Greatest Hits

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

The production of this compilation involved significant editing to fit radio formats and track lengths. The single version of "Same Old Song and Dance" was used, trimmed by almost a full minute. It notably featured an alternate lyric: "You shady lookin' loser, you played with my gun," replacing the original line about cocaine found on Get Your Wings. "Sweet Emotion" also utilized its single version, which begins immediately with the first chorus, omitting the famous talk box intro and replacing the coda with a repeating chorus that fades out. "Kings and Queens" saw its intro and other sections cut down, while "Walk This Way" was edited to chant the first chorus only once instead of twice. Despite these changes, the remaining tracks were kept intact.

In Their Own Story

On April 21, 1997, a revised version titled Greatest Hits 1973–1988 emerged for release outside the US. This edition retained the ten original edited tracks but expanded the collection with five additional songs from the same era. It also introduced the 1991 version of "Sweet Emotion" and included a live performance of "One Way Street." This expansion allowed international audiences to experience a broader scope of the band's work while maintaining the specific edits made for the original 1980 release, preserving the unique sonic character established nearly two decades prior.

Reader's Guide

Listeners should be aware that the tracklist differs between regions and versions due to the editing choices. The 1980 US version contains ten tracks with specific alterations: "Same Old Song and Dance" is shorter with different lyrics, "Sweet Emotion" lacks its talk box intro, "Kings and Queens" misses its opening, and "Walk This Way" has a reduced chorus count. Personnel credits for the original album include Steven Tyler on lead vocals and harmonica, Joe Perry on guitars (except "Lightning Strikes"), Brad Whitford on guitar, Tom Hamilton on bass, and Joey Kramer on drums. Additional musicians like Michael Brecker and Randy Brecker contributed horns to specific tracks. The production team featured Jack Douglas, Adrian Barber, George Martin, and Ray Colcord.

Did You Know?

• The album was originally scheduled for release on October 24, 1980, but was delayed until November 11, 1980.
• "Same Old Song and Dance" on this compilation uses an alternate lyric: "You shady lookin' loser, you played with my gun."
• The single version of "Sweet Emotion" cuts out the famous talk box intro entirely.
• Greatest Hits 1973–1988 was released outside the US on April 21, 1997, adding five songs and a live track.
• This is Aerosmith's highest RIAA certified album in the United States.