Released on the 1989 album Pump, 'What It Takes' stands as a defining rock anthem from Aerosmith's mid-career resurgence. The track exemplifies the band's signature blend of hard rock and melodic sensibilities, featuring Joe Perry's intricate guitar work and Steven Tyler's powerful vocals. As a staple of their discography, the song captures the raw energy and swagger that characterized the late 1980s rock landscape. It remains a high-energy recording that showcases the group's ability to craft memorable hooks and driving rhythms, cementing its place in their catalog of enduring hits.