05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Wall Street Journal
Aerosmith's ‘Toys in the Attic' Turns 50
From the start, Aerosmith was hellbent on becoming the American equivalent of the Rolling Stones or Led Zeppelin. Two years after forming, Aerosmith signed with Columbia Records in 1972 and released its first, eponymous LP in 1973. 'Aerosmith' reached No. 21 on Billboard's album chart, but the group's second release, 'Get Your Wings,' peaked at only No. 74 a year later. To build a wider audience fast, the band's manager had it open on tour for softer acts like the Guess Who and Mott the Hoople to win away their fans.
By 1975, Aerosmith was polished and more widely known. Shortly after its third studio album—'Toys in the Attic'—was released 50 years ago this month, the LP jumped to No. 11, and by August had sold a half-million copies. The record had a stronger sonic punch and was more cohesive and dimensional than the previous two. It also included two hit singles, 'Sweet Emotion' and 'Walk This Way.'
