Coming on the heels of the commercially and artistically successful
Pump, the fitfully entertaining
Get a Grip pales against its predecessor's musical diversity. But it's not for lack of trying. In fact,
Aerosmith try too hard, making a stab at social commentary ("Livin' on the Edge") while keeping adolescent fans in their corner with their trademark raunch-rock ("Get a Grip" and "Eat the Rich"), as well as having radio-ready hit ballads ("Cryin'," "Amazing," and "Crazy"). The problem is, it's a studied performance -- it sounds like what an
Aerosmith album should sound like. Most of the album sounds good; it's just that there isn't much beneath the surface. [
Get a Grip was re-released on LP in 2017.] ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine