“Fallen Angels” appears to mourn children who “vanish out of sight.” One line on “Kiss Your Past Goodbye” urges a woman to put hurtful memories behind her.
Sex with a Hindu priestess is lead singer Steven Tyler’s objective on “Taste of India.” Drug slang-aggravated by the artist admitting that he’s “feeling suicidal”- mars “Crash.” Tyler claims to use Prozac as a “fixer” and have “a needle in [his] arm” (“The Farm”). He blurts the f-word on “Attitude Adjustment” and the Top-40 hit “Falling in Love (Is Hard on the Knees).” Sly sexual references throughout this disc (“puss and booty,” “pink as the bing on your cherry,” etc.) underscore the erotic irresponsibility of tracks such as “Pink” and “Hole in My Soul.” Furthermore, the liner notes contain disturbing illustrations.
After twenty-four years and twelve albums, these long-time advocates of sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll still haven’t grown up. And they haven’t fizzled out; this disc debuted at number 1. Finicky teens asking for Nine Lives should check out several cuts from Whitecross’ Flytrap instead.
