Aerosmith vs Ronnie James Dio - Dream On Comparison

In this video we're comparing Aerosmith and Ronnie James Dio (featuring Yngwie Malmsteen) doing Aerosmith's Dream On. We, of course, know the Aerosmith version. We're interested to hear Dio's take on it. Who do you think did it better? Enjoy!
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[@jacobwalsh1888]

It did. Every cover Dio has ever done surpasses the original.

[@raistlinrodriguez5696]

I know everyone here apparently prefers the Aerosmith version but I personally prefer the Dio version. I like the original but Dio just has a better voice IMO.

[@mightyV444]

I actually quite like the Dio version, but it would be even better _without_ the constant guitar noodling, for sure.

[@jimshelby406]

In fairness to Ronnie… he was already a senior citizen when he was asked to cut the song for the Aerosmith Tribute album this appears on.

[@JoseJose-qy3pv]

Great cover....for me is better than the original.....

[@garethmcwilliams8888]

Loved the review but personally I preferred the Dio & Malmsteen cover. The version has gothic overtones and keeps you listening throughout. But would buy a ticket for either band on tour

[@perkeyser2032]

Aerosmith do a cutsie little balladesque thing....then you let loose Malmsteen and Dio and you get a monster of an emotional trip. That's the difference between metal and pop.

[@hanierfamily]

It just seemed like Malmsteen was peeing all over the track. There was no point to it.

[@larrym5120]

Can't go wrong with either version. Everyone is a winner here.

[@karenlazenby6440]

Dio for sure. Ronnie also sang this in his 60's whereas Tyler was in his 20's. Try singing that now Stephen.

[@mightyV444]

My 14-year-old Son surprised me only very recently when he grabbed his guitar and played me this song's intro, finger-style and all 😍😁 'Dream On' by Nazareth is also great 😀👍

[@colrhodes377]

I like both versions but side by side Aerosmith is better. I think that is as you say, Malsteem is trying to be flash and it's over done. Dio is a legendary singer but he's legendary doing stuff that he wrote. Dio didn't have any training either , so you're in good company. I sound like a wounded pig, so that's why I play bass!

[@jacobwalsh1888]

There is so much more nuance to Dio's voice. Tyler sings this with a straight tone. There is nothing particularly vocally impressive. Dio has way more emotion, and way more technique.

[@Dimentius1]

You can check out also Alice Cooper vs Ronnie James Dio - Welcome To My Nightmare

[@liveitup67]

hey guys, check your pending comments thx

[@colrhodes377]

I suspect that you'll know this song and performers. With a little help from my friends. Obviously a Beatles song, but you could do Wet Wet Wet and then Joe Cocker.

[@hanierfamily]

Pretty sure we know every version of that song.

[@seanchris8290]

Have you ever thought about a who did it better with the song Thin Line Between Love and Hate - Annie Lennox and it's original by The Persuaders? That is an amazing song, and I'd love to know who you think which is best, I know which one I like....

[@perkeyser2032]

This is the attack of the bobble heads?

[@colrhodes377]

Here's another comparison, Stay with me baby, between Lorraine Ellison and Whitesnake.

[@delorangeade]

Terry Reid also did a pretty good version of the song. Worth a listen, if you don't know it.

[@colrhodes377]

@@delorangeade have you heard the Whitesnake version?

[@delorangeade]

@@colrhodes377 I hadn't until I read about it here. I gave up on Whitesnake when Steve Vai joined the band. It's better than I expected, Coverdale in good voice, although I hate the drumming.

[@colrhodes377]

@@delorangeade you don't feel that he ruined it? Some covers are amazing as in Joe Cocker and anything he does but I think this isn't the best of covers Steve Vai was the first in a long line of wrong musicians for Whitesnake

[@delorangeade]

@@colrhodes377 Maybe I've been so disappointed by Coverdale's vocals for such a long time, anything less better than bad would satisfy me, but, while I don't think it's a great cover, in terms of where Coverdale was at at the time, I think he does a decent job. With a more sympathetic backing I might have enjoyed it more.

[@billtroxell2148]

first Ronnie James was wise not to try an do Stevens scream, it's such a classic and nobody is going to say that anybody can play dream on better than Aerosmith and they have played this song like 25,000 times over the years, so nobody does it better, ha. Now that said Ronnie could have done a scream much lore loader and intense if he wanted, but that's not people want to hear, they want to see if you can do just like the orginal band and it's impossible to beat most of time. Great reactions guys. Both these guys are LEGENDS!!

[@jacobwalsh1888]

I have to stringently disagree. Dream on always felt incomplete to me. This is how it should have been.

[@waynethera2712]

One Way Street from Aerosmith’s debut album in fire. Great bluesy track. To be honest Dio’s version was emotionally void compared with Aerosmith’s version. Hard to believe this song wasn’t a hit until much later, like when Get Your Wings came out.

[@jacobwalsh1888]

Are you fucking serious? There is zero emotion in the original. Dio pours emotion into his. You can't sing with emotion when you're high as a kite and living with an underage girl like Tyler was in the 80's

[@BrixtonTone]

Would love to see more suggestions on this comparison aspect of your channel. (maybe you should promote it a bit more ?) I'll throw one in the ring here Elvis Presley versus Tony Joe White (yeah most are saying Tony Joe who ????) Anyway , I request a great battle over the tune "Polk Salad Annie". Spoiler alert, despite Elvis the Kings charisma I'm with Tony Joe White's original performance.

[@hanierfamily]

We actually have quite a few comparison requests. We added yours as well. Thanks

[@BrixtonTone]

@@hanierfamily Good stuff as always guy's . While i'm here I'm gonna throw in another mad one to the comparison list 😷.Covered by many artists it's hard who to chose BUT how about Deep Purple v Willy De Ville doing "Hey Joe " 🤣 So different, it's nuts 😀

[@antoniocarlin5026]

The Dio´s cover is in my opinion THE SECOND BEST AND GREATEST cover all timeee...!! THE FIRST: "Who by Fire" with Human Drama LIVE .... (the original song is from Leonard Cohen)

[@kameel68]

I agree with you. Dio is a great singer, but on this song, Aerosmith is better.

[@jacobwalsh1888]

There aren't any vocal acrobatics in dream on. Tyler screams. That's it.

[@luamoliveira3467]

But Dio had much most power, consistency and control.

[@bayurahmadi7754]

Best version dream on aerosmith its yngwie malmsteen feat dio

[@alengalesic5925]

Well guys if Dio had ever covered American anthem than it would be the end version if it. Dio could have covered anything and it would have sounded better than original. I.m h.o.. Btw, good choice of the song. Cheers

[@jonthomson8392]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@lepantoslim7058]

Aerosmith has too much fluff, Dio is much older, had he done it in 72 , his voice would have been better . But still he is better than Tyler

[@barskarademir8565]

oww yeaaa

[@philjones45]

As a kid, I loved Dio, these days he leaves me utterly cold. And the less said about Yngwie Malmsteen the better. He and guitsrist like Steve Vai together RUINED rock music. They took the soul and blues out of rock. It amazes me that someone that was supposedly bright like Ronnie James Dio didn't see this, and some of the guitarists he hired came from the same mould. Let's face it Steve Vai and Vandenberg almost DESTROYED Whitesnake, and again, Coverdale, full of the blues went chasing the Yankee dollar, and sold his soul for pop stardom. To be honest I was never keen on Aerosmith either, but they win this by light years.

[@colrhodes377]

Absolutely right about about the guitarists ruining Whitesnake

[@delorangeade]

I totally agree about Whitesnake, and the soul of rock music in general. Dio's vocals with Rainbow still stand up for me, but it's a case of diminishing returns from then on.

[@philjones45]

@@delorangeade yeah, agree about Rainbow, especially Rising, but also I was the right age. I loved Ronnie so much then, I painted a mural featuring him on my bedroom wall. As time went on, his rhyming couplets started to annoy me, the constant references to rainbows and dragons. Then I read stories about him, and he sounded rather unpleasant, kind of fake. I saw him live, must have been 1983 and he had no stage presence either. Yes a great voice, but now, even that annoys me, and less said about his wife Wendy the better.

[@colrhodes377]

@delorangeade I can't say that I agree about diminished return from Dio. His later work has so many facets

[@philjones45]

@@colrhodes377 Like what exactly? He becsme a rock cliche.

[@charlesappleby8049]

Not knowing the song (yes honestly) I arrive without prejudice and agree with both of you, Aerosmith for me win this little battle.

[@gfinetti]

You shouldn´t be doing this job if you think this is the kind of song "that shound´t be covered". Dio is way better and majestic (almost operistic) with 57 years old than Tyler on his 29. And I don´t mean Tyler is not good; actually he is very, very good but is not to be compared to Dio.

[@snappydragon824]

For me dio version is better than steven tyler version..

[@davidmorgan5312]

Sorry I'm late to the party, IMHO sorry Ronnie fans (He does a fantastic job) but I prefer Steven's version. Now let's throw Ian Gillan into the mix. I think he would have created a great version.

[@jalkabre5904]

Love Dio, does this song great, but not as great as Aerosmith. Yngwie is vomiting guitar runs and takes away from the song. Another great comparision is the song "Mistreated". This is a Deep Purple song and David Coverdale ( 1974 Hollywood Jam best version) sings it great, but Ronnie James Dio did with song with Rainbow and I think is one of his best performances (1977 Munich Concert best version). Might be a good one to cover.

[@sincerestearnestmc01230]

I love Dio and am gonna say what no one is really saying. This version sucked and Dio did himself a disservice with this. Ronnie has his own swag and it doesnt suite him to where some one elses. Thats why it doesnt flow the same. Again they are the best of the best, BUT, I didnt feel the dreamlike flow that makes the song what it is. Now if Dio would have matched the vocals (which I know he can) of Steven then to me it would have been a badass cover , but I was sadly disappointed. One of my favorite artists just killed the song. I mean come on Ronnie you know better, why did you do your own version instead of Tylers? If you change the notes and add others, (this is one of those songs where it oddly sticks out) and it sounds out of place. And the final high note Ronnie you didnt do, why? Thats like the highlight or climax of the song, its the building up from the beginning. Ya cant just leave us hangin like what the hell was that!?? Its almost like Ronnie wasnt even familiar with the song, like this song was a Karioki choice made by a Rock musician who just happens to be Dio. Just pisses me off. Sometimes simple is better. Point blank. Yngvey was like saying, "look at what I can do isnt it cool I can shred this song!" Or, "This song is way to basic for me Im gonna showout my technical skills instead".Not realizing he's obviously showing off (as a guitarist I can say this). Sometimes you got just respect and stay true to the original song, if you really wanna stand out and shine. ~Ē.

[@luamoliveira3467]

Dio vocals had much most power, consistency, control and he had one technique much better.

[@ghichens3418]

MMMM ! Prefer the Aerosmith version ! The Dio version is kind of "Look what my Guitarist can Do ?? " not really right for this type of tune !! Have another comparison I think I have this right ! correct me If Im wrong { Sure you guys will } "Van Morrison " Baby Please Dont Go V "Budgie" Baby Please Dont Go ! Have A Good One !!

[@mightyV444]

I've always liked the version by Willie & the Poor Boys, from the mid 80's 😊

[@joikiangpang6094]

Bias. Nonsense. Dio the GOAT. No one come close

[@larrym5120]

You dont even have to be a good singer to sing this song.

[@geosmith3436]

Yngwie Malmsteen as a guitarist,has yet to learn the lesson that less is more.

[@hanierfamily]

Agreed.

[@perkeyser2032]

Is there something wrong with you? I can't take this anymore I'm out.

[@markferrett700]

Love both Aerosmith and Dio.......but Aerosmith win this one.......Dio's version sounds almost dated where surprisingly Aerosmith doesn't.

[@delorangeade]

Easy win for Aerosmith on this one. Yngwie is just being Yngwie, and that never works for me. There's a reason why Dio didn't make it until he joined Rainbow. He found his niche, recognised his limitations, and pretty much stayed within them for the rest of his career. He's great on the songs that suit him, anonymous on anything else. The reason why the original flows better is probably because it was recorded before the age of click tracks, so the band took their timing from the drummer rather than the drummer taking his timing from the click, which can make things sound more rigid.

[@colrhodes377]

I'm not sure that I agree that Dio stuck to his limitations. There's a huge difference between Stargazer and Lonely is the word. Catch the rainbow is great too. Dio is quite diverse and had incredible range even when dying of cancer.

[@colrhodes377]

You're right though. Easy win but good for the comparison. This comparison thing could be a great weekly feature

[@delorangeade]

@@colrhodes377 What I mean is that you don't get the same diversity of material from Dio as he covered in his pre-Rainbow years, with Elf and before. I'm not saying any of that was particularly special, but he didn't feel the need to go outside the hard rock genre in the way that Plant, Gillan or Coverdale did when they established solo careers. Maybe because he had already been there and done that, and he found the thing that really worked best for him.

[@colrhodes377]

@delorangeade I'd agree that that for sure. I actually really liked the honky tonk vibe of Elf

[@jimshelby406]

@delorangeade I would assume actually working on the song together as a group would have helped too. This was for an Aerosmith tribute album and Ronnie laid his part down and have way around the globe Yngwie laid his part down, as did the others who performed on the track. Never once did they practice, record or play the track together and it shows. It’s a still a great tune to listen to. Ronnie was 57 or 58 when this was recorded as well and even though an old Ronnie Dio is still better than most he didn’t have the vocal agility he once had. No doubt though that Aerosmith wins this battle as they should. I’m not following your logic with respect to diversity though, especially when you bring in Plant, Gillian and Coverdale. First off vocally, Ronnie had no limitations and no peers. This guy was a freak of nature. I’m with @colrhodes377 too. Even in his ‘niche’ he was extremely diverse. Play Rainbow Eyes followed by Evolution and then try convince your mom it’s the same guy. Good luck with that! He was incredibly diverse even without looking at his pre-Rainbow days. More diverse than any of the other you mentioned. This brings me to my last question…. Why is work outside the genre a singer has become famous only count if it was made post-fame. Because you seem to no want to count Ronnie’s incredibly diverse work from his pre-Rainbow days. If you take all of those recordings into account than I doubt you’ll find a single singer in the history of music that was more diverse than Ronnie Dio. I’m not sure there’s even a close second.