Permanent Vacation (Aerosmith album)

Permanent Vacation
Studio album by
ReleasedAugust 25, 1987 (1987-08-25)
RecordedMarch–May 1987
Studio
Genre
Length51:46
LabelGeffen
ProducerBruce Fairbairn
Aerosmith chronology
Done with Mirrors
(1985)
Permanent Vacation
(1987)
Pump
(1989)
Singles from Permanent Vacation
  1. "Hangman Jury"
    Released: August 18, 1987
  2. "Dude (Looks Like a Lady)"
    Released: September 22, 1987
  3. "Angel"
    Released: January 5, 1988
  4. "Rag Doll"
    Released: May 3, 1988
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic
Christgau's Record GuideC+
Metal Forces9.9/10
Rolling Stone(unfavorable)
The Rolling Stone Album Guide

Permanent Vacation is the ninth studio album by American rock band Aerosmith, released by Geffen Records on August 25, 1987. The album marks the band's shift to a pop-metal sound that they would maintain up to 2001's Just Push Play.

It was their first to employ songwriters outside the band, instead of featuring songs solely composed by them. This came at the suggestion of executive John Kalodner. He also pushed the band to work with producer Bruce Fairbairn, who remained with them for another two albums. It was also the first Aerosmith album to be promoted by heavy music video airplay on MTV. Though Done with Mirrors was intended to mark Aerosmith's comeback, Permanent Vacation is often considered their true comeback, as it was the band's first truly popular album since their reunion. "Rag Doll", "Dude (Looks Like a Lady)", and "Angel" became major hits (all three charted in the Top 20) and helped Permanent Vacation become the band's biggest success in a decade.

Permanent Vacation has sold over five million copies in the U.S. In the UK, it was the first Aerosmith album to attain both Silver (60,000 units sold) and Gold (100,000 units sold) certification by the British Phonographic Industry, achieving these in July 1989 and March 1990 respectively.