Music review: Boston – ‘Boston’
Having recently spent an entire weekend digging through my sizable and rather poorly organized music collection, I decided that it was the perfect opportunity to launch Flashback Friday.
Every few months, I鈥檒l delve into my musical vault and select a classic album from the past that left a long-lasting impression on me.
Recognized as one of the best-selling albums of all time, Boston鈥檚 self-titled album from 1976 remains one of my personal favorites.
Boston鈥檚 sound can largely be attributed to the musical genius and studio perfectionism of guitarist Tom Scholz. Scholz managed to create a sound that was polished and intricate without appearing ridged and unemotional. His arrangements sounded like no other at the time, and Brad Delp鈥檚 vocals led the wall of layered guitars and backing vocals the band delivered on songs like 鈥淢ore Than a Feeling,鈥� 鈥淧eace of Mind,鈥� 鈥淪mokin'鈥� and 鈥淟et Me Take You Home Tonight.鈥� I鈥檒l always remember the hypnotic guitar beginning on the opening track with Delp singing, 鈥淚 looked out this morning and the sun was gone/Turned on some music to start my day/I lost myself in a familiar song/I closed my eyes and I slipped away.鈥�
It is also hard to forget the sweeping and theatrical opening of 鈥淔oreplay/Long Time鈥� or the enthusiastic kick of 鈥淩ock & Roll Band.鈥� The smooth and melodic 鈥淗itch a Ride鈥� is simply the perfect selection for an impromptu road trip.
There was a time after the album was released when it seemed as though you couldn鈥檛 turn the radio dial without finding a Boston song playing.
With only eight songs, every tune manages to leave a lasting impression. Take the time to revisit this gem from Boston and experience more than just a feeling.
It will only take about 37 minutes to realize that it is one of the best classic rock albums ever released. Boston went on to deliver five more studio albums, but none of these efforts matched the infectious artistry unveiled on this flawless recording.
With Boston鈥檚 debut offering, Scholz, Delp, Barry Goudreau, Fran Sheehan and Sib Hashian proved to the world that they were more than simply just another band out of Boston.
Clint Rhodes is the 缅北禁地 music reviewer. He can be reached at crhodes@heraldstandard.com.