#366 Aerosmith, 'Rocks' (1976)

Thanks to their later schmaltzy hits, I always forget how hard rocking Aerosmith actually were. Steve Tyler & Joe Perry are reminiscent of partnerships like Mick & Keef, Jon Bon Jovi & Richie Sambora, Axl & Slash etc. This album has been cited by Kurt Cobain, James Hetfield and Slash as major influences on their lives and it’s easy to see why. It became a bit of a blueprint for hard rock bands who sought commercial success. It’s got major riffs and huge vocals, not discounting the contribution of the rest of the band.