Your analysis at the end was like it was intended for me. I'm 42 and I'm just now pursuing my dream of being an automotive technician after 20 years of being a drug addict. I really enjoy watching your journey of rock discovery. Please listen to some more grunge. Pearl jam black is a song you're sure to love. Grunge is a very rich music genre. Enjoy!!
Half the battle is done, and congratulations on that enormous achievement. Now you are the only thing that stands between you and your dream. Keep moving forward with your eye squarely on the prize and you'll achieve it. The reward will be that much sweeter knowing where you started. All the best.
Yeah, it does feel kinda like a bit of a sad vibe. However , we can all try to put a positive spin on it and pursue our own hopes and dreams. Good in ya, Brian. Keep plugging away .
Hey Brian, all the luck in the world to you, seems like the last few years more often than not, you didn't have it. have no personal connections to relate to what you're going to, and with absolutely no intention to offend, I may say I'm pretty glad that it's been this way. But I've been made aware through a scope of very intense bits of media that you must have been through a lot living this way, that you must still have areally hard time once in a while. Every sober day could be the last one, but I wish to you that you you may have many more to come, just the fact that you've come to a point where you can share this openly, you must have put in so much work, I'm really proud of you from one stranger to another, and I hope that you are too. I hope you can cherish and appreciate your newly found freedoms if I may say so, and you deserve every single good thing coming your way. Best of luck with all your endeavours! Live long and prosper!
I lived with my Gram and Pop and when Areosmith Dream on came out and I'd play it my grandmother told me it was a pretty song. She was born in 1898, and rock wasn't something she liked.
As a child of the late sixties and early seventies, I grew up on all of these songs. Listening to you parse them like an English teacher parses a sentence has given me a whole new outlook on how they were composed. It gave me a brand new appreciation of the music
The singer/songwriter is Steven Tyler. He composed this around 16-18 years old and knows how to play the piano. His father is a professional classical pianist. So that explains why the melody sounded classical.
We are all SO connected. When I started high school in 1964, like almost every boy my age, I got an electric guitar, but I didn't have an amp. I would go home after school to play with a friend who had a Sears Silvertone. He went on to open for Arrowsmith. His name was Ted Nugent. I then moved to Connecticut and started practicing with a guy named Steve Tallarico - who later became Steven Tyler. I wasn't very good, but music connects people. He opened for the Yardbirds, who played their first concert at Staples HS. The photographer was Linda Eastman who took time to show me how to expose for stage spotlighted faces. She was later much better known as Linda McCartney. Over the years I have gotten to know many musicians from many genres from Duke Ellington, to John Denver, to Harry Chapin, to Dr.Suzuki when I lived in Japan. Music is wonderful, even for those of us who are not really musicians ourselves.
I had the immense privilege of seeing this band in southern New Hampshire just before they hit the stratosphere just after their first album. The band hung around after the show and I got to talk with Steven Tyler, and other members of the band who were incredibly gracious to me, as a 14 year old fan of rock n’ roll. I’ve been a fan ever since. Beautiful analysis of the song, and a great choice for a deep dive.
Steven Tyler's dad was a classical musician and music teacher. The fact that he started composing it at 17 on an uoright steinway, I think shows his familiarity with classical music. If you look at the backgrounds of many rock, even punk musiciians you'll find classicsl music training or at least familiarity with it. I think it was a factor in making so much music from the "classic rock" era do good.
The way a trained musicians mind works is one of the most fascinating things ive ever seen. I understood none of what you said but watching you translate music to different instruments was a pleasure. I'm getting a psychology degree, and this was amazing. Thank you so much for sharing with us.
It’s one of those songs that captures you emotionally the first time you hear it. You don’t have to understand why it does it, it just does it beautifully.
I loved Amy's analysis but I don't think she used the word "emotion" or discussed how it made her "feel" once. Everything she observed - the transitions, guitar flourishes, the lyrics, the instrumentation of Tyler's voice, the anticipation of what's to come - creates an emotional experience for the listener. They succeed in making us feel something. That's what makes it more than a rock song but arguably a piece of art.
Early Aerosmith is American hard rock at its finest. Tyler kind of emulates Little Richard. These guys draw heavily from fifties rock and roll. Amy you really got what makes this song shine and explained how the dynamics and arrangements can create entire worlds out of some simple riffage. They were good writers but the energy and attitude this band had was brilliant. Thank you doing Aerosmith. This was so very good and enjoyable video.
I like Aerosmith, have ever since I have heard them. Your analysis has made me realize a few things. First Aerosmith is a 2 guitar band so it is easy for them to get a depth and voices four piece bands can’t get. Aerosmith more so than a lot of rock bands has extremely good use of dynamics. You mentioned several times the use of reoccurring themes in the song. So first thought is one that my first guitar teacher told me. Never play the same Riff exactly the same twice. Next, I was brought to Beethoven’s music. He also makes extensive use of dynamic changes to drive the music, as well as reoccurring themes or riffs in his music, it is still relevant and influential in today’s popular music. Makes me wonder did Beethoven enjoy rock star status? Was Beethoven a rock icon of his day?
The lyrics of this song are absolute profound poetry and it never ceases to amaze me that these words came from a 17 year old kid. Now.... if she does "Walk this Way"... that's more along the lines of what 17 year old kids think about.
There’s a lot of the personal mythological indicative of western high school to early college age personal development evident in the lyrics of the song
@@tarmaqueAerosmith got it from Young Frankenstein but Young Frankenstein got it from movies that are way older. I Know Groucho Marks used it and I think it went back farther than that.
As a former guitar teacher, this analysis grabbed my attention. The intro section played throughout the song is difficult on the guitar, and now I know why. I don't know why it never occurred to me that it was written on piano. I hear that CLEARLY now that you've mentioned it. And I also now hear the classical style with which some transitions are composed. Thank you for deepening my appreciation of this song!
It was played on an electric harpsichord. The chord clusters are so close together that it would be impossible to play on guitar without re-tuning to be able to have notes played very close together.
Probably because most examples in our lives are of people who are convinced that they need to be practical and not dream at all. Often with regrets that they didn't explore interests and passions when they had the chance to do so.
well that's why I like songs in the minor key, because they sound more serious or heavy to me, while major chords and keys are good for when you need to feel happy or lighter.
This song was inescapable when I was a kid. As you note, the devices they use are really simple. It's a simple song, so simple devices work well, and in particular dynamic devices work well, and that;s something that a lot of rock bands overlook
Im a 30 yr practicing METAL guitarist that's OBSEST with music theory, I love what you're doing, and i love you don't judge METAL but you hear it..i LOVE MUSIC MORE EACH DAY.... wish you the best.
Soul conection my frien. Pasion and feeling all natural not fake like today's music. music is powerful when singers and musicians connect with the audience with passion and true. ❤️🎹🎶🎵🎸🎶🎵🙂👌👌
To me the ticking notes are deliberate. Time is ticking, dont waste your life, live your dreams now while you can. This is one of my most favorite songs. I loved it when i was a teenager in the 80's and now that im in my late 50's the song has so much more meaning to me. I can't believe he wrote this masterpiece when he was a teenager.
To me this song always sounded like a song an artist would write and record when they are 20-25 years into their career. To think it was written by a teenager at the beginning of his career is amazing.
Dream until your dreams come true! Aerosmith weekend - what a happy surprise! I still play my original vinyl of the first three albums - "Movin Out" from that same debut album as "Dream On" - is still my favorite cut of theirs. Thanks, Vlad - I can't wait to hear what Amy thinks!
While growing up, this song was almost always on some rock oriented FM station. So much so, that my friends and I would refer to it as a "dime song." As if to say,"If I had a dime for every time I heard this song, I'd be very wealthy!" Notwithstanding, I found myself singing along while you first experienced this song. There is a reason that it's a "classic." Just like there's a reason that certain phrases are cliche. They have a lasting truth. Glad that you enjoyed this!
“Then Ilúvatar spoke, and he said: ‘Mighty are the Ainur, and mightiest among them is Melkor; but that he may know, and all the Ainur, that I am Ilúvatar, those things that ye have sung, I will show them forth, that ye may see what ye have done. And thou, Melkor, shalt see that no theme may be played that hath not its uttermost source in me, nor can any alter the music in my despite. For he that attempteth this shall prove but mine instrument in the devising of things more wonderful, which he himself hath not imagined.’
Thank you for reacting to this song! I love this song and it was one of my favorites growing up. I was 11 when this was released and it was on the radio non-stop. This song was very important to me growing up and today when I hear it, I still feel the same way I did when I first heard it. I agree, it's important to not give up on your dreams. I took a beginning piano course in High School and the teacher told me to give it up, because I would never understand music. So I did, unfortunately. Then in 2017 at the age of 52 I bought an electric guitar, and an acoustic guitar and set out to learn how to play guitar and read music. I'm learning and enjoying every minute of it. I have had many dreams come true, and many dreams that will never come true, but I always say to everyone I meet, to keep dreaming and never give up! Thank you so much!
Great reaction, I loved it. I am so happy that you enjoyed and appreciated this so much, since it has been near the top of my list of 70s rock songs I have wanted you to experience. Aerosmith was huge amongst my high school friends in the 70s, so they always bring back memories. Steven Tyler has one of the great voices in rock, which becomes even more evident in some of their other songs, with his unique vocal techniques. You may know of his daughter, the actress Liv Tyler, who has been in several movies. Joe Perry with his lead guitar and songwriting talents plays a huge role in their overall sound.
Tyler and Perry yeah the whole band was really in the “Zone”, they were all in 100%. If you think about it Aerosmith kind of embodies the whole rock story in a way.
Lee, please check out my post and see if you agree. You are one person here that I know has an understanding of rock and what Amy and Vlad are trying to do.
@@Hartlor_Tayley I think they were probably the American band that most closely competed with the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin for the truly great and iconic rock bands of that time (the 70s). You were fortunate to have lived in a city from which several great bands came from. Or were you just in the general vicinity of Boston?
@penderyn8794 The radio stations of the day certainly thought it had replayability, as Hartlor said, they played it to death. Everybody's tastes differ, so only hearing it once may be enough for some, or even one too many for others.😉
Aerosmith was an excellent band and deserved their success. They also had a bit of luck along the way, I think. As someone in their 20’s when Aerosmith came along, I can say that many of my peers thought of them, initially, as a substitute for Led Zeppelin. Zeppelin was off touring from 1975 to early 1977 because of Plant’s car crash and slow recovery. That left a slot open for hard rock that was blues-based ( not prog) and yet wasn’t as proto-metal as Sabbath. They scratched that itch very well indeed. Zep came back briefly in 1977 but were side-lined again after Robert’s son tragically died…this time for a full two years. Time passed and other bands filled the void. And perhaps the best band that did so was Aerosmith. By the mid to late 70’s they were huge.
That's interesting. I wasn't around back then but I know that early on Aerosmith was called the poor man's Rolling Stones by the music critics at the time. It's crazy to think the amount of talent back then..all those great bands and singers.
@@chaddubois8164 yes. I remember buying a new car in 1977 and celebrated by buying a bunch of cassettes to play. I bought Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours, Peter Frampton Comes Alive, the first two Heart albums, the splendid debut of Boston, and Bachman/Turner Overdrive…..just for starters. Outrageously wonderful bands were everywhere, and 2nd and 3rd tier bands were everywhere and excellent. We all just thought that was normal and would never change. Now we oldsters look back in wonderment and nostalgia. Mostly for lost youth of course….but sometimes just for the sheer joy of browsing on a Saturday afternoon in a record store, buying the latest from one of your favorite bands and going home to unwrap the cellophane and slide out the vinyl and with great anticipation, lower the needle. 😁. And even better with a friend or two to share the experience.
Thank you, Amy. I've been asking for Aerosmith and this song since I found your channel. One of the best things about Aerosmith is that they get better with every decade. Every time it looks like they are about to become irrelevant they drop a new album that puts them back on top.
Wow, this episode was a pure pleasure. So fun to see you having so much fun with it! I was an Aerosmith fan through the 70's, but they lost me completely in the 80's. Anyway, Dream On remains their best song musically and production-wise. You can tell their producer spent a ton of time with this song versus the rest of that album. I do love the rest of the album as well, just for its simplicity and passion. Their best album overall would have to be "Rocks," which also has some complexity, but unless you're really into hard rock, it probably won't connect.
In my opinion this is Iconic, like “Stairway to Heaven” by Zeppelin or “Time” by Pink Floyd. Not otherwise a huge Aerosmith fan, but this song, wow, never gets old.
This is the first time I feel like I’ve seen Amy almost rock out 🤘🏼 lol … such a very satisfying song. I’m also still waiting for some Elton John or Bowie
Nice to see so classic, opera and jazz musicians look at rock music and metal. There are incredibly complex melodies and harmonies and difficult vocals in many songs. And Dream On really plays with the crescendo. It keeps going up, but breaks off and fades before it reaches the peak. More than once. And then it hits the climax, we finally hear the title drop, the message made clear.
"She likes it! Hey Mikey!" LOL excellent commentary on this Boston band classic. One of my favorite ones by them. Steve Tyler and Joe Perry recorded a version of this song with a children's choir to honor us all during the tragedy of the Boston Marathon bombing. Check out that video if you get a chance. A tearjerker. Dying to see what you review of a song later in their career. Jamie's got a gun, Living on the edge, or Don't want to miss a thing are all good choices. Ok. So. Comfortably Numb please, 😅
One song I would also recommend you listen to, outside of rock, is Eminem's "Sing for the Moment." It prominently samples this song in its production, and it's a really beautiful example of how music can recontextualized into something totally different and yet equally as meaningful.
This is actually the first time I heard the original studio version. I came to Aerosmith during their big 90's revival and they played this live with orchestra for MTV. That is the version I always have in my mind when thinking of this song. Apart from the arrangement the most striking difference is Tyler's voice. He still sounded awesome in the 90's but compared to this here, his voice had change greatly. Probably because of drug abuse and bad technique his vocal chords had taken quite a beating. It's quite shocking to hear him here, it's almost as if it is someone else singing.
I've always thought the same about his voice in this song. Not sure what he sounds like on any other Aerosmith songs from this time period since I really don't care for the band enough to check it out. This is their only good song as far as I am concerned.
I grew up with this version. The other (probably all others) were always a huge letdown for me, even though I usually love a good cover or a great live performance.
I've seen Aerosmith in concert, they closed for kiss and no one liked that so they got boo'd off stage because everyone was chanting "we want kiss! Encore kiss!!!" This was 2004. I don't remember their performance but I definitely remember them getting boo'd 😭
Ur so calm and have such a lovely sweet voice it must be an absolute pleasure for ur students to have u as a teacher gosh. I love that u doing these rock ballets, as a kid i used to think rock was crazy screaming, i v found a love in it over the years. Have u done Gnr songs as well.
Steven's a great piano player,harmonica,guitarist, he knows his theory and knows how to compose it and one helluv a singer ,I love your enthusiasm!your analysis is always thorough and you share your genuine self ,like a child honest,truthful and kind you are !!!I love it ,good choice !my favorite Aerosmith song ,Their masterpiece!!!
If you'll pardon my asking, but what types of music would you prefer to be recommended? Not genre, necessarily, but some idea of what you look for, I suppose. I've been lucky in being exposed to an incredible variety of music in my younger years, and it does this old man's heart a world of good to see people introduced to, and even better, enjoy what I've known for so long. Blues, R&B, Jazz, Metal, Classic Rock, Country, Classical (and yes, I was introduced to Classical Music as a child, courtesy of Looney Tunes), Zydeco, and Bluegrass. I know I'm forgetting a few. Funk. Soul. And all these genres have their own subgenres.😅 You have a gift for music, and you're stepping out of your comfort zone, and you deserve kudos for that. 🎉 And a sincere congratulations on you and yours and your new family. I've been a parent for 41 years, so far, and all of my kids are grown. I'll never stop being "Dad" to them, though, and that's what it's all about. 😊
Excellent, love how you analyse the music instead of just the bassist form of ‘reactions’ to music of other channels. Amazing final analysis. Made me choke up to be honest.
Hey Amy! The guitar flourish in the opening also ends in a nice, quick little glissando slide just before Steve begins to sing his opening. Love your masterful dissections!! :)
Wonderful reaction as always. I've always had this view growing up that this song was Aerosmith's nod to Led Zeppelin - when I was a kid I honestly probably thought this was a Zeppelin song. But honestly, whoever influenced who means very little to me at this stage. A great song is a great song, and I could listen to this all day.
Tyler’s father was a pianist and he would lay under the piano listening to him play. Tayler also imitates various instruments and/or sounds to add to the overall sound. He definitely has a great ear for the overall composition.
Great analysis and reaction, as always. I'm 73. You have a lot of old, wonderful tunes to catch up on, but I hope I'm still alive to see/hear your analysis and reaction to Dimash. I have a few suggestions for your first impressions. Have a safe and happy holiday season to you and yours. FYI: Who is Dimash? Only the singer of the millennia. From Kazakhstan, beginning his singing career at age 5 (he's 29 now), Dimash was accepted into the most distinguished music academy in his country. His range extends from the top of the bass register to the highest notes of the coloratura soprano and whistle register. His first digital music album "ID" went platinum in only 37 seconds after release, and 3x platinum in only one hour, and 5x platinum in only one day on Chinese music platforms In December 2019, he made his US debut in New York at the Barclays Center. Dears (those he calls his fans) traveled from 68 different countries, 43 states & 2 US territories, and was sold out. Now writing his Doctoral thesis for a PhD in Musicology/ Composing, received all his degrees with honors while simultaneously filling arenas and maintaining his performing career, a first! He has a bachelors degree in vocals, a master's degree in composition and is about to complete his PhD in musicology this year. Dimash sings in 14 languages, plays 7+ musical instruments, is a composer, an amazing vocalist, patriot, philanthropist and, despite his popularity and talent, is a very warm and humble person. Dimash 2023-Vocal range: Growls (vocal fry): G0-G1 Vocal Fry: G#1 - D2 Chest voice: E2-C#5 Mixed voice: D5-C6 Head voice: C#6 - F#6 Whistle: E7-D8 Natural range: E2 - F#6 4.2 octaves *Full range: G0 - D8 7.7 octaves To put it in context: He sings lower than bass in Opera. The lowest note is usually C2....and higher longer sustained whistle note. Total Dimash range is G0-D8. By the way, a D8 is a couple of keys past the end of a piano.
Great analysis! You should definetly check a live version of Aerosmith playing this song for the MTV 10th Anniversary, it was played along a big orchestra. Tyler´s voice is at its finest hour.
Oh, sing with me, sing for the year Sing for the laughter, and sing for the tear Sing it with me, if it's just for today Maybe tomorrow, the good Lord will take you away
I only listened to these songs (back in the day) from the standpoint of what tickled my ear and made me feel something that I liked. In contrast, you are hearing them for the first time from the standpoint of musicality and excellence of composition. After reviewing all the most popular bands of the 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond, I would be most interested to hear which of the composers and/or bands you find to be the most musically excellent and profound. Of course, that will require reviewing all the great talents first and I hope that takes a long time as I enjoy your fresh and insightful reviews of each band and song.
I don’t know if it’s intentional or not, but that semi tone that carries throughout the song always made me think of an alarm clock - like the song is waking the listener to go chase their dreams.
When something sound familiar ! It’s the perfect composition with the brain recognise immediately! It’s like recognise water ! The body needs it by nature the same with perfect Melodie’s
You have such a good ear. I read a book long ago so I hope I’m remembering it correctly, that his father was a classically trained pianist and he’d lie under the piano absorbing the music.
I’ve loved this album since I first heard it back in ‘75 and it was nice to see the joy on your face as you discovered it. I’m going to listen to it tomorrow in the car! 😊
The lead singer, Steven Tyler, just had to postpone their farewell tour due to fracturing his larynx during concert in New York. The tour is supposed to resume late winter, early spring, but no one is really optimistic of that happening with this type of injury.
Steven Tyler and Joe Perry were HUGE fans of the very blues based early version of FLEETWOOD MAC with guitar virtuoso PETER GREEN, who even the immaculate B.B. King said had the best "tone" to his playing even more than Eric Clapton at the time, and B.B. had met them both personally in the 1960s. I was introduced to DREAM ON in 1976 at my high-school square-dance class (part of P.E.), when on the last day of the 3-week rotation, we students were allowed to dance to our own music, and someone had brought Aerosmith's first album! Actually, the album ROCKS had just come out, so I had heard AEROSMITH a few weeks before, when I had burst into my art class asking my friend about this new song, "home sweet home," which he informed me was LAST CHILD. I then got TOYS IN THE ATTIC (with Sweet Emotion and Walk This Way), GET YOUR WINGS (with Train Kept A'Rollin'), and then their first album, whence this song and the first song that Tyler & Perry wrote together came: MOVIN' OUT: "I say we gotta move on out - 'cause the city's movin' in." Classic.
Love Peter Green, both from his Fleetwood Mac days and the Blues Breakers. I don't specifically remember the first time I heard Dream On, I just remember they were huge amongst all my high school friends in the 70s. we listened to them all the time at house parties or blasting in our car stereos. I'm sure they were a big part of the repertoire at our high school dances.
20:03 Yes! One of the hallmarks of an excellent rock/pop songwriter is the ability to stay mostly within the basic framework established by the song, but add and remove intensity through various (sometimes almost imperceptible) means, in order to take us on an emotional journey through the song.
Enjoyed your analysis, as always. Good job picking up on the blues element to their music--it was definitely a stylistic influence, as you will see. As early as it came in their career, I still believe this is Aerosmith's (and singer Steven Tyler's) best song and magnum opus. Powerful, haunting, and goosebumps-inducing every time.
Just about the most perfect rock song out there. Not too long. Not a bunch of bells and whistles and endless guitar solos...just a very perfect song from a very young steven tyler.
Your analysis at the end was like it was intended for me. I'm 42 and I'm just now pursuing my dream of being an automotive technician after 20 years of being a drug addict.
I really enjoy watching your journey of rock discovery. Please listen to some more grunge. Pearl jam black is a song you're sure to love. Grunge is a very rich music genre. Enjoy!!
From some random stranger on the Internet: I wish you every success in your transition to and pursuit of your dream!
Happy for you @brianbrewer8683, and would be happy to hear some reviews of grunge, a genre that came a little after the height of my music listening.
Half the battle is done, and congratulations on that enormous achievement. Now you are the only thing that stands between you and your dream. Keep moving forward with your eye squarely on the prize and you'll achieve it. The reward will be that much sweeter knowing where you started. All the best.
Yeah, it does feel kinda like a bit of a sad vibe. However , we can all try to put a positive spin on it and pursue our own hopes and dreams. Good in ya, Brian. Keep plugging away .
Hey Brian,
all the luck in the world to you, seems like the last few years more often than not, you didn't have it.
have no personal connections to relate to what you're going to, and with absolutely no intention to offend, I may say I'm pretty glad that it's been this way.
But I've been made aware through a scope of very intense bits of media that you must have been through a lot living this way,
that you must still have areally hard time once in a while.
Every sober day could be the last one, but I wish to you that you you may have many more to come, just the fact that you've come to a point where you can share this openly, you must have put in so much work, I'm really proud of you from one stranger to another, and I hope that you are too.
I hope you can cherish and appreciate your newly found freedoms if I may say so, and you deserve every single good thing coming your way.
Best of luck with all your endeavours!
Live long and prosper!
very few songs can be called masterpieces, this is one of them in my humble opinion
I lived with my Gram and Pop and when Areosmith Dream on came out and I'd play it my grandmother told me it was a pretty song. She was born in 1898, and rock wasn't something she liked.
Liked. Listened. Subbed. Commented. Take that, algorithm!
As a child of the late sixties and early seventies, I grew up on all of these songs. Listening to you parse them like an English teacher parses a sentence has given me a whole new outlook on how they were composed. It gave me a brand new appreciation of the music
The singer/songwriter is Steven Tyler. He composed this around 16-18 years old and knows how to play the piano. His father is a professional classical pianist. So that explains why the melody sounded classical.
We are all SO connected. When I started high school in 1964, like almost every boy my age, I got an electric guitar, but I didn't have an amp. I would go home after school to play with a friend who had a Sears Silvertone. He went on to open for Arrowsmith. His name was Ted Nugent.
I then moved to Connecticut and started practicing with a guy named Steve Tallarico - who later became Steven Tyler. I wasn't very good, but music connects people. He opened for the Yardbirds, who played their first concert at Staples HS. The photographer was Linda Eastman who took time to show me how to expose for stage spotlighted faces.
She was later much better known as Linda McCartney.
Over the years I have gotten to know many musicians from many genres from Duke Ellington, to John Denver, to Harry Chapin, to Dr.Suzuki when I lived in Japan. Music is wonderful, even for those of us who are not really musicians ourselves.
I had the immense privilege of seeing this band in southern New Hampshire just before they hit the stratosphere just after their first album. The band hung around after the show and I got to talk with Steven Tyler, and other members of the band who were incredibly gracious to me, as a 14 year old fan of rock n’ roll. I’ve been a fan ever since. Beautiful analysis of the song, and a great choice for a deep dive.
Steven Tyler's dad was a classical musician and music teacher. The fact that he started composing it at 17 on an uoright steinway, I think shows his familiarity with classical music.
If you look at the backgrounds of many rock, even punk musiciians you'll find classicsl music training or at least familiarity with it. I think it was a factor in making so much music from the "classic rock" era do good.
His dad, Victor Tallarico, was my high school music teacher in the 1970s.
Wich punk band had a classic music training? I mean punk, not post-punk wich is a different music.
@@tagadabrothersband stranglers, off the top of my head
I have to wonder if this song was inspired by Stevens dad. Just seems like he might have said things to him about working for his dreams.
The early decades of Rock had the advantage of not only a lot of familiarity with classical music but also a wide exposure to jazz.
The way a trained musicians mind works is one of the most fascinating things ive ever seen. I understood none of what you said but watching you translate music to different instruments was a pleasure. I'm getting a psychology degree, and this was amazing. Thank you so much for sharing with us.
It’s one of those songs that captures you emotionally the first time you hear it. You don’t have to understand why it does it, it just does it beautifully.
Heard it a million times and I still love it. One of the all time great songs for sure.
I loved Amy's analysis but I don't think she used the word "emotion" or discussed how it made her "feel" once. Everything she observed - the transitions, guitar flourishes, the lyrics, the instrumentation of Tyler's voice, the anticipation of what's to come - creates an emotional experience for the listener. They succeed in making us feel something. That's what makes it more than a rock song but arguably a piece of art.
Early Aerosmith is American hard rock at its finest. Tyler kind of emulates Little Richard. These guys draw heavily from fifties rock and roll. Amy you really got what makes this song shine and explained how the dynamics and arrangements can create entire worlds out of some simple riffage. They were good writers but the energy and attitude this band had was brilliant. Thank you doing Aerosmith. This was so very good and enjoyable video.
I like Aerosmith, have ever since I have heard them. Your analysis has made me realize a few things. First Aerosmith is a 2 guitar band so it is easy for them to get a depth and voices four piece bands can’t get. Aerosmith more so than a lot of rock bands has extremely good use of dynamics. You mentioned several times the use of reoccurring themes in the song. So first thought is one that my first guitar teacher told me. Never play the same Riff exactly the same twice. Next, I was brought to Beethoven’s music. He also makes extensive use of dynamic changes to drive the music, as well as reoccurring themes or riffs in his music, it is still relevant and influential in today’s popular music. Makes me wonder did Beethoven enjoy rock star status? Was Beethoven a rock icon of his day?
I love when you hear something and your eyes light up..
❤❤
The lyrics of this song are absolute profound poetry and it never ceases to amaze me that these words came from a 17 year old kid.
Now.... if she does "Walk this Way"... that's more along the lines of what 17 year old kids think about.
"Walk this Way" taken from a throw-away joke in _Young Frankenstein._ Possibly more famous in musical form than cinema.
I'm not sure the lyrics were written at the same time as the music.
There’s a lot of the personal mythological indicative of western high school to early college age personal development evident in the lyrics of the song
@@tarmaqueAerosmith got it from Young Frankenstein but Young Frankenstein got it from movies that are way older. I Know Groucho Marks used it and I think it went back farther than that.
he sang it at 17 he wrote it at 14
As a former guitar teacher, this analysis grabbed my attention. The intro section played throughout the song is difficult on the guitar, and now I know why. I don't know why it never occurred to me that it was written on piano. I hear that CLEARLY now that you've mentioned it. And I also now hear the classical style with which some transitions are composed. Thank you for deepening my appreciation of this song!
It was played on an electric harpsichord. The chord clusters are so close together that it would be impossible to play on guitar without re-tuning to be able to have notes played very close together.
@@pdtoons9121 not impossible, but it is difficult with smaller hands.
I’m using good headphones, the left ear is only harpsichord and right ear is electric guitar
not impsossible, inevitable (don't mind me.. just throwing here an agent Smith reference)@@crowolfe290
His parents must have been so proud of their baby boy! He did ok, didn't he??
For a song about following one’s dreams persistently, it has such a melancholy feel.
I always thought so too.
Probably because most examples in our lives are of people who are convinced that they need to be practical and not dream at all. Often with regrets that they didn't explore interests and passions when they had the chance to do so.
well that's why I like songs in the minor key, because they sound more serious or heavy to me, while major chords and keys are good for when you need to feel happy or lighter.
Following your dreams can be lonely!
Rolling Stone rates this song as number 199 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. I think it belongs in the top 20.
Me too
as soon as you said it had a classical feel, I felt a harkening back to band and YES I think there is!
This song was inescapable when I was a kid. As you note, the devices they use are really simple. It's a simple song, so simple devices work well, and in particular dynamic devices work well, and that;s something that a lot of rock bands overlook
60s and 70s will live forever
Im a 30 yr practicing METAL guitarist that's OBSEST with music theory, I love what you're doing, and i love you don't judge METAL but you hear it..i LOVE MUSIC MORE EACH DAY.... wish you the best.
Soul conection my frien. Pasion and feeling all natural not fake like today's music. music is powerful when singers and musicians connect with the audience with passion and true. ❤️🎹🎶🎵🎸🎶🎵🙂👌👌
I'd love to see the original musicians react to Any's commentary.
After skiing and driving down from the ski area they would often play ‘Dream On’. It brings back fond memories.
To me the ticking notes are deliberate. Time is ticking, dont waste your life, live your dreams now while you can. This is one of my most favorite songs. I loved it when i was a teenager in the 80's and now that im in my late 50's the song has so much more meaning to me. I can't believe he wrote this masterpiece when he was a teenager.
Steven Tyler’s dad was a classically trained pianist.
To me this song always sounded like a song an artist would write and record when they are 20-25 years into their career. To think it was written by a teenager at the beginning of his career is amazing.
"Masterful" was a good term to use. This song really is an indisputable masterpiece.
Dream until your dreams come true! Aerosmith weekend - what a happy surprise! I still play my original vinyl of the first three albums - "Movin Out" from that same debut album as "Dream On" - is still my favorite cut of theirs.
Thanks, Vlad - I can't wait to hear what Amy thinks!
While growing up, this song was almost always on some rock oriented FM station. So much so, that my friends and I would refer to it as a "dime song." As if to say,"If I had a dime for every time I heard this song, I'd be very wealthy!" Notwithstanding, I found myself singing along while you first experienced this song. There is a reason that it's a "classic." Just like there's a reason that certain phrases are cliche. They have a lasting truth. Glad that you enjoyed this!
love the value you produce guys. pleasure. love from uk
Aerosmith is a treasure trove of awesome. Uncle Salty if you want a deep cut. Anything off toys in the attic or rocks is incredible.
Masterful. Aerosmith to me is a great rock band. One of the best. This song however, is masterful. Their magnum opus.
“Then Ilúvatar spoke, and he said: ‘Mighty are the Ainur, and mightiest among them is Melkor; but that he may know, and all the Ainur, that I am Ilúvatar, those things that ye have sung, I will show them forth, that ye may see what ye have done. And thou, Melkor, shalt see that no theme may be played that hath not its uttermost source in me, nor can any alter the music in my despite. For he that attempteth this shall prove but mine instrument in the devising of things more wonderful, which he himself hath not imagined.’
Thank you for reacting to this song! I love this song and it was one of my favorites growing up. I was 11 when this was released and it was on the radio non-stop. This song was very important to me growing up and today when I hear it, I still feel the same way I did when I first heard it. I agree, it's important to not give up on your dreams. I took a beginning piano course in High School and the teacher told me to give it up, because I would never understand music. So I did, unfortunately. Then in 2017 at the age of 52 I bought an electric guitar, and an acoustic guitar and set out to learn how to play guitar and read music. I'm learning and enjoying every minute of it. I have had many dreams come true, and many dreams that will never come true, but I always say to everyone I meet, to keep dreaming and never give up! Thank you so much!
Great reaction, I loved it. I am so happy that you enjoyed and appreciated this so much, since it has been near the top of my list of 70s rock songs I have wanted you to experience. Aerosmith was huge amongst my high school friends in the 70s, so they always bring back memories. Steven Tyler has one of the great voices in rock, which becomes even more evident in some of their other songs, with his unique vocal techniques. You may know of his daughter, the actress Liv Tyler, who has been in several movies. Joe Perry with his lead guitar and songwriting talents plays a huge role in their overall sound.
Tyler and Perry yeah the whole band was really in the “Zone”, they were all in 100%. If you think about it Aerosmith kind of embodies the whole rock story in a way.
@penderyn8794 yeah radio played it to death back then. It’s been quite awhile since I’ve heard now. Sounds great.
Lee, please check out my post and see if you agree. You are one person here that I know has an understanding of rock and what Amy and Vlad are trying to do.
@@Hartlor_Tayley I think they were probably the American band that most closely competed with the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin for the truly great and iconic rock bands of that time (the 70s). You were fortunate to have lived in a city from which several great bands came from. Or were you just in the general vicinity of Boston?
@penderyn8794 The radio stations of the day certainly thought it had replayability, as Hartlor said, they played it to death. Everybody's tastes differ, so only hearing it once may be enough for some, or even one too many for others.😉
Aerosmith was an excellent band and deserved their success. They also had a bit of luck along the way, I think. As someone in their 20’s when Aerosmith came along, I can say that many of my peers thought of them, initially, as a substitute for Led Zeppelin.
Zeppelin was off touring from 1975 to early 1977 because of Plant’s car crash and slow recovery. That left a slot open for hard rock that was blues-based ( not prog) and yet wasn’t as proto-metal as Sabbath. They scratched that itch very well indeed. Zep came back briefly in 1977 but were side-lined again after Robert’s son tragically died…this time for a full two years. Time passed and other bands filled the void. And perhaps the best band that did so was Aerosmith. By the mid to late 70’s they were huge.
That's interesting. I wasn't around back then but I know that early on Aerosmith was called the poor man's Rolling Stones by the music critics at the time. It's crazy to think the amount of talent back then..all those great bands and singers.
@@chaddubois8164 yes. I remember buying a new car in 1977 and celebrated by buying a bunch of cassettes to play. I bought Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours, Peter Frampton Comes Alive, the first two Heart albums, the splendid debut of Boston, and Bachman/Turner Overdrive…..just for starters. Outrageously wonderful bands were everywhere, and 2nd and 3rd tier bands were everywhere and excellent. We all just thought that was normal and would never change. Now we oldsters look back in wonderment and nostalgia. Mostly for lost youth of course….but sometimes just for the sheer joy of browsing on a Saturday afternoon in a record store, buying the latest from one of your favorite bands and going home to unwrap the cellophane and slide out the vinyl and with great anticipation, lower the needle. 😁. And even better with a friend or two to share the experience.
I always thought the early Aerosmith lyrics were underrated although I enjoy the instrumentation.
Thank you, Amy. I've been asking for Aerosmith and this song since I found your channel.
One of the best things about Aerosmith is that they get better with every decade. Every time it looks like they are about to become irrelevant they drop a new album that puts them back on top.
They are just like quality wine, they would only get better by the time, more noble and tastier !
Good stuff to follow but Toys In The Attic and Rocks are my favorite two albums.
I'm not so sure, you can see in any ranking of their albums that it's always the ones from the 70s that come out on top.
They haven't had a hit since 2001 but okay
@@SteveBluescemihad 3 in 2012 but ok
Steve & Joe are such fantastic songwriters. I love Aerosmith. Glad you like it.
I’m French, I don’t really understand English but I’m captivated by your videos on tracks I know by heart.
I just remember it on my cousins 8-track driving around in high school.
Would've enjoyed to see your reaction to their live performance with orchestral backup. Fantastic performance.
Wow, this episode was a pure pleasure. So fun to see you having so much fun with it!
I was an Aerosmith fan through the 70's, but they lost me completely in the 80's. Anyway, Dream On remains their best song musically and production-wise. You can tell their producer spent a ton of time with this song versus the rest of that album. I do love the rest of the album as well, just for its simplicity and passion. Their best album overall would have to be "Rocks," which also has some complexity, but unless you're really into hard rock, it probably won't connect.
In my opinion this is Iconic, like “Stairway to Heaven” by Zeppelin or “Time” by Pink Floyd. Not otherwise a huge Aerosmith fan, but this song, wow, never gets old.
I love your videos but I also love the comments section of your videos, I learn so much about every artist you react to. lol
I'm 70 and saw Aerosmith in concert 3 times in the '70s. I play the melody to this on my sax. Sometime hope to get my wife to accompany me on piano.
I wonder how many people have completely blown out their vocal chords trying to trying to get thru this song.
After decades of singing his hit, Steven Tyler blew out his vocal cords and has retired. The band canceled the rest of their farewell tour😢😢❤❤❤❤
This is the first time I feel like I’ve seen Amy almost rock out 🤘🏼 lol … such a very satisfying song.
I’m also still waiting for some Elton John or Bowie
Nice to see so classic, opera and jazz musicians look at rock music and metal. There are incredibly complex melodies and harmonies and difficult vocals in many songs.
And Dream On really plays with the crescendo. It keeps going up, but breaks off and fades before it reaches the peak. More than once. And then it hits the climax, we finally hear the title drop, the message made clear.
"She likes it! Hey Mikey!" LOL excellent commentary on this Boston band classic. One of my favorite ones by them. Steve Tyler and Joe Perry recorded a version of this song with a children's choir to honor us all during the tragedy of the Boston Marathon bombing. Check out that video if you get a chance. A tearjerker. Dying to see what you review of a song later in their career. Jamie's got a gun, Living on the edge, or Don't want to miss a thing are all good choices.
Ok. So. Comfortably Numb please, 😅
One song I would also recommend you listen to, outside of rock, is Eminem's "Sing for the Moment." It prominently samples this song in its production, and it's a really beautiful example of how music can recontextualized into something totally different and yet equally as meaningful.
This is actually the first time I heard the original studio version. I came to Aerosmith during their big 90's revival and they played this live with orchestra for MTV. That is the version I always have in my mind when thinking of this song.
Apart from the arrangement the most striking difference is Tyler's voice. He still sounded awesome in the 90's but compared to this here, his voice had change greatly. Probably because of drug abuse and bad technique his vocal chords had taken quite a beating.
It's quite shocking to hear him here, it's almost as if it is someone else singing.
I've always thought the same about his voice in this song. Not sure what he sounds like on any other Aerosmith songs from this time period since I really don't care for the band enough to check it out. This is their only good song as far as I am concerned.
I grew up with this version. The other (probably all others) were always a huge letdown for me, even though I usually love a good cover or a great live performance.
I've seen Aerosmith in concert, they closed for kiss and no one liked that so they got boo'd off stage because everyone was chanting "we want kiss! Encore kiss!!!" This was 2004.
I don't remember their performance but I definitely remember them getting boo'd 😭
The greatest american band
Ur so calm and have such a lovely sweet voice it must be an absolute pleasure for ur students to have u as a teacher gosh. I love that u doing these rock ballets, as a kid i used to think rock was crazy screaming, i v found a love in it over the years. Have u done Gnr songs as well.
Lovely video Amy of a beautiful song. Wonderful lyrics sung by a wonderful voice, what`s not to love
Steven's a great piano player,harmonica,guitarist, he knows his theory and knows how to compose it and one helluv a singer ,I love your enthusiasm!your analysis is always thorough and you share your genuine self ,like a child honest,truthful and kind you are !!!I love it ,good choice !my favorite Aerosmith song ,Their masterpiece!!!
This is the first time I've seen you or anyone else introduce the sheet music during the play and analysis....LOVE IT.
Pure Classic Rock.
If you'll pardon my asking, but what types of music would you prefer to be recommended? Not genre, necessarily, but some idea of what you look for, I suppose. I've been lucky in being exposed to an incredible variety of music in my younger years, and it does this old man's heart a world of good to see people introduced to, and even better, enjoy what I've known for so long. Blues, R&B, Jazz, Metal, Classic Rock, Country, Classical (and yes, I was introduced to Classical Music as a child, courtesy of Looney Tunes), Zydeco, and Bluegrass. I know I'm forgetting a few. Funk. Soul. And all these genres have their own subgenres.😅
You have a gift for music, and you're stepping out of your comfort zone, and you deserve kudos for that. 🎉
And a sincere congratulations on you and yours and your new family. I've been a parent for 41 years, so far, and all of my kids are grown. I'll never stop being "Dad" to them, though, and that's what it's all about. 😊
Excellent, love how you analyse the music instead of just the bassist form of ‘reactions’ to music of other channels. Amazing final analysis. Made me choke up to be honest.
The opening can remind me of the very famous Schubert trio you can hear in Barry Lindon.
One of the all-time great rock songs ever. Iconic. Exceptionally great band, as well, with a very deep catalogue.
Hey Amy!
The guitar flourish in the opening also ends in a nice, quick little glissando slide just before Steve begins to sing his opening.
Love your masterful dissections!! :)
LOL - always thought he didn't quite nail that slide - sounds a little short
Wonderful reaction as always. I've always had this view growing up that this song was Aerosmith's nod to Led Zeppelin - when I was a kid I honestly probably thought this was a Zeppelin song. But honestly, whoever influenced who means very little to me at this stage. A great song is a great song, and I could listen to this all day.
Tyler’s father was a pianist and he would lay under the piano listening to him play. Tayler also imitates various instruments and/or sounds to add to the overall sound. He definitely has a great ear for the overall composition.
I have ever loved this Song ❤
Genius analysis.
Great analysis and reaction, as always. I'm 73. You have a lot of old, wonderful tunes to catch up on, but I hope I'm still alive to see/hear your analysis and reaction to Dimash. I have a few suggestions for your first impressions. Have a safe and happy holiday season to you and yours.
FYI: Who is Dimash? Only the singer of the millennia. From Kazakhstan, beginning his singing career at age 5 (he's 29 now), Dimash was accepted into the most distinguished music academy in his country. His range extends from the top of the bass register to the highest notes of the coloratura soprano and whistle register. His first digital music album "ID" went platinum in only 37 seconds after release, and 3x platinum in only one hour, and 5x platinum in only one day on Chinese music platforms In December 2019, he made his US debut in New York at the Barclays Center. Dears (those he calls his fans) traveled from 68 different countries, 43 states & 2 US territories, and was sold out. Now writing his Doctoral thesis for a PhD in Musicology/ Composing, received all his degrees with honors while simultaneously filling arenas and maintaining his performing career, a first! He has a bachelors degree in vocals, a master's degree in composition and is about to complete his PhD in musicology this year.
Dimash sings in 14 languages, plays 7+ musical instruments, is a composer, an amazing vocalist, patriot, philanthropist and, despite his popularity and talent, is a very warm and humble person.
Dimash 2023-Vocal range: Growls (vocal fry): G0-G1
Vocal Fry: G#1 - D2
Chest voice: E2-C#5
Mixed voice: D5-C6
Head voice: C#6 - F#6
Whistle: E7-D8
Natural range: E2 - F#6 4.2 octaves
*Full range: G0 - D8 7.7 octaves
To put it in context:
He sings lower than bass in Opera. The lowest note is usually C2....and higher longer sustained whistle note.
Total Dimash range is G0-D8. By the way, a D8 is a couple of keys past the end of a piano.
interesting as this song was released in '73 :)
More Aerosmith please! Definitely do Walk This Way!
11.30.23. Or…..”One Way Street”©️
Great analysis! You should definetly check a live version of Aerosmith playing this song for the MTV 10th Anniversary, it was played along a big orchestra. Tyler´s voice is at its finest hour.
Oh, sing with me, sing for the year
Sing for the laughter, and sing for the tear
Sing it with me, if it's just for today
Maybe tomorrow, the good Lord will take you away
I only listened to these songs (back in the day) from the standpoint of what tickled my ear and made me feel something that I liked. In contrast, you are hearing them for the first time from the standpoint of musicality and excellence of composition. After reviewing all the most popular bands of the 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond, I would be most interested to hear which of the composers and/or bands you find to be the most musically excellent and profound. Of course, that will require reviewing all the great talents first and I hope that takes a long time as I enjoy your fresh and insightful reviews of each band and song.
Subbed because of this analysis of one of my all time favorite songs.
Well done!
You could almost hear that intro played on a harpsicord
I don’t know if it’s intentional or not, but that semi tone that carries throughout the song always made me think of an alarm clock - like the song is waking the listener to go chase their dreams.
I thought of it more of an emergency vehicle.. attention is needed STAT!.. however, I think our thinking is the same.. xo
When something sound familiar ! It’s the perfect composition with the brain recognise immediately! It’s like recognise water ! The body needs it by nature the same with perfect Melodie’s
Your first take on a song I've known since my childhood had me seeing it in a new way...and that's why I follow your channel...
You have such a good ear. I read a book long ago so I hope I’m remembering it correctly, that his father was a classically trained pianist and he’d lie under the piano absorbing the music.
I’ve loved this album since I first heard it back in ‘75 and it was nice to see the joy on your face as you discovered it. I’m going to listen to it tomorrow in the car! 😊
I never really could get into Aerosmith, but THIS is the exception! I absolutely love "Dream on." Such an awesome song. Cool reaction, as always.
I'd love to see you react to the performance that Aerosmith did of this song with an orchestra for MTVs 10th Anniversary.
I love the moment when the voice imitates a guitar slide
The lead singer, Steven Tyler, just had to postpone their farewell tour due to fracturing his larynx during concert in New York. The tour is supposed to resume late winter, early spring, but no one is really optimistic of that happening with this type of injury.
😲 on no!
Should listen to the remastered live orchestra version
My all time favorite band and song. Aerosmith was my first concert. Great reaction!
Love your channel....Great review and breakdown. You make me see things I missed the first 50 times I heard this song.
Steven Tyler and Joe Perry were HUGE fans of the very blues based early version of FLEETWOOD MAC with guitar virtuoso PETER GREEN, who even the immaculate B.B. King said had the best "tone" to his playing even more than Eric Clapton at the time, and B.B. had met them both personally in the 1960s.
I was introduced to DREAM ON in 1976 at my high-school square-dance class (part of P.E.), when on the last day of the 3-week rotation, we students were allowed to dance to our own music, and someone had brought Aerosmith's first album! Actually, the album ROCKS had just come out, so I had heard AEROSMITH a few weeks before, when I had burst into my art class asking my friend about this new song, "home sweet home," which he informed me was LAST CHILD. I then got TOYS IN THE ATTIC (with Sweet Emotion and Walk This Way), GET YOUR WINGS (with Train Kept A'Rollin'), and then their first album, whence this song and the first song that Tyler & Perry wrote together came: MOVIN' OUT: "I say we gotta move on out - 'cause the city's movin' in." Classic.
Love Peter Green, both from his Fleetwood Mac days and the Blues Breakers. I don't specifically remember the first time I heard Dream On, I just remember they were huge amongst all my high school friends in the 70s. we listened to them all the time at house parties or blasting in our car stereos. I'm sure they were a big part of the repertoire at our high school dances.
That was next level. I smiled through the entire video. Sound Chaser by Yes would be a journey for us all.
20:03 Yes! One of the hallmarks of an excellent rock/pop songwriter is the ability to stay mostly within the basic framework established by the song, but add and remove intensity through various (sometimes almost imperceptible) means, in order to take us on an emotional journey through the song.
Enjoyed this. Brings back a lot of memories. Great to see you enjoy it.
Enjoyed your analysis, as always. Good job picking up on the blues element to their music--it was definitely a stylistic influence, as you will see.
As early as it came in their career, I still believe this is Aerosmith's (and singer Steven Tyler's) best song and magnum opus. Powerful, haunting, and goosebumps-inducing every time.
This is the rock the pilgrams landed on
Nice job teacher. One of my all time favorites. I was 17 in 73 , in the Army in Colorado.
Tyler has never wrote anything that comes close to the mastery of this song. This is the best rock song ever written.
i m really enjoying my timee :) thanks . dream on is one of my fav.
They have many bluesy songs but one of my favorites is 'Last Child' if you want to hear a good example of their style.
the end of the song is an alarm clock, the dreams are over
Riff-ic… love it! Great react…keep’em coming!!
Just about the most perfect rock song out there. Not too long. Not a bunch of bells and whistles and endless guitar solos...just a very perfect song from a very young steven tyler.