It is rare that an EP is still extremely relevant from back in 1998 in today’s world. Prior to the release of this tune, Aerosmith was in a decline musically and their material in the 1990s was, for the most part, patchy. Sure, they were in the Wayne’s World II film as the main festival headlining act and still relatively popular in Rock circles, but by this point, the impact of the band had worn off. Oddly enough, the EP release that is here was for an accompanied Hollywood film named Armageddon, which starred Bruce Willis, Ben Affleck and Liv Tyler (vocalist Steven Tyler’s daughter, oddly enough). The film was okay and very popular, but this song and accompanying EP must be heard as it is one of Aerosmith’s most celebrated releases. Let’s explore this EP release, even though there are only three tracks on it, and we shall hear why this is a historical release.

I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing – From “Armageddon” Soundtrack is the main song. It begins with an instrumental set of horns, strings and percussion, which are extremely moving. This progresses along nicely, in an orchestral way. Soon enough, Steven Tyler gets singing, and this immediately tugs at heartstrings. He sounds amazing here, especially given his age. The piano in this song is magical as well, as well as the lyrics, too. Soon enough, this leads into the amazing chorus, and this gets going nicely. This song is so beautiful that it is a bit of a tearjerker tune. Immediately, one can hear how great this song is. The verses and intricate instrumentation present are amazing, and this is a truly moving and romantic tune. “I don’t want to close my eyes, I don’t want to fall asleep, because I’d miss you babe, and I don’t want to miss a thing” are great lyrics in the chorus indeed. This will remind one of a partner (or ex-partner) who one wants to spend their life with. The middle eight is an amazing listen as well and builds up to a momentous climax. A fantastic song, and worth many repeat listens for this song alone. A great song, and although it is tied up with the Armageddon film, its appeal is far beyond that. A fantastic tune from start to finish. It ends with some harmonies, drums and the orchestral section. A true classic of 20th century music, if one needs to be nominated to be one. Very touching.

Animal Crackers is an additional song to this EP. It is a piano rendition of the main song, and it is really pretty. Unfortunately, it is edited with some film dialogue, which destroys the feeling of this tune a bit. Still, it’s okay, but a stripped back rendition of the main song would have been a bit better to listen to instead. A very pretty tune, but it is relevant to the overall purpose of this EP. The piano and vocals resume in the foreground at the end, and this concludes nicely. A good and short piece of music.

Taste Of India follows, beginning with some reversed guitars and follows by some traditional Indian instrumentation, before launching into an appalling song that sounds really awful. This is very much dreadful musical territory that proved that Aerosmith’s main career was still hit-and-miss by this point. It builds up into a strange Rock tune that is very much Rock and Roll self-indulgence musically. Very much forgettable, this is a worse idea than the sitars at the beginning of Metallica’s Wherever I May Roam, and it does fall flat. A disappointing tune with some overtly male dominated lyrics, this is musical garbage. There is an explosion sort of sound in the second half before Steven Tyler returns with the rest of this awful tune. Sure it makes sense to incorporate Eastern influences into some types of music, but not in this particular way. Nonetheless, this is worth skipping. A joke track, but not one to laugh with, more like a terrible piece of work. You don’t need to listen to this song, your ears and brain will thank you for that. There is an extended guitar solo at the end before this concludes with weird string instrumentation and other songs. Total rubbish.

Out of all their personal struggles that were threatening to derail them, Aerosmith created their first (and only) #1 hit in their home country, the USA and in many other places worldwide. However, this EP and title song in particular is not one-hit-wonder material. In fact, if you ever want to hear what love songs should sound like, I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing should be at the top of your list of the best love songs of all time. In fact, this may be the single best love song ever. That says a lot. The rest of the EP is fairly naff, but if you ever want to feel romantic, or in the mood for it, this is your first point of call. Great effort, just ignore the last track on this EP and you will be okay.

Absolutely amazing listening.

9/10