This is the Aerosmith album that was hot when I was in grade school, and I still really like Love in an Elevator and Janie's Got a Gun, but this album is almost comical listening now. So many Korg and Roland samples, it's like the felt compelled to put down MIDI patches on every track just because. Also some bizarrely sloppy guitar solos on a few tracks. Overall I didn't hate it, but not in love with it either.
Permanent Vacation put Aerosmith back in the forefront and Get a Grip had more ubiquitous hits, but Pump is their best post-classic album by far. Stronger production, tighter setlist and a perfect blend between hard rockers and their softer side. This is as good as slicked-up hard rock can get. B+
Least good Aerosmith so far. I was surprised to sorta like the other two earlier albums, but this doesn't do it for me. Of course I know all the singles, having been born in the early 80s, and probably I even sang along with them, begrudgingly. That doesn't mean it's good though. Oh, also, I was surprised how many \"80s sounds\" there were in Janie's Got a Gun. Just never noticed that before. Also, their ballads are hella corny sounding on here. I did like the little Dulcimer Stomp interlude though. 2/5