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Album: Aerosmith: Honkin’ On Bobo
Street Date: March 30, 2004
Length: 43:57
Rating: 
Reviewed by: Brian W.
For years now, Aerosmith has basically been a sweet Rock & Roll band. However in some of their earlier albums, particularly their debut in 1973, there was a touch of the blues. They lost that touch throughout the late 70’s and then into the 80s and 90s where they were primarily known for their Rock (and a little Pop-esque) albums. With Honkin’ on Bobo, though, the band goes back to their roots, and pay homage to some of the greatest blues and soul artists that have ever lived. Covered on the album are greats such as Mississippi Fred McDowell, Big Joe Williams, Fleetwood Mac, and even Aretha Franklin.
1. Road Runner - The disc couldn’t have started off any better than with this version of Ellas McDaniel’s (a.k.a Bo Didley) song. Tyler kicks it into high gear right from the beginning, and doesn’t let up throughout the entire song. Definite blues conjoined with undeniable Aerosmith creating a kick-ass vibe that’ll get you excited to hear the rest of album.
2. Shame, Shame, Shame - From the moment this song starts, you’ll find your foot taping along with it. There is almost like a Swing-type feel to it; make’s ya wanna dance. The only real shame about the song is that it runs only two minutes and fourteen seconds.
3. Eyesight to the Blind - This song has more of a blues feel than the first two. I love the piano and harmonica sounds, so much that I’d love to hear the song done only with a piano and a harmonica. Vocally, Tyler is perfect, but he also plays the harp on this song.
4. Baby, Please Don’t Go - This song was the first single off of the album. After slowing it up for the previous song, Aerosmith jumps right back into rock side of the blues. The band’s remake of Big Joe Williams’ classic song is unbelievable. It’s got the perfect amount of Aerosmith-ish sounds, but not taking away any of its blues-ness. Excellent rendition.
5. Never Loved A Girl - Tyler and the boys slow it up again with this version of Aretha Franklin’s “Never Loved a Man.” Lyrically and musically, this is a classic blues song. It’s what the blues are all about. It’s the perfect song for any guy who’s ever loved a girl who broke his heart.
6. Back Back Train - This is definitely one of the best, if not the best, songs on the album. Joe Perry steps behind the mic and takes over lead vocals, while Tracey Bonham sings back up to a song originally done by Mississippi Fred McDowell. I love the intro as Perry plucks on his Dobro for the first 40 seconds or so. Then his deep voice hits the mic, and it’s just amazing. Mixing in Bonham’s sweet voice is great too.
7. You Gotta Move - This is another McDowell original. This is the perfect song for the middle of the album. The last few were more low key, somber blues, but with this one, Aerosmith jumps back into high gear. You Gotta Move has more great harmonica action as well.
8. The Grind - This is the only song written by Tyler & Co. on this album. It’s very bluesy, but also kind of reminds me of Crazy and Amazing, two of my least favorite Aerosmith songs. It just has a similar vibe. Possibly my personal least favorite on the album, however it’s on the right album. I can’t see this on any other previous Aerosmith CD.
9. I'm Ready - I couldn't tell at first whether I liked this song or not. Tyler’s voice is different in this song. It’s not his same old loud and screechy (screechy in a cool way) singing ways. After sampling some older blues, I realized that this is how many singers sang the blues. Tyler showed a lot of passion vocally. Joey Kramer on drums was amazing as always. Excellent song.
10. Temperature - The song sounds like it was recorded in a bar, and it works perfectly. This is probably the blusiest song on the album. It's not the best song lyrically, but it sounds great instrumentally.
11. Stop Messin' Around - After a few more low key blue songs, Joe Perry again shows us is excellent vocal talent by taking the lead in this rockin’ rendition of Fleetwood Macs song. This is just an awesome song and it’s extremely well done by Aerosmith. Perry’s guitar and Tyler’s harmonica are sound nothing but stellar throughout the entire song.
12. Jesus Is On The Main Line - This gospel blues song ends the album. I’m kind of liking gospel music. Sure, I don’t have any albums, but there’s just something about it. The song features Bonham again, as well as Tom Hamilton, Joey Kramer and Tyler's daughter Chelsea all singing in the chorus. Jesus Is on the Main Line was a great way to close out the CD. Excellent, but repetitive, lyrics, with more cool-ass harmonica in the background.
Honestly, I’ve never been a fan of the blues. However, I became a huge fan of Aerosmith in the ‘90s and they’ve been my favorite band since, and even then I didn’t know about some of their older stuff. Hell, their first Greatest Hits album came out three months after I was born. I didn’t grow up on classic Aerosmith, so I’m glad that they went back to their roots. The album makes me want to learn how to play guitar…and the harmonica. If you’re a fan of Aerosmith, buy this album. If you love the blues (or if you’ve get ‘em) buy this album. If you don’t know who Aerosmith is, buy this album and all their others.
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