Ranking Aerosmith Albums: Worst to Best

With a career spanning nearly half a century, featuring numerous victories, defeats, and remarkable comebacks, Aerosmith has undoubtedly earned its place as perhaps America’s greatest hard rock band.

Formed in Boston in the early 1970s by the charismatic frontman Steven Tyler, guitarists Joe Perry and Brad Whitford, bassist Tom Hamilton, and drummer Joey Kramer, Aerosmith initially faced criticism, with detractors dismissing them as Rolling Stones or New York Dolls clones.

However, the quintet swiftly silenced critics with a string of classic albums, transforming them into arena-headlining superstars in the ‘70s. Their influence extended into the ‘80s, impacting an entire generation of hair metal bands, most notably Guns N’ Roses.

By then, Aerosmith had nearly self-destructed due to rampant drug abuse and a brief separation of their original lineup. Despite this, they managed to bounce back, competing strongly with their glam metal peers, few of whom achieved the level of success that Tyler, Perry, and company enjoyed throughout the 1990s.

Aerosmith’s recording and touring schedule gradually slowed down in the new millennium. In August 2024, the band announced their retirement from touring.

With a legacy of 15 albums, Aerosmith’s discography is a testament to their enduring influence and success in the music world. Below is a ranking of all 15 Aerosmith studio albums from worst to best, for those eager to see which record clinches the top spot.