Aerosmith >> Pink

Aerosmith’s 1997 single “Pink” is a colorful, psychedelic-infused rocker that earned the band another Grammy for Best Rock Performance. The track stands out for its unique textures, including the use of a sarangi and a prominent harmonica, creating a sound that was unlike anything the band had done previously.

Lyrically, the song is a suggestive ode to the color pink, loaded with innuendo about sexual obsession and anatomy. Bassist Tom Hamilton noted that while some questioned the choice of color, it was intended as a celebration of something “most men love”.

The music video is iconic for its pioneering use of CGI to morph the faces of band members into various fantastical characters, such as Joe Perry as a centaur and Steven Tyler as a skeleton. It was bold enough to cause controversy, with an uncensored version featuring brief nudity that was later edited for television.

“Pink” was a significant chart success, reaching #27 in the US and #13 in the UK. While it may not rank as high for fans of the band’s sleazier 70s era, it remains one of their most-played songs from the Nine Lives album during concerts.

Overall, the song captures the band’s willingness to experiment with their sound and visual presentation late in their career. It is a vibrant, erotic, and undeniably catchy track that remains a highlight of their late-90s output.