Just Push Play

A platinum-certified return that debuted at No. 2 with over 240,000 first-week sales.

Just Push Play arrived on March 5, 2001, marking the thirteenth studio album from American rock band Aerosmith. Co-produced by longtime collaborators Marti Frederiksen and Mark Hudson, this release debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, moving over 240,000 copies in its first week alone. Within a month of launch, the Recording Industry Association of America certified it Platinum. The album's lead single, "Jaded," secured a Top 10 hit status globally, while other tracks like "Fly Away from Here" and "Just Push Play" found specific success on rock charts despite missing the main Hot 100.

Quick Facts

Artist

Aerosmith

Recorded

April–December 2000

Genre

Hard rock; pop metal

Length

50:50 (US); 53:34 (International)

Label

Columbia

Producer

Steven Tyler
Joe Perry
Mark Hudson
Marti Frederiksen

Lore & Background

The album's visual identity was defined by a gynoid resembling Marilyn Monroe, an illustration designed by Hajime Sorayama. Interestingly, this specific artwork had previously adorned the 1985 compilation "Video Sound," which notably included no Aerosmith tracks. Behind the scenes, the recording process from April to December 2000 sparked internal friction; guitarist Joe Perry later criticized the sessions in 2010, noting that "there was never a point where all five members were in the room at the same time." He called it his least favorite record, stating it taught him "how not to make an Aerosmith record" because their major strength is playing together. Despite this tension, several unused songs emerged from these sessions, including "Ain't It True," "Easy," and "Innocent Man," while "Angel's Eye" found a new home on the 2000 film "Charlie's Angels" soundtrack.

Reader's Guide

Fans exploring this era should note the specific variations in the track listing regarding hidden content. On the original version, a hidden track titled "Under My Skin Reprise" plays roughly 45 seconds after "Avant Garden." International editions feature this hidden track about 40 seconds after "Face," while Japanese versions place it following "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing." The album features extensive personnel contributions beyond the core five: Chelsea Tyler provided backing vocals on "Under My Skin," her father's daughter, while Liv Tyler contributed whispers to "Avant Garden." Tower of Power supplied horns for "Trip Hoppin'," and Tony Perry added scratching to the title track. Production duties were shared among Marti Frederiksen, Mark Hudson, and Mike Shipley, with strings arranged by David Campbell, except on three specific tracks where Jim Cox handled arrangements alongside his horn work.

Track listing

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1	Beyond Beautiful	Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Marti Frederiksen	4:45
2	Just Push Play	Tyler, Mark Hudson, Steve Dudas	3:51
3	Jaded	Tyler, Frederiksen	3:34
4	Fly Away from Here	Frederiksen, Todd Chapman	5:01
5	Trip Hoppin'	Tyler, Perry, Frederiksen, Hudson	4:27
6	Sunshine	Tyler, Perry, Frederiksen	3:37
7	Under My Skin	Tyler, Perry, Frederiksen, Hudson	3:45
8	Luv Lies	Tyler, Perry, Frederiksen, Hudson	4:26
9	Outta Your Head	Tyler, Perry, Frederiksen	3:22
10	Drop Dead Gorgeous	Tyler, Perry, Hudson	3:42
11	Light Inside	Tyler, Perry, Frederiksen	3:34
12	Avant Garden	Tyler, Perry, Frederiksen, Hudson	6:36
Total length			50:50

Did You Know?

Liv Tyler, Steven Tyler's daughter, contributed whispers to the song 'Avant Garden,' while her sister Chelsea provided backing vocals on 'Under My Skin.'
The album was certified Platinum by the RIAA within just one month of its March 5, 2001 release.