Emerging as the 1960s counterculture started shifting gears, Aerosmith faced their fair share of skepticism.
Critics were quick to dismiss ‘The Bad Boys From Boston’, comparing Steven Tyler and Joe Perry to Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones.
But while parallels existed, Aerosmith was all set to amplify their distinctive boogie, proving they weren’t just a shadow of another band.
“Toys in the Attic”, a powerhouse of an album, showcased Aerosmith’s evolution. It refined their signature sound with iconic tracks like ‘Sweet Emotion’ and ‘Walk This Way’.
While they painted the town with this album, it was in “Rocks” that they ventured beyond the norm.
“Rocks” was darker, edgier. This fourth installment had Aerosmith experimenting with unique sound effects. Apart from the iconic riff of ‘Back in the Saddle’, Tyler’s creativity saw no bounds; he wore tambourines on his shoes to mimic the sound of boots on gravel.
Yet, amidst all the hard-rocking numbers, ‘Nobody’s Fault’ stood out. Echoing vibes more in line with heavy metal, this Tyler-Whitford collaboration portrayed a life disrupted by earthquakes.
Tyler’s vision for this track was strikingly vivid. As he detailed in his book, Does The Noise in My Head Bother You?, he recollected, “For ‘Nobody’s Fault’, I had this notion.
“I directed Joe to tweak his amp to 12, mute his guitar, and as Whitford and Perry synergized, gradually bringing the volume up, there came this formidable E chord, reminiscent of an impending storm. I remember seeing our producer, Jack Douglas, overcome with sheer ecstasy.”
In true Aerosmith fashion, imperfections were embraced. Tyler fondly recalled an oversight at the song’s onset.
As they readied for the powerful intro, a studio door inadvertently opened, producing a noticeable sound. But rather than edit it out, they celebrated the ‘mistake’, feeling it added an element of raw authenticity.
‘Nobody’s Fault’ may not have been a chart-topper, but it resonated profoundly with hardcore fans. Slash of Guns N’ Roses held it close to his heart, and Testament paid homage with a cover in their 1988 album, The New Order.
But as the pages turned in Aerosmith’s saga, ‘Nobody’s Fault’ would symbolize more than just a song. It mirrored a transitional phase.
By the time “Draw the Line” came about, the band’s excesses began to overshadow their brilliance. This downward spiral culminated with Perry’s dramatic exit post an altercation with Tyler.
Despite the tumult, Aerosmith’s ‘Nobody’s Fault’ solidified its place as an underrated gem from their golden era. While the band might have navigated through rocky terrains, this track remains a testament to their unparalleled artistry.
