from the bad ass Rocks LP, the infectious “Last Child” rides a simple get-down groove, while Tyler accented the stand-up-sit-down track with way-out, rhyming lyrics, that drops references to J Paul Getty and his ear, hot-tail poontang, a mule in the stable, a punk in the street and South Tallahasee. Wild words strung together by the rag-tag singer in an obvious haze of rock ‘n’ roll excess.”
See more: Aerosmith Songs Ranked
2. Nobody’s Fault
“Nobody’s Fault” is a heavier, mid paced tune. I’m a fan of Joey Kramer’s drumming on this track, which stands out the most to me.”
1. Back in the Saddle
“Back in the Saddle”, is the type of song that made Aerosmith legendary during their turbulent flight through the endless-touring and partying dazed ‘n’ confused decade. Balls-to-the-wall hard rack before the group sobered-up and then went the lame kiddie pop route.”
