Aerosmith’s ‘One More Time’: A Disappointing Farewell

If any classic rock band deserves a victory lap, it’s Aerosmith. However, their collaborative EP with British rock sensation Yungblud, titled One More Time, falls short of delivering the triumphant career endnote they likely envisioned.

Aerosmith’s Recent Struggles

It’s hard to blame Aerosmith for wanting to bow out with a bang after the tumultuous years they’ve faced. The legendary Boston rockers were forced to cancel their much-anticipated Peace Out farewell tour after just three shows due to a vocal injury sustained by frontman Steven Tyler. This setback was particularly disheartening, as Tyler demonstrated during the July 2025 Back to the Beginning concert that he still had plenty of fire left in him.

A Highlight in a Dark Time

Tyler’s performance at the concert was among the day’s highlights, alongside Yungblud’s Grammy-nominated cover of Black Sabbath’s “Changes.” On paper, the collaboration with the leather-trousered rock princeling seemed like the perfect match for Aerosmith, especially since they hadn’t released new music since 2012’s Music From Another Dimension!

The Deteriorating Sound of ‘One More Time’

A Departure from Classic Sound

Unfortunately, One More Time continues Aerosmith’s troubling trend of chasing commercial success while relying heavily on outside songwriters. This approach has led them to abandon the powerful riffs and cheeky humor that once propelled them to stardom. The EP poses an unasked question: “What if Just Push Play was actually too heavy?”

Initial Promise, Dwindling Returns

To give credit where it’s due, the lead single “My Only Angel” starts the EP on a promising note. Tyler and Yungblud’s vocal interplay shines in the catchy chorus, which leans more toward ’90s U2 than classic Aerosmith. However, the following three tracks offer diminishing returns. “Problems” feels like a generic rocker that borrows the main riff from Boston’s “More Than a Feeling,” while “Wild Woman” and “A Thousand Days” are bland, country-tinged ballads laden with syrupy strings. Although Joe Perry reportedly contributes guitar to all the tracks, his signature riffs and fiery solos are conspicuously absent.

Overproduction and Identity Crisis

The EP’s most significant misstep is its excessive overproduction and heavy-handed pitch correction, which strips Tyler’s voice of its raw edge, making him sound like an AI-generated imitation of himself. When Yungblud takes the lead, his vocals come off as a mediocre impression of Tyler, adding to the odd arrangement that fuels accusations of Yungblud riding the coattails of rock legends.

A Disastrous Finale

All these shortcomings might be forgivable if not for the EP’s final track: a remix of Aerosmith’s classic “Back in the Saddle.” This version is akin to exhuming a beloved ancestor and dismembering their legacy. It’s astonishing how Aerosmith and Yungblud managed to tarnish one of hard rock’s greatest anthems, chopping its iconic intro, adding unnecessary call-and-response vocals, and having Matt Sorum create a new drum track devoid of the original’s swagger. This track serves as the final nail in the coffin for One More Time, proving that sometimes, it’s best to leave the classics alone.

Conclusion

Aerosmith’s One More Time is a disappointing chapter in a storied career, marked by missed opportunities and a departure from the elements that once made them great. The collaboration with Yungblud could have sparked a resurgence, but instead, it serves as a reminder that even legendary bands can falter when chasing modern trends. As Aerosmith navigates their final act, fans are left hoping for a more fitting farewell than this misstep.

FAQs

What is the release date of ‘One More Time’?

‘One More Time’ was released on [insert release date].

Who collaborated with Aerosmith on this EP?

The EP features a collaboration with British rock artist Yungblud.

What are some notable tracks on the EP?

Notable tracks include the lead single “My Only Angel” and a remix of “Back in the Saddle.”

Why did Aerosmith cancel their farewell tour?

Aerosmith canceled their Peace Out farewell tour due to a vocal injury sustained by Steven Tyler.

Is ‘One More Time’ a departure from Aerosmith’s classic sound?

Yes, the EP has been criticized for straying from Aerosmith’s signature riffs and humor, opting for a more pop-oriented sound.