"Hangman Jury" & "St. John"

Based on an old song once recorded by Lead Belly, "Hangman Jury" adds that extra twist that this album needs: semi-authentic 3rd generation blues melded with 80s pop sheen in an arrangement that's oddly pleasing. It's not that far off from their takes on "Train Kept A-Rollin" or "Milkcow Blues," and is at least a lot more conventionally enjoyable than their stab at "Cry Me a River" on their 1982 album (which again, I enjoy way more than is defensible.) Likewise, "St. John," with its impressionistic lyrics and tough, ominous riff sounds only a few degrees removed from a 1976 Rocks album cut. With its sparse atmosphere, it's a weirdly effective moment of restraint on an album that's mostly noted for its use of synthesizers and horns.

I think in a lot of places on this album, Aerosmith does a great job measuring between staying "true" to themselves and getting with the times. On their next efforts, it wouldn't be so necessary to be cautious, because they were the times.