Rocks

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White boys rarely get this funky, so respect these horny greasers, whose sole purpose is to rivatalise your ass cheeks with the meanest boogie oogie woogie this side of the Stones. Just 35 minutes, but they're so tight--and every lick, riff, break and bridge so lean--that these songs feel like they last forever.

I'm listening to this hung over as a motherfucker, and all I can think of is that this is, in music archaeology terms, the missing link between heavy metal and hair metal. Last child has quite a funky bassline. Other than that - I got bored of it very quickly.

Aerosmith could have used a ghost song writer. The band is on fire and Steven Tyler is one of the greatest rock singers, but you expect the lyrics to be a professional firework show, but they are cap gun, at best. Also, whose idea was it to record Joe Perry's solos through two tin cans and a string? This would be best listed to while using a belt grinder, or mowing the lawn. Maybe over $5 computer speakers. Better equipment left me wanting.

Always have a soft spot for Aerosmith. Easy to forget the amazing guitar work that's overshadowed by the charismatic vocals, but this is a solid classic rock album that hits all the right buttons for me. Might be my favorite of there's, too.

3.75/5. This album rocks. It's some solid rock, I liked it.

Top to bottom a fantastic record. For me, it's just behind Toys in the Attic.

Similar feelings to my thoughts about the Aerosmith album that I had to listen to the other day. Mostly meh guitar rock with a few standouts.

Listen, I’m already a big fan. Seen them 13 times and it would have been 15 if they hadn’t cancelled their last tour. But putting that aside, this is a slab of 70s rock goodness that is fueled by drunkenness, drugs and debauchery. It’s dark and raw and I’ve always felt like it had a polished messiness to it. Amazing riffs supporting sleazy and sexy lyrics. It’s the type of stuff that inspires air guitar playing and teens to pick up an actual instrument and start a band, which this album certainly did. It’s a perfect example of that mid 70s hard rock sound that led to Van Halen and built off of Led Zep, and the Stones.

After releasing their most eccentric record (Toys In The Attic), the follow-up, Rocks, is as much an album title as it is a mission statement. And while Toys is my favorite Aerosmith album, this is easily second. Where the former was experimental, in its way, this flat-out slams on every track. And while you can hear — particularly in Tyler's vocals — the early effects of the band's legendary drug use, his was always a singular voice, his creativity is in full bloom, and he hits notes that astound ("riding high!" at the end of the opener is ridiculous). And the gritty, seems like it might fall apart at any second musical combo of Perry, Whitford, Hamilton, and Kramer sounds like a runaway train. And more than once, it feels like a tune has run its course when the band slips into another riff and hits a higher gear. I also love the use of harmonies and additional vocals on many of these tracks — "Combination" is up there among my favorite Aerosmith tunes. This is the fourth album by the band, and is the high-water mark in terms of their rock and swagger. I really enjoyed this listen. Toys In The Attic and Rocks are back-to-back albums that earned this band a seat among the all-time greats.

They’re BACK in the saddle againnnnn

Never been much of a fan of Aerosmith but this is great

Robert Demery aimant jouer le hipster et fin connaisseur de la musique, ce petit malin s'est contenté de selectionner trois albums d'Aerosmith dans sa liste, dont deux qu'absolument personne ne connait. Néammoins, les chats ne faisant pas des chiens, l'album est evidemment excellent. Le vrai problème vient d'une information qui m'a été succurée a l'oreille par mon camarade l'humble robbouder: cet album n'aura reçu qu'une note de 3.15 de la part des fans, qui ont préféré sauver Quentin Mosimann en appelant au 3640. Une preuve de plus que vous qui me lisez ne connaissez rien à la musique, retournez sacraliser l'orgue inaudible de Manzarev et autres albums moyens qui vous donnent l'impression d'avoir une culture musicale.

Is Aerosmith an “all their songs sound the same” band? I wish they actually would “Get the Lead Out”, as it were. This shouldn’t be this boring.

Probably the best Aerosmith album I've listened to and it's still mid.

Aerosmith invented Screamo, change my mind. Lots of big yelling, lots of testosterone, and lots of rock. I was taken to an Aerosmith concert when I was younger fully expecting to hate it because it was a dad band, but just like this album I was pleasantly surprised. It isn't necessarily my jam but I can see how in the 70s that this was some serious hard rock. Very entertaining but not really inspiring.

this shit... ...is so ass

My favorite Aerosmith album. Every track drips rock n roll swagger. 1001 album worthy: Yes - 62/115

One of my favourite bands growing up. Still love them!

Ah, my final Aerosmith album to review. I used to listen to a fair amount of Aerosmith when I was in high school and college, but I’ve really soured on them since then (it doesn’t help that Steven Tyler is a creep). However, I really enjoyed Pump and Toys in The Attic. I actually own a copy of Rocks on vinyl, but I’ve never listened to it. Back when I listened to more classic rock, I really wanted Toys in The Attic on vinyl, but I could never find it, and Rocks was begrudgingly the consolation prize for my collection. I know the first two songs on here, but I believe the rest of the album will be new for me. Let’s fire this up! Man, I was not expecting to love this as much as I did, but I thought Rocks was fantastic. This is just a solidly fun 70’s rock album from start to finish. The star of the show here is the guitar playing. The guitar riffs are bluesy and raw, but each song is incredibly unique, and nothing on the album feels stale or repetitive. The drums and bass might not feel like anything special, but I think they do a great job of staying in their lane so that the guitar playing can shine. As far as the individual songs go, I think “Back In the Saddle” is the best of the bunch. I love how this song feels like a country rock song in terms of lyrics and vocals, but the sound is purely a blues driven hard rock sound. I don’t think I’d ever heard the full album version of this song before, because I’d never heard those added ‘cowboy sounds’ at the end. “Back In the Saddle” is what Bon Jovi wishes “Dead or Alive” had been, and I have a new appreciation for it as one of Aerosmith’s best songs. “Last Child” is great too; I love how the guitar riff changes between the verse and the chorus. “Last Child” keeps that same country rock feeling as “Back In the Saddle,” but with a bit more of a blues based sound. The segue between “Sick As A Dog” and “Nobody’s Fault” is fantastic. I know that’s a small detail, but man, I love a good segue. I love the unique hard rock sound of “Nobody’s Fault.” It feels like a cousin to Led Zeppelin, but its raw sound makes it feel like it’s not even on the same family tree. “Lick And A Promise” is great too, and I really love the vocals and guitar riff on the chorus. I hate that I never listened to this album before today, because it’s great. This is some solidly unique guitar rock, and a really fun album. I wondered why the hell this was on the list, but now I get it.

## In-Depth Review of *Rocks* by Aerosmith Released on May 3, 1976, *Rocks* is Aerosmith's fourth studio album and a defining moment in their career. Often cited as one of the greatest hard rock albums of all time, it captures Aerosmith at their rawest and most energetic. Below is a detailed analysis of its lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, along with its pros and cons. --- ### **Lyrics** The lyrics on *Rocks* reflect Aerosmith's gritty, rebellious ethos. Steven Tyler's songwriting often combines street-smart bravado with introspective moments: - **"Back in the Saddle"**: A swaggering anthem about resilience and confidence, laced with sexual innuendo. - **"Last Child"**: A semi-autobiographical tale of Tyler's youth, blending nostalgia with a punk-like sneer. - **"Nobody’s Fault"**: A darker track addressing fears of natural disasters (inspired by earthquakes), showcasing Tyler's ability to channel paranoia into compelling imagery. - **"Combination"**: Joe Perry’s contribution to the album features raw, confessional lyrics about drug use and personal struggles. While the lyrics are not deeply philosophical or poetic, they perfectly suit the album’s hard-edged rock style. They are visceral, direct, and infused with the rebellious spirit of the 1970s. --- ### **Music** Musically, *Rocks* is a tour de force of hard rock energy combined with bluesy undertones: - **Guitar Work**: Joe Perry and Brad Whitford deliver blistering riffs and solos throughout. Tracks like "Rats in the Cellar" feature frenetic guitar work reminiscent of Led Zeppelin but with a grittier edge. - **Rhythm Section**: Tom Hamilton’s basslines on "Last Child" add a funky groove, while Joey Kramer’s drumming on "Back in the Saddle" is thunderous and precise. - **Vocals**: Steven Tyler’s dynamic range is on full display. His raspy screams and melodic crooning add layers of intensity to each track. The album blends heavy metal aggression with blues-rock grooves, creating an electrifying sound that influenced countless bands in the decades to come. --- ### **Production** Jack Douglas' production emphasizes a raw, live feel. The album avoids over-polished studio techniques in favor of a gritty sound that mirrors the band’s chaotic lifestyle at the time. Key production highlights include: - The layered guitars on tracks like "Back in the Saddle," which create a wall of sound. - The crisp yet powerful drum mix that drives songs like "Nobody’s Fault." - A subtle use of studio effects to enhance Tyler's vocals without overshadowing their natural energy. The production captures Aerosmith at their peak while maintaining an unrefined edge that suits their identity as America’s ultimate garage band. --- ### **Themes** Thematically, *Rocks* explores rebellion, hedonism, and survival: 1. **Rebellion**: Songs like "Lick and a Promise" celebrate Aerosmith's commitment to delivering electrifying live performances despite their chaotic lives. 2. **Hedonism**: Tracks such as "Combination" and "Rats in the Cellar" reflect the band’s indulgence in drugs and excess. 3. **Resilience**: The opening track, "Back in the Saddle," sets the tone for an album that exudes confidence and determination. These themes resonate strongly with the disaffected youth of the 1970s while also foreshadowing the darker consequences of rock-and-roll excess. --- ### **Influence** *Rocks* has had an enduring impact on hard rock and heavy metal: - Bands like Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, and Nirvana have cited it as a major influence[1][3]. - It helped define a new style of suburban heavy metal that diverged from blues-based rock pioneers like Led Zeppelin[3]. - The album's raw energy inspired numerous glam metal bands in the 1980s. Its legacy is cemented by its inclusion on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time[1]. --- ### **Pros** 1. **Raw Energy**: The album captures Aerosmith at their most visceral and unfiltered. 2. **Iconic Tracks**: Songs like "Back in the Saddle" and "Last Child" remain staples in rock playlists. 3. **Musical Excellence**: Stellar performances by all band members make this one of their most cohesive works. 4. **Influence**: Its impact on subsequent generations of musicians cannot be overstated. --- ### **Cons** 1. **Lack of Originality**: Some critics argue that parts of *Rocks* feel like rehashes of earlier material from *Toys in the Attic*[1][4]. 2. **Inconsistent Quality**: While there are no outright bad tracks, songs like "Get the Lead Out" and "Lick and a Promise" are less memorable compared to standout hits[4]. 3. **Lyrics**: While effective for hard rock, they lack depth or sophistication compared to some contemporaries. --- ### **Conclusion** *Rocks* is a landmark album that showcases Aerosmith at their creative peak. Its combination of raw power, excellent musicianship, and timeless themes makes it one of the definitive hard rock albums of all time. Despite minor criticisms about originality and lyrical depth, its influence on rock music is undeniable. From its unforgettable riffs to its rebellious spirit, *Rocks* remains an essential listen for any fan of classic rock or heavy metal.

Aerosmith in their prime. No mistakes here. 5 stars.

I read on Wiki that this album inspired Slash to learn to play guitar and was one of Kurt Cobain's favourites. It really sounds ahead of its time and must have been a big factor in influencing a lot of 80s and 90s hard rock as hair metal and grunge became big trends in guitar music I loved it, at times I just zoned into listening to one of the elements at a time and they all sound so tight and deliberate. The guitar licks are great and there are some great basslines. Steven Tyler's vocals are classic and less tangible things like the attitude and intensity are on point as well - there's not a wasted second in this album

Favorites: Last Child, Nobodys Fault, Home Tonight I actually really liked this, I never got into Aerosmith before Rock and Funky

Some of my personal favorites in this collection! Great songwriting and performances, timeless riffs and melodies. Certainly not over produced but still very clean recordings.

So I have listened to this album before and damn do I love it. Some songs here I NEVER get tired of and could listen to them on repeat all day. Steven Tyler is one of my favorite singers in all of rock and Joe Perry is a great guitarist. This is prob more like a 4.5 star album Favorite Songs: I love this whole album but "Sick As A Dog" , "Lick And A Promise" , "Rats In The Cellar" , and "Back In The Saddle" are highlights

Such a cool album. I love his amazing and unique voice and music simply makes you happy, lifts you up and makes you head bang. I love it

Great American hard rock album. I think I had heard maybe 4 songs off this before, Back in the Saddle of course being the most popular. Last Child is also a good one, very distinctive. Some cool bass lines throughout too. The whole album kicks ass and is a refreshing change from much mediocrity on this list, which honestly might bump it from a high 4 to a 5. Will listen again.

The sound of drug fueled rock 'n roll. The Rolling Stones had to work their way up to acting this debaucherously, it just came natural to Aerosmith. The first two songs on this album set the tone for the rest of it by really coming out swinging for the fences. I love '70s rock and they really got it right on this album.

Grew up with Aerosmith and reckon this is one of their best albums. Band rocks hard here!

Not a huge Aerosmith fan per se. But this album is very good and dare I say it does rock. It's the only album I will ever own by Aerosmith. It's just a masterpiece of 70's hard rock music and even some hints of early metal on tracks like the stellar Nobody's Fault.

I was shocked by this one. I've never really been an Aerosmith fan. Growing up in the 90s I heard their hits from that era. I didn't like them. I like sweet emotion but basically just wrote the band off. Imagine my surprise when I put this on and found out it rips. I loved it. I listened again to be sure. Still loved it. Crazy.

"Rocks" by Aerosmith is an electrifying album that perfectly encapsulates the raw energy and swagger of 1970s rock 'n' roll. From the opening riff of "Back in the Saddle" to the closing notes of "Home Tonight," this album is a non-stop thrill ride of hard-hitting guitar riffs, infectious melodies, and Steven Tyler's unmistakable vocals. One of the standout tracks on the album is "Last Child," with its funky groove and memorable chorus. "Sick as a Dog" showcases the band's bluesy roots, while "Nobody's Fault" is a masterclass in heavy riffage and frenetic energy. What sets "Rocks" apart from other Aerosmith albums is its gritty, no-nonsense attitude. The band sounds like they're having the time of their lives, and it's impossible not to get swept up in the excitement. Whether you're a longtime fan of the band or new to their music, "Rocks" is guaranteed to leave you wanting more.

Another reminder that my "hatred" of Aerosmith for the past ~30 years was mostly a combination of their mid-'80s-and-later material and the rise of the most banal of classic rock playlists (read: every rock station in north america) that killed their most known singles in a barrage of boredom. Much like with their previous "Toys In The Attic" album, hearing e.g. "Back in the Saddle" on a drive to the grocery store is an immediate turnoff (turn...off...) but listening to this entire album again in its entirety proves that that song in particular was such a killer opener for a great album. Pretty much every song kicks ass (although I never loved "Nobody's Fault" that much) here - maybe more-so than its excellent predecessor "Toys..." - love the raw guitar sounds and the entire band is in drugged-out rock bliss with high-paced excellent hard rock that rarely if ever loses melodic direction. TL;DR: In the end all you really need from Aerosmith are "Toys in the Attic" and this one then leave the rest. Greasy 70s rock that hits - weird for me to give 5 to a band I never think I like at all but this one is essentially flawless and if this isn't a 5 and a huge influence on a million bands to follow nothing is. 9/10 5 stars.

I must have listened to the A side of this album 1001 times back in the late 70s/80s. So yes - I like it - I like it a lot. In fact there is nothing I don’t like about this band — Aerosmith!

I appreciate Aerosmith much more after hearing this.

What the hell! Never thought I'd see the day I'd say that I like Aerosmith!! I should've checked this out way sooner. I actually dig Steven Tyler's voice on this album. And the production is ace. Great basswork, catchy guitars, and Joey Kramer is very underrated! Solid Rock & Roll, front to back. Standout tracks: Back In The Saddle, Last Child, Rats In The Cellar, Sick As A Dog, Nobody's Fault, Get The Lead Out, Lick And A Promise, Home Tonight. 9 out of 10

Always loved this album. Stone cold hard rock classic!!

One of my favorite rock bands.

Bad ASS! So Fun! sometimes you hear these records an you know how they got so famous

Great rock album Standout tracks: Sick as a dog, nobody's fault

great Album

70s hard rock at its best. Despite drugs, internal struggles, and the pressure of following up the success of 'Toys in the Attic', the Boston band was unstoppable in 1976, as 'Rocks' proves

I finally get it! Aerosmith is a late Boomer/Gen X thing. Big riffs, bigger ego. Feels like early ZZ Top but rowdier. It’s got the swagger, but not much variety. Decent if you’re in the mood, but not super memorable.

These guys know how to rock out and they have a great vocalist, but the lyrics are surface level.

Classic mid-70s rock. Don't like it, but cant deny its effectiveness at being what it is

Actually found this utterly forgettable… this feels like it doesn’t really deserve to be on here

This album is full of thoroughly mediocre rock music. It’s fine as the background music in a main street Nashville club. There is some good guitar work on here, but I expected more from early Aerosmith.

Aerosmith represent a total lack of new ideas or willingness to push boundaries

Another boring-ass Aerosmith record.

Not much of an Aerosmith fan. I enjoy their music, certainly. But they’re not my everyday choice. However, this album is a great introduction to them for me.

- Easily their best .... and hardest ..... album of their output. They get the closest to the Stones here with their display of just nasty, filthy guitar rock & roll. Their masterpiece in my opinion, often overlooked. -

Sounds like classic Aerosmith.....except for that one song that sounds like Led Zeppelin.

Banger after banger.

My favorite Aerosmith album. It followed the awesome Toys in the Attic, and was even more raw and rocking. Much more more rock influences here than blues, but the blues riffs are still prevalent throughout. 4.5/5 = 5 stars for me. Really awesome album and should be heard before you die.

Kick ass

Aerosmith has so many hits, some of which are on this album. But there are some songs on this album I've never heard. Worth a listen!

I always love Aerosmith

This is Slash's favorite Aerosmith album, and one of his favorite albums of all time. That makes it the best Aerosmith album by default.

Kick ass album. 6 out of 9 tracks can be heard regularly on classic rock radio. I didn't need to listen to this banger again, but I did it anyway. 70's Aerosmith is tough to beat.

Zwar nicht das beste Album von Aeroschmidt aber trotzdem gut!

Love

5/5

LOVE

The rokanrollest rokanrroll, si esque la gent pilla fama per algo. Fino fino

Liked it!

Upon receiving this, I uttered "... fuck." Aerosmith. The kind of band you'd like for a bit before burying them deep in the mind's recesses. Then, a bit of a thought process creeps in in regards to Rocks. It holds a sort of awed regard when it comes to the bands that came in its wake, the likes of Guns 'n' Roses and Nirvana who love this album. I had to dig in to understand why. Thirty plus minutes later and I understood why. For this thing is an unrelenting, fun ol' beast of a time. Aerosmith does not let up on Rocks and they keep you hooked, lined and sinker throughout. There are so many gems here, one would be remiss to at least discard one for the sake of doing so. Plenty in the Aerosmith fandom consider this to be their peak in creativity and, considering what came in its wake, I cannot help but agree. Rocks off!

🤘🏼

Cool

Good album not many of their bigger hits and pretty short

Can’t remember if I ever listened to this the whole way through. Deep cuts like “Combination” and “Nobody’s Fault” ring a bell, so odds are I did, as a wee lad of 17, when I was more interested in the 2003 Rolling Stone greatest album list. I might agree with that magazine’s assessment, that this is the best Aerosmith album. It probably doesn’t sound as vicious as it did in 1976, but the poppy harmonies, together with bitchin guitar riffs and Tyler’s vocal stylings, are what I like about the band, in concentrated form. Even "Get the Lead Out", the weakest track imo, still rollicks along and continues the momentum. HL: “Back in the Saddle”, “Sick as a Dog”, “Last Child”, “Nobody’s Fault” September 28, 2023

BEST SONGS: -Nobody's Fault -Home Tonight

great rock album

Really enjoyed

Pretty good Aerosmith album. I know a couple of tunes off this one but never heard the full thing - I think before this project the only full Aerosmith albums I'd heard were their later stuff that's basically hair metal. As it is, this more or less sounds like appetite for destruction... 10 years earlier. Some really, really cool riffs coming at me here. Holy shit, I never realised that Testament song was a cover. Fuck, it was gonna be an easy 4, but I think it's now a 5/5...

"Rocks" is the fourth studio album by American rock band Aerosmith. This album is known as a highlight of their career and capturing the band at their most raw and rocking despite their heavy drug use. It is without doubt a most rocking album. At the time, it received mixed reviews but later very positive reviews. And, it was a big commercial success in the US going quadruple platinum (4,000,000 copies). The album begins with the slow, creepy guitar build-up in "Back in the Saddle" which ends in a Steven Tyler scream. A bad-ass groove. Chunky guitar. Whips, clicking spurs and galloping horses. You can't go wrong singing about cowboys and sex. The first single "Last Child" opens with a classic heavy metal acoustic guitar. It transitions to a more rockin' sound. Tyler struttin'. Great guitar solo. "Rats in the Cellar" was their answer to "Toys in the Attic." This is harder and driving. Great layered guitars by Joe Perry and Brad Whitford. It's real life as things are coming apart within the band. "Sick as a Dog" is the most straight-forward rock song on the album. Catchy vocals and guitar chorus. A deeper cut and my favorite song on the album. "Nobody's Fault" is the band's favorite song on the album. It's heavier. Gun 'N' Roses were in the room and actually were quite literally as Slash cites this album as one of his inspirations. The album ends with the ballad "Home Tonight." Piano. Lap steel guitar. Foreshadowing of what was to come a decade later? This is great album. Focused. Rocks hard. Melody hooks. Great layered guitars. A tight, tight band despite what state they might have been in. I had to listen to "Toys in the Attic" again to verify but, without question, "Rocks" is their best album and a hard rock classic.

Yes. Now we're talking. Aerosmith. And this is a good album. No massive scene stealing songs, but all of them just rock.

Very happy about this one. First Aerosmith project i’ve heard but it kept me wanting more. Packed with very solid riffs and vocals, the album doesn’t really have any downs. Will definitely check out more of their discography.

Right up my alley with great production quality

Had expected either Toys in the Attic or Rocks or perhaps even both. The former album might be a bit stronger overall, but of course both are proper Aerosmith classics. Compare this to Pump (also in the 1001 list but just a solid rock album) and hear the difference!

baita sonzeira

5/5

This has been one of the more surprising listens so far. I apparently judged Aerosmith too harshly based on their later pop rock popularity, so I’ve slept on these early rock albums. After one listen, this is one of my favorite rock albums.

Alright I love this album and have listened to it heaps of times. Will listen again tonight and rate. Great

This is an all time fave

Очень драйвовый, крутой альбом. Нескучный, местами мелодичный и кайфовый.

The best hard rock album of all time. AC who? Guns n what? A

A classic. Their first five albums rank up there with any of the other great bands. They should have stopped recording after Draw The Line. Everything after that fifth album was either passable or recorded just so they could cash the checks.

Discazo.

Obožavan!!

Aerosmith! Yay! I don't know this album. (Is it just me or does the cover look cheap?) I love the build at the beginning of Back in the Saddle and there are some horse noises I've never noticed before...and some yodeling! Last Child is one of the songs that defines Aerosmith for me --- an edgy, hard-rocking blues sound where Steven Tyler gets to sing and screech. The rest of the songs are totally new to me. I do love Combination --- the lyrics have some clever rhymes and the chorus is hella catchy. When Nobody's Fault started, I had to check to see if I was still listening to Aerosmith. It's more heavy metal than blues-rock. Get the Lead Out is fun. (But why are you showing me your fist? is it to show off your new finger tattoos?) I love me a song with some na, na, na's, like Lick and a Promise. Home Tonight is a nice piano-heavy power ballad whose melody made me think of Chicago's Saturday in the Park. This was great fun!

Awesome album. Most of the older Aerosmith stuff I know were the Greatest Hits, so the first two tracks were expectedly great (love the whinnying and clip clops in the opening of “Back in the Saddle”). The rest of the album I wasn’t so familiar with, but I loved it all! The four times I listened to it today had me digging all the songs. It’s Aerosmith. I should have been listening to this album for most of life.

This album rocks

This is just a really great rock and roll album. So good.

70's Aerosmith always slays.

Really enjoyed this album. Can definitely see their appeal.

Rocks by Aerosmith When Aerosmith were good.

yeah i was excited to get this one. “back in the saddle” is a great opener. “rats in the cellar” had GREAT instrumentals. the rest was all very similar BUT i really REALLY vibed with it. 4/5!

Muy bueno

Two classics to open the album, and the rest is pretty good. 4 stars or B+.