In 1987, Aerosmith released one of their biggest ballads. Now, Steven Tyler wishes he didn’t make it at all
Aerosmith’s 1987 ballad ‘Angel’ helped revive the band’s career after a difficult period, following their collaboration with Run-DMC on ‘Walk This Way’. The song showed how a softer, more dramatic sound could bring them back to a wider audience and later became part of their successful run of ballads.
Steven Tyler has said he sometimes regretted releasing songs such as ‘Angel’ and ‘Magic Touch’, calling them “lame” while also admitting he loves sentimental songs. The article contrasts that self-doubt with the songs’ success, noting that even rock fans embraced ‘Angel’ and that Aerosmith continued making ballads through the 1990s. It also links the band’s early, more intricate ballads, including ‘Dream On’, to Tyler’s familiarity with classical composers.
In short
- ‘Angel’ helped Aerosmith regain momentum in 1987.
- Steven Tyler has mixed feelings about the band’s softer songs.
- The ballads helped broaden Aerosmith’s appeal.
Explained simply
Aerosmith are an American rock band whose career began in the 1970s. After their popularity waned, their 1986 collaboration with hip-hop group Run-DMC on “Walk This Way” introduced them to a wider audience and helped revive interest in the band.
The group then released several power ballads: rock songs built around slower tempos and emotional, often romantic lyrics. Steven Tyler, Aerosmith’s lead singer and songwriter, has sometimes described some of these songs as “lame”, despite their popularity with listeners and his own fondness for sentimental music.
Aerosmith’s ballads became an important part of their success, including through the 1990s. Tyler’s writing also drew on his familiarity with classical composers, which helps explain the more elaborate arrangements in some of the band’s earlier songs.