When a legend like Steven Tyler, known for his soaring vocals and electrifying stage presence with Aerosmith, ventures outside of hard rock, it’s bound to raise eyebrows. Fans crave that signature sound, that familiar energy. But sometimes, the risk pays off, leading to a successful genre-bending exploration.
Think Mick Jagger’s foray into blues or David Bowie’s constant reinvention. Other times…well, let’s just say the transition isn’t quite as smooth. In 2016, Tyler took a chance with his first-ever solo album, a full-fledged country record. One might expect a twangy twist on classic Aerosmith hits or heartfelt ballads with a steel guitar sheen.
But what happens when the execution falls short? We’ll be taking a look at a handful of tracks from this album that, while perhaps well-intentioned, didn’t quite capture the magic some listeners were hoping for.
“It Ain’t Easy”
Released as part of We’re All Somebody From Somewhere, “It Ain’t Easy” fell short for some listeners. While the album explored a blend of genres, this particular track seemed to miss the mark.
Fans accustomed to Tyler’s dynamic vocals and electrifying stage presence felt “It Ain’t Easy” lacked that signature spark. The song’s structure and melody were perceived as generic compared to Tyler’s usual range, leaving some listeners wanting a more inspired effort.
“Hold On (Won’t Let Go)”
Another track from Tyler’s country experiment, “Hold On (Won’t Let Go)” aimed for a heartfelt ballad but missed the mark for some. Critics pointed towards the song’s overly polished production as a major drawback.
The smooth, studio-heavy sound felt sterile compared to the raw energy and emotional depth that typically defines a Steven Tyler performance. This disconnect between the production and Tyler’s usual style left some listeners feeling the song lacked authenticity.
“Red, White & You”
“Red, White & You” aimed for a patriotic anthem but landed with a thud for some critics. While the song celebrated American pride, some found the lyrics and theme to be clichéd and lacking depth.
The focus on generic imagery and predictable rhymes didn’t resonate with those seeking a more nuanced exploration of patriotism. Despite its single status, “Red, White & You” failed to capture the attention of listeners hoping for a more thoughtful take on national pride.
“I Make My Own Sunshine”
“I Make My Own Sunshine” offered a change of pace with its upbeat tempo and pop sensibilities. However, this shift in tone wasn’t universally appreciated. Some listeners felt the song’s pop-oriented style strayed too far from the authentic country sound Tyler was supposedly aiming for.
The bright, optimistic melody and catchy chorus, while undeniably catchy, didn’t mesh well with the album’s overall country aesthetic for some fans. “I Make My Own Sunshine” ended up feeling more suited for a radio pop playlist than a genuine country exploration.
“Sweet Louisiana”
Rounding out the list of less-successful tracks from Steven Tyler’s 2016 attempt at a country album, We’re All Somebody From Somewhere, is “Sweet Louisiana”. While some listeners enjoyed the song’s laid-back vibe and subtle country influences, others found it forgettable.
The track lacked the strong hooks or memorable melodies that typically make a song stand out on an album. Compared to other offerings on the album, “Sweet Louisiana” simply didn’t leave a lasting impression. It faded into the background, failing to capture the attention or emotional resonance that some listeners were hoping for.