AerosmithRock in a Hard Place

The sound of a band clawing back from chaos, recorded without Joe Perry and fueled by sheer stubborn swagger. The title track grinds with bluesy menace while 'Lightning Strikes' swings hard enough to forgive the lineup turmoil swirling underneath. It is messier and hungrier than the classics, an underdog record with dirt under its fingernails. For the Aerosmith faithful who want the deep cuts, this one bites.