Let the Music Do the Talking

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as The Zoo Crew spins "Let the Music Do the Talking" from Aerosmith's 1985 album Done with Mirrors! This track is a gritty, guitar-driven anthem that carries a unique story. Originally written by guitarist Joe Perry for his solo outfit, The Joe Perry Project, it was the title track of their 1980 album. When Perry rejoined Aerosmith in 1984, the band reworked the song with slightly altered lyrics, giving it a raw, honky-tonk edge that screamed their comeback spirit. According to a Songfacts entry, this is one of the rare Aerosmith songs without a Steven Tyler writing credit, as Perry penned it entirely, letting his music "do the talking" for him. Fans on Reddit have noted the track’s nostalgic nod to the band’s past, with one user pointing out a riff borrowed from 1977’s “Draw the Line” around the 2:50 mark, a subtle wink to their glory days.

The song’s recording marked a pivotal moment for Aerosmith, as it was their first album after reuniting with Perry and guitarist Brad Whitford. A 2019 Reddit post describes the track as a declaration of the band’s return, with “tons of guitar interplay” and a “Cheesecake” reference that had fans buzzing. The album’s packaging was quirky too—text was printed backward, requiring a mirror to read, a gimmick tied to the album’s title. Despite positive reviews, the single and album didn’t chart well, overshadowed by the band’s later success with Permanent Vacation. A music video, directed by Jerry Kramer, aimed to capture the band’s live energy but failed to gain traction on MTV, which only embraced Aerosmith after their 1986 Run-D.M.C. collaboration. Still, loyal Zoo Freaks know this track’s raw power, with one Reddit user calling it a “killer show opener” from a 1985 Vegas performance.

Aerosmith, the Bad Boys from Boston, kicked off their legendary career in 1970 when Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Tom Hamilton, Joey Kramer, and Ray Tabano came together in Boston, Massachusetts. Perry and Hamilton, initially in a group called the Jam Band, linked up with Tyler, Kramer, and Tabano to form the band, with Brad Whitford replacing Tabano in 1971. As detailed on Wikipedia, their blues-based hard rock sound drew comparisons to the Rolling Stones, with Tyler’s charismatic vocals and Perry’s fiery guitar riffs earning them the nickname “Toxic Twins.” Their self-titled debut in 1973, featuring “Dream On,” laid the groundwork, but it was 1975’s Toys in the Attic and 1976’s Rocks that catapulted them to stardom, cementing their status as America’s greatest rock band. Despite battles with drug addiction and lineup changes in the late ’70s and early ’80s, Aerosmith’s resilience led to a triumphant comeback, with Done with Mirrors signaling their return to form.

Stay connected with Aerosmith through their official website, where you can find tour updates, merchandise, and news about their limited-edition vinyl releases like the 35th-anniversary Pump vinyl. Follow them on Facebook, with over 16 million likes, for throwback posts and fan engagement, or check out their Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos and tour memories. On X, the band shares #AeroHistory moments, like their November 2024 post celebrating Done with Mirrors’s release. Fans, or the “Blue Army,” gather on platforms like Reddit’s r/Aerosmith, an unofficial fan page with lively discussions, and Aero Force One, the official fan club on their website, offering exclusive content. Join the Aerosmith Fans Facebook group for more community vibes, where Zoo Freaks can share their love for the band’s timeless riffs!