AEROSMITH - JADED

Released: February 20, 2001

Charts: US: #7    UK: #13 

"Jaded" is a song by Aerosmith, written by lead singer Steven Tyler and songwriter Marti Frederiksen. Released in February 2001 as the first single from the band's “Just Push Play” album, it was debuted at the American Music Awards and performed during the Super Bowl XXXV halftime show. The single's cover art, which featured a naked woman holding an apple, sparked some controversy. 

"Jaded" reflects the feeling of emotional numbness or disillusionment that can come from being overindulged and taking things for granted. In the song, the girl is given everything, leaving her unable to fully experience life or feel deeply. Aerosmith's Steven Tyler wrote the song with his youngest daughter in mind, expressing regret for missing much of her childhood due to touring, band commitments, and his struggles with drug addiction. Tyler feels he not only jaded his daughter but also himself by not being present during those formative years.

The Tower of Power horn section played on Aerosmith's album but was largely buried in the mix. Emilio Castillo, a founding member of Tower of Power, shared his experience of being hired after years of the band wanting them to collaborate. Although Castillo expressed concerns about the use of an in-house arranger, he agreed to work with him, hoping for the best. However, when the album was released, the horns were barely audible, as Aerosmith's guitar-driven sound took precedence in the mix. Castillo noted that while he didn't want to disrupt the session, he would insist on using their own arranger for future collaborations to ensure the distinctive sound of Tower of Power was preserved.

The music video for "Jaded," directed by Francis Lawrence, premiered on MTV on February 13, 2001 and showcases the band performing in the opulent lobby of the Los Angeles Theater, interspersed with scenes featuring actress Mila Kunis as a "jaded" girl who has lost touch with reality. The theater, known for its extravagant French Rococo design, serves as the backdrop, with footage taken from various locations within the venue, including the ballroom and mezzanine hallway, which features a visually striking effect that creates an illusion of an endless corridor. 

There are two versions of the video, sharing much of the same footage but differing in the arrangement of shots and angles. The first version opens with a quick zoom on the stage and a close-up of Steven Tyler, while the second features a slow zoom and a horse statue.