Nine Lives

The album proving they could take any hit and come back rocking even harder.

Released in 1997, Nine Lives marked Aerosmith's hard-fought return to the top of the charts after a decade of personal struggles and lineup shifts. The record captured their shift from barely holding on to mastering a fresh sound that mixed classic rock grit with modern production.

Last updated 2026-09-29 from the source article.

Quick Facts

Artist

Aerosmith

Released

1997

Recorded

1996

Length

4:01

Label

Columbia

Writer

Steven Tyler
Joe Perry
Marti Frederiksen

Producer

Kevin Shirley

Facts from the source article.

Lore & Background

The creative energy behind this work was fueled by a renewed sense of purpose among the core members. Rather than retreating into nostalgia, they pushed forward with fresh songwriting collaborations that honored their roots while embracing new sonic landscapes.

Reader's Guide

Recording sessions for this project took place during a period of intense reflection and renewal for the group. The production process involved working with top-tier industry figures to ensure the sound was both modern and faithful to their classic aesthetic. Upon its release, the album achieved massive commercial success, climbing quickly up the charts in North America and securing multi-platinum status within months. Critics praised the band's ability to blend heavy riffs with melodic hooks, noting a level of cohesion that had been absent in previous years. Key tracks from the record became staples on rock radio, showcasing a dynamic range from aggressive hard rock anthems to soulful ballads. The album is widely regarded as one of the strongest entries in their discography, cementing their legacy for a new generation.

Track listing

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1	Nine Lives	Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Marti Frederiksen	4:01
2	Falling in Love (Is Hard on the Knees)	Tyler, Perry, Glen Ballard	3:26
3	Hole in My Soul	Tyler, Perry, Desmond Child	6:10
4	Taste of India	Tyler, Perry, Ballard	5:53
5	Full Circle	Tyler, Taylor Rhodes	5:01
6	Something's Gotta Give	Tyler, Perry, Frederiksen	3:37
7	Ain't That a Bitch	Tyler, Perry, Child	5:25
8	The Farm	Tyler, Perry, Mark Hudson, Steve Dudas	4:27
9	Crash	Tyler, Perry, Hudson, Dominic Miller	4:26
10	Kiss Your Past Good-Bye	Tyler, Hudson	4:32
11	Pink	Tyler, Richard Supa, Ballard	3:55
12	Attitude Adjustment	Tyler, Perry, Frederiksen	3:45
13	Fallen Angels	Tyler, Perry, Supa	8:16
Total length			62:54

Track listing from the source article.

Did You Know?

The album title references the old superstition that cats have nine lives, symbolizing the band's repeated survival against the odds.
It was the first release to feature the fully reunited classic lineup operating with complete harmony after years of friction.
Several songs on the record were co-written with outside collaborators who helped bridge the gap between their past style and modern rock trends.