AEROSMITH

Having weathered interpersonal issues, health problems and frontman Steven Tyler’s American Idol stint, Aerosmith return with their first album of all-original material since 2001. Working with Jack Douglas, who produced Get Your Wings, Toys in the Attic and other records from their prime, the band delivers a slick album, trying hard to meet high expectations. On the Diane Warren-penned “We All Fall Down,” they attempt to recapture the success of the late-’90s smash “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” but wind up falling short. They fare better on “What Could Have Been Love”—reminiscent of another ’90s hit, “Crazy”—and “Can’t Stop Loving You,” a duet with country star Carrie Underwood. While there are a fair number of ballads, Aerosmith can still rock. “Legendary Child” is a foot-stomper anchored by Tyler’s rapid-fire vocals, while “Street Jesus” descends into a wild free-for-all. Several tunes could have been trimmed down, but this remains a welcome, if not triumphant, return. –Juli Thanki